The standby letter of credit (SBLC) is one of the most widely used credit enhancement tools in global trade and project finance. But securing an SBLC and closing the transaction is not as simple as walking into a bank and requesting one. It requires underwriting, credible documentation, and counterparties that actually transact under ISP98 or UCP600 rules.
An SBLC is not “cash in hand.” It is a contingent obligation issued by a bank on behalf of its client, guaranteeing payment to a beneficiary if the client defaults. SBLCs are governed by rules such as ISP98(International Standby Practices) or UCP600(Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits).
In practice, an SBLC serves as credit support. It backs trade finance lines, leases, project obligations, or performance contracts. A legitimate SBLC is issued only after proper underwriting. Any offer to “buy an SBLC at 30% of face value” is a scam.
Closing an SBLC deal involves multiple stages. Skipping any of them is why transactions fail. Here is the roadmap:
Credible SBLCs come from Tier-1 and Tier-2 banks with strong SWIFT networks. We typically arrange issuances from:
The issuing bank is chosen based on the applicant’s jurisdiction, credit standing, and the beneficiary’s acceptance list. Some beneficiaries will only accept SBLCs from specific banks.
Closing an SBLC requires a complete set of documentation. Without this, the file will be rejected by compliance:
A real SBLC transaction does not close overnight. Typical timelines:
Financely acts as the advisor and underwriter, not the issuing bank. Our role is to structure the transaction, secure credible issuing banks, and manage the process until close and disbursement. Clients pay a retainer for underwriting and a success fee upon issuance.
Without professional underwriting, SBLC requests rarely make it past bank compliance desks. Our credibility with institutions ensures applications are taken seriously.
We underwrite, structure, and introduce you to issuing banks that actually deliver SBLCs under ISP98 and UCP600. No shortcuts, no false promises — only real transactions.
Share your project, contract, or trade requirement. We will revert with a clear scope, retainer, and timeline to secure a standby letter of credit.
Contact UsDisclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Financely does not issue SBLCs directly. All transactions are subject to underwriting, bank approval, compliance checks, and regulatory oversight. Beware of fraudulent offers. Always verify the issuing bank and instrument authenticity via SWIFT.
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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.
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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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