Letters of Credit are still the core risk tool in many trade and project transactions. A well structured LC reassures the exporter that payment will be made when compliant documents are presented, and reassures the importer that the bank will only pay once those documents confirm shipment and contract performance. For mid sized companies, the problem is rarely understanding what an LC is. The real problem is convincing a regulated bank to issue one on acceptable terms, with limited cash collateral and without a decades long relationship.
Financely is an independent advisory and arrangement platform. We do not issue Letters of Credit, we are not a bank, and we do not pretend to be a shortcut to bank approvals. Our value is in structuring, collateral enhancement, and placement. We turn incomplete, unbankable proposals into transactions that regulated issuers and private credit lenders can review seriously under UCP 600 or ISP98.
In practical terms, a Letter of Credit is a conditional payment undertaking from a bank. The bank agrees to pay a beneficiary up to a stated amount, within a stated validity period, if the beneficiary presents documents that comply with the terms of the LC.
The bank will only issue an LC for a client if it is satisfied with the credit risk and any collateral or security required under its own policies. That is where most transactions fail before they even reach a credit committee.
Financely does not replace banks. Banks remain the only entities that can issue LCs using SWIFT messages such as MT700 for DLCs or MT760 for SBLCs. Our role is to sit on the sponsor side and make the transaction bankable.
The process starts with a structured RFQ submission through the Financely portal. The company uploads the core documents and answers targeted questions so that we can understand the transaction and the parties involved.
Our team performs a feasibility review that focuses on structure, counterparty profile, and likely appetite. This screening stage does not carry an upfront fee and is normally completed within two to three business days. Many files are stopped here with clear feedback if the transaction has material gaps.
If the file passes initial screening and both sides wish to proceed, we move into a structured mandate with a defined scope and fee arrangement. The objective is to take the transaction from a simple request for an LC to a full credit story that a regulated issuer can underwrite.
Once the structure and documentation are ready, we distribute the transaction to pre vetted banks and private credit lenders that issue LCs or fund LC backed flows. The target list depends on size, jurisdiction, sector, and LC type.
From the moment a mandate is signed, a realistic timeline for issuance is two to six weeks, depending on complexity and how quickly the client responds to information requests. Repeat clients with clean track records tend to move faster.
When a bank approves the facility and documentation is finalized, the LC is issued via SWIFT. For a standard DLC this is typically an MT700. For an SBLC the message is usually an MT760. The beneficiary receives the LC through its advising bank and can check that the terms match the agreement.
Our commercial model is transparent. Clients pay a retainer that typically ranges from 10 thousand to 50 thousand dollars, depending on transaction size and complexity. This retainer is credited against a success fee when the LC is issued. Success fees usually range from 1 percent to 3 percent of the LC face amount.
For clients that ship frequently, LCs can be rolled into revolving facilities once banks have seen performance. In those cases, our role shifts towards ongoing structuring support and periodic adjustments to facility terms as volumes or risk profiles change.
A mid sized importer has a credible order book but limited cash collateral. The supplier demands a sight LC as a condition for shipment. The importer’s own bank is unwilling to issue a large LC without heavy cash cover. Financely structures a transaction where receivables or inventory serve as collateral and introduces a bank or private credit backed issuer that is prepared to extend an LC facility on that basis.
An intermediary sits between an end buyer and a producer. The buyer can open an LC, but the trader lacks the balance sheet to issue a separate LC to the producer. We design a back to back LC structure where the buyer’s LC is used as security to support the supplier side LC, so that the trader does not need to lock up additional capital beyond the margin agreed with the issuing bank.
An engineering firm needs to provide a performance SBLC to qualify for a project award. Financely works with the firm to quantify exposure, align SBLC wording with the contract, and secure issuance from a bank that is willing to rely on the firm’s track record and a mix of collateral instead of full cash cover.
Oil, metals, and agricultural flows often rely on short tenor LCs that turn quickly. We focus on counterparties with real cargoes, clear Incoterms, and workable pricing. Transactions are structured to match shipment cycles, warehouse arrangements, and risk limits so that LC issuance supports trade instead of constraining it.
Clients approach Financely when they have contracts, counterparties, and commercial logic, but lack the relationships or internal structuring capacity to get serious attention from LC issuing banks.
No. Financely is not a bank, does not hold client funds, and does not issue LCs. All LCs are issued by regulated banks that operate under their own licenses and internal policies. Our role is to structure transactions, prepare files, and introduce deals to those issuers.
Depending on the situation, we may structure pledges over receivables or inventory, design back to back LC structures, or raise private capital that can be placed as margin with the LC issuing bank. Every structure depends on the underlying business and the risk appetite of potential issuers.
No. Any party that guarantees LC issuance without full underwriting is misrepresenting how banks work. We operate on a best efforts basis and only through regulated institutions. Issuance always depends on credit approval, KYC and AML results, sanctions screening, and final documentation.
Most clients are mid sized companies with at least 10 million dollars of annual revenue, clear trade flows, and identifiable counterparties. Ticket sizes range from low single digit millions into higher ranges for commodity and infrastructure related trades.
We charge a mandate retainer, typically 10 thousand to 50 thousand dollars, which is credited against a success fee when an LC is issued under the agreed structure. Success fees are usually between 1 percent and 3 percent of the LC face amount, depending on complexity and risk.
If you have a contract, a buyer or supplier, and a clear requirement for a Documentary or Standby Letter of Credit, our team can review whether the transaction is viable and how it should be structured. We focus on post revenue companies with real trade flows and a need for serious, regulated issuance.
Submit your RFQ with contract details, financials, and LC requirement. We will respond with a feasibility view and, where appropriate, a mandate proposal that spells out scope, timelines, and fees.
Request LC Structuring And PlacementDisclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory, investment, or credit advice, and it is not an offer or commitment to arrange or provide any Letter of Credit or financing. Financely is not a bank, insurer, broker dealer, or investment adviser. Any LC or facility referred to here is issued or provided solely by regulated counterparties under their own licenses, approvals, and documentation. All transactions are subject to eligibility, full KYC and AML review, sanctions screening, credit approval, and execution of formal agreements. Past transaction experience does not guarantee future outcomes.
Submit your deal using our secure intake form, and receive a quote within 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with their relationship manager through our secure web portal.
All submissions are
promptly reviewed, and all communications are conducted through the intake form or the client portal for a seamless and secure process.
Thank you for considering working with us. A nominal fee of US$500 is required upon completion of each form. This fee covers the time and effort we invest in reviewing your submission and crafting a thorough proposal. We receive numerous inquiries and prioritize those that carry this fee, ensuring serious applicants receive prompt attention.
Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address the challenge of global transaction risk through structured strategies that foster cross-border growth. Complete the form to unlock streamlined funding aligned with your commercial objectives.
Submit a RequestAccess non-recourse funding for infrastructure, renewable energy, or other capital-intensive ventures. We mitigate capital constraints by isolating project assets and focusing on risk management. Provide your details to receive a structure that drives growth and maximizes returns.
Submit a RequestSecure financing for business or real estate acquisitions. We ease transaction hurdles by reviewing cash flow, synergy opportunities, and exit plans. Complete the form for a customized proposal that supports your strategic investment objectives.
Submit a RequestFinancely assists banks facing Basel III pressures by distributing trade finance deals and providing collateral for letters of credit. We reduce capital burdens while preserving client relationships and fostering service expansion. Submit your request to optimize your trade finance offerings.
Submit a RequestOnce we receive your submission, our team will review your information to determine feasibility. If eligible, you will receive a proposal or term sheet within 1–3 business days. Visit our FAQ and Procedure pages for more information.
Disclaimer: Financely provides financing based on due diligence and feasibility. Approval is not guaranteed, and past performance does not predict future outcomes. All terms are subject to review. Financely primarily assists with structuring and distribution. Qualified parties carry out the project if the client approves the proposal.
Financely advises growth-focused businesses on accessing capital by introducing their opportunities to professional investors. Financely is not a securities broker or dealer. Where appropriate, engagements are coordinated with regulated broker-dealers, investment banks, legal counsel, and other specialists.
Financely does not solicit, offer, or accept orders to buy or sell securities and makes no assurance regarding capital-raising outcomes.
Services are strictly business-to-business. Financely does not provide personal finance, consumer credit, or retail advisory services.
Advisory services are reserved for post-revenue companies that recognize the time and resources required for professional underwriting.
All mandates start with an RFQ. We review submissions, issue a brief Go/No-Go memo, and where bankable, release a Term Sheet that leads to funding. We arrange capital across Senior Secured, Unitranche, Second Lien/Mezzanine, Preferred Equity, and Gap Solutions. We do not process deals by email or chat.
Letters of Credit, Standby LCs, Confirmations, Receivables Finance, and Inventory Lines with control.
Funding arranged for trade flows with instruments sized to your cycle and aligned to delivery and settlement.
Move forward to secure working capital and keep goods moving. Submit the RFQ to start underwriting for funding.
Limited or non-recourse structures for energy and infrastructure with lender-ready materials.
Funding solutions aligned to project cash flows with credible covenants and conditions to reach notice to proceed.
Advance the file to termable status. Submit the RFQ so we can underwrite and secure funding.
Debt and Preferred solutions anchored on cash flow, Quality of Earnings, and clear closing mechanics.
Funding across senior, unitranche, and preferred to match stable cash flows and acquisition timelines.
Get financed on workable terms for closing. Submit the RFQ to start underwriting.
Acquisition, development, bridge, and refinance with lender-ready packs and third-party reports managed.
Funding calibrated to DSCR, leverage, and tenancy with terms designed to close.
Move to a financeable package. Submit the RFQ to initiate underwriting for funding.
KYC and Source of Funds required. Engagements are best-efforts and subject to underwriting. Preference for operating companies with meaningful revenue. See our FAQ and Procedure.
Financely Inc. (“Financely”) provides corporate-finance advice and is wholly owned by Aurora Bay Trust, a trust formed under Bahamian law, together with its authorized affiliates. Depending on deal structure, jurisdiction, and local rules, engagements may be carried out through Financely Group LLC, a non-deposit-taking, non-banking financial company; Ashford Capital Advisory LLC; or another related entity.
Financely and its affiliates are not registered as securities broker-dealers and do not execute securities transactions or hold client funds or securities. When a mandate involves the purchase or sale of securities and a registered intermediary is required, any orders are introduced to and executed by one or more independent U.S. broker-dealers registered with the SEC and FINRA. Those broker-dealers are solely responsible for trade execution, custody, and related regulatory obligations. Nothing in this material constitutes an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security or to engage in any specific transaction. Before engaging Financely Group LLC, Ashford Capital Advisory LLC, or any affiliate, you are responsible for confirming that such engagement complies with your own legal, regulatory, tax, and other requirements. In the United States, certain advisory activities may be conducted in reliance on exemptions available under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, including the “foreign private adviser” exemption where applicable. Our services and regulatory status may vary by jurisdiction and by transaction type.
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