How To Secure a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) for Your Trade or Project
Master the process of SBLC issuance—from pre‑qualification to execution—to ensure you get the bank‑backed guarantee you need, when you need it.
1. What Is an SBLC—and Why You Need One
A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a standby guarantee issued by a bank on your behalf. It assures your counterparty—supplier, buyer, or project owner—that if you default, the bank will meet financial obligations. It’s the financial haircut that unlocks larger deals with confidence.
2. Who Benefits from an SBLC?
- Commodity traders and brokers securing prepayment or delivery commitments.
- Importers/exporters guaranteeing performance obligations under long‑term contracts.
- Infrastructure contractors needing bid or performance guarantees.
- Energy and mining firms working in jurisdictions that demand financial assurance.
3. Core SBLC Terms & Structure
Your SBLC stands on critical building blocks:
- Issuing Bank:
Tier‑1 institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Standard Chartered, CCB, BNP Paribas.
- Beneficiary:
The party receiving the guarantee—supplier, buyer, or project owner.
- Face Amount:
USD 2 million to 100 million, backed by collateral or cash margin.
- Tenor:
Typically 90–365 days, extendable to 18 months.
- Fees:
Issuance fee: 2.0–4.5% p.a.; arrangement fee: 1.5–3.5% of face value; SWIFT/legal costs.
- Security:
100% cash or partial collateral (30–50%) backed by credit insurance or bank comfort letters.
- Covenants:
Restricted use, quarterly reports, no adverse changes without notice.
4. Engaging With Financely: Your Path to SBLC
Step |
Description |
Timing |
Submit Deal Brief |
Upload contract, proforma, scope and collateral details. |
Day 0 |
Engagement & Retainer |
Sign engagement letter, pay USD 25K–100K retainer depending on deal complexity. |
1–2 days |
Documentation & KYC |
Supply audited financials, transaction docs, ref letter, collateral proof. |
3–7 days |
Bank Negotiation |
We approach tier‑1 banks, finalize terms and collateral structures. |
7–14 days |
Issuance |
Bank issues SBLC via MT760; we monitor for confirmation. |
21 working days total |
5. Why Financely?
- Direct access:
Relationships with global banks reduce turnaround.
- Documentation clarity:
We present clean files that banks can approve.
- Collateral optimization:
We structure cash or insured backup to reduce costs.
- Price negotiation:
Our scale means issuance fees are incisive.
- Swift execution:
Fixed workflows built for speed, transparency and accountability.
6. Common Questions & Answers
What’s the minimum deal size?
Minimum issuance face value is USD 2 million; larger facilities up to USD 100 million, including syndicated or co‑arranged deals.
Can the SBLC be extended?
Yes. We include extension provisions in the facility agreement. Typically renew every 90 or 180 days based on performance and tenor.
Do I need cash margin?
Yes, standard practice requires 100% margin or partial collateral (30–50%) with bank‑recognized credit insurance or a comfort letter.
Can we use SBLC for multiple shipments?
Absolutely. Revolving SBLC structures allow you to draw, repay, and redraw over multiple trade cycles—subject to agreement.
What happens if the beneficiary draws?
If the beneficiary calls on the SBLC (per MT760), bank pays immediately. You must reimburse on demand and collateral is used to cover payment.
How do you reduce SBLC costs?
Maximize collateral, keep clean documentation, use credit insurance, optimize tenor and negotiate fees—Financely does all these for you.
7. Sample Pricing Snapshot
SBLC Size |
Issuance Fee |
Arrangement Fee |
Est. Legal & SWIFT |
USD 5 m |
2.5% p.a. |
2.0% |
≈ USD 5,000 |
USD 20 m |
3.0% p.a. |
2.5% |
≈ USD 6,500 |
USD 50 m+ |
Custom, ~2.0–3.5% |
3.0% |
≈ USD 8,000+ |
Ready to lock in an SBLC that holds up under scrutiny and executes on time? Apply for an SBLC today
—upload your deal brief and get clear terms within 24 hours.
Request a Quote
Financely Group arranges Standby Letters of Credit issued by regulated banks. We do not take deposits or pay beneficiary claims directly. Services depend on bank credit approval, collateral, and compliance with UCP/ISP, KYC, and AML rules. Misrepresentation or omissions terminate the mandate and may trigger regulatory action.