How to Raise Capital Using a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)

How to Raise Capital Using a Standby Letter of Credit

A Standby Letter of Credit is a contingent undertaking, not cash in an account. It can support capital raising and credit access, but only through a structured, underwritten process tied to a real transaction, a defined use of proceeds, and enforceable controls. If someone tells you an SBLC can be “monetized” without underwriting, without documentation, and without a credible repayment source, that is not market practice.

A bank instrument does not replace capital. In most legitimate structures, capital is mobilized first (equity, margin, or a committed funding source), then underwriting is completed, then final wording and issuance mechanics are confirmed, and only then does a lender extend credit against the risk package. Financely provides structuring and advisory support and coordinates execution through regulated partners where required.

What an SBLC Is and What It Is Used For

A Standby Letter of Credit is typically issued under ISP98 and used as a payment backstop or performance assurance. It is designed to reduce counterparty credit risk and support commercial execution. In practice, SBLCs are used to:

  • Support supplier delivery by providing payment assurance in trade flows.
  • Provide performance or payment security in project and infrastructure contracts.
  • Enhance credit for facilities where a lender requires additional risk mitigation.
  • Meet bid, performance, advance payment, or contractual security requirements.

How SBLC-Backed Capital Raising Works in Real Transactions

The workable pathway is underwritten credit, not “paper monetization.” The SBLC is one component of a broader risk package that includes the underlying contract, the repayment source, and lender controls. The decision to extend credit is based on credit policy and documentation, not on a promise that “the SBLC is from a prime bank.”

1) Credit Facility Backed by a Transaction

A lender underwrites the underlying trade, project, or receivable stream, then uses the SBLC as credit enhancement. Controls commonly include account control, cash waterfalls, reporting covenants, and defined conditions precedent.

2) Margin or Collateral Funding to Enable Issuance

Many issuers require cash margin or eligible collateral before issuing an SBLC. Where the file is bankable, margin can be raised via private credit or equity as a dedicated tranche in the capital stack, subject to governance and exit mechanics.

3) Back-to-Back Trade Structures

In certain supply chains, an SBLC supports supplier comfort while the buyer’s receivables or end-buyer payment supports take-out. The lender focuses on enforceability, documentability, and timing, not optimistic spread narratives.

4) Project Execution Support

SBLCs can support EPC milestones, advance payments, or performance obligations, but capital raising still depends on bankability: contracts, permits, equity, and a defensible revenue model.

This Is Not “Monetization” Without Underwriting

A credible SBLC-backed transaction follows a standard sequence. The final wording is a late-stage step after underwriting direction is set and the deal is structurally sound. Treating “verbiage” as the first gate is usually a sign the transaction is not yet financeable.

Typical Sequence

  1. Transaction definition: contract set, use of proceeds, sources and uses, repayment source, timeline.
  2. Compliance readiness: KYC and AML, sanctions screening, and counterparty suitability checks.
  3. Underwriting: credit memo inputs, risk mitigants, cash controls, collateral plan, conditions precedent.
  4. Drafting alignment: SBLC rule set selection (typically ISP98), draw conditions aligned to the transaction.
  5. Execution: issuance mechanics, control accounts, definitive documents, and go-live.

What Kind of SBLC Works

The SBLC must be verifiable and consistent with institutional practice. In most bankable workflows, the requirements include:

  • SWIFT issuance: commonly via MT760, subject to issuer policies.
  • Recognized rule set: typically ISP98 for standby credits. Where applicable, URDG 758 governs demand guarantees and UCP 600 governs documentary credits.
  • Defined purpose: tied to a specific contract or facility structure, not speculation.
  • Issuer suitability: a regulated, reputable issuer acceptable to the lender or beneficiary bank.

Common Failure Points

Unfunded or Unclear Margin

If margin or eligible collateral is not available, issuance cannot proceed. Serious issuers do not issue contingent liabilities on marketing claims.

Missing Transaction Substance

An SBLC is not a replacement for a contract, a repayment source, or a control plan. Lenders underwrite the deal economics and enforceability first.

Misaligned Draw Conditions

Drafts that do not match operational reality create disputes. The draw package must be precise, achievable, and consistent with the underlying contract network.

Late Compliance Surprises

Sanctions exposure, unclear beneficial ownership, and weak documentation hygiene can stall the file late. Screening early protects timelines.

How Financely Helps

Financely supports clients who need SBLC-backed structures for real commercial execution. We run transaction structuring, define the control package, coordinate drafting to recognized rule sets, and place the file with regulated counterparties or professional credit providers, subject to approvals and documentation. Where regulated activity is required, licensed partners intervene under separate engagement.

Request A Quote

If you are raising capital for margin, a credit facility, or a transaction that requires an SBLC, submit your file with the contract set, use of proceeds, timeline, and the parties involved. We will revert with a realistic pathway and requirements.

Request A Quote

Disclaimer: 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 by Financely or any third party to provide any financing, SBLC, guarantee, or other instrument. Financely is not a bank, lender, broker-dealer, or investment adviser. Any instrument or facility is issued or provided solely by regulated counterparties under their own licenses, approvals, policies, and documentation. All matters are subject to eligibility, due diligence, KYC and AML review, sanctions screening, credit approval, and execution of definitive agreements. No outcome is guaranteed.

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