Letter of Credit Confirmation: Formal & Silent
We arrange confirmation for documentary LCs and standbys so beneficiaries have a second obligated payer. Scope covers wording under UCP600 or ISP98, confirming bank selection, fee negotiation, assignment or payout controls, and closing. Where a visible add is blocked, we assess silent confirmation with tight terms.
Who this helps
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Exporters facing unrated or distant issuers
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Traders seeking higher LTV discounting
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EPCs where tenders mandate confirmation
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SBLC beneficiaries wanting local settlement
When to use it
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Issuer or country risk sits outside your limits
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Discounting or insurance requires an added payer
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Contracts require a named confirmer
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Settlement in beneficiary country is preferred
What you get
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Confirmed LC or vetted silent path
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Better discounting terms and advance rates
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Clean presentation and payout controls
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Clear fees and timeline to close
Formal confirmation vs silent confirmation
Formal confirmation
The confirming bank adds its undertaking on SWIFT or in the LC text. On compliant presentation, it must pay even if the issuer does not. Best for without-recourse discounting and policy compliance.
- Visible in MT7xx or LC wording
- Issuer default risk shifts to confirmer
- Sharper fees with clean wording and strong names
Silent confirmation
A private agreement with a bank to pay if the issuer fails. Not referenced in the LC. Used when a visible add is refused or discretion is needed. Fees and controls are tighter.
- Not shown to the issuer
- Side letter mirrors documentary checks
- Higher fee band; stricter conditions
Eligibility and common rejection points
Eligible when structured correctly
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Irrevocable LC under UCP600 or standby under ISP98
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Acceptable issuer, country, tenor, and amount
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Standard documents and workable time windows
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Full SWIFT trail and amendments available
Common rejection triggers
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Vague inspection or quality clauses
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Unknown certifiers or nonstandard documents
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Sanctions flags or opaque ownership
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Lapsed shipment or presentation dates
Wording that helps vs clauses that add risk
Supportive wording
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Clear rules reference and irrevocable status
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Defined shipment and presentation periods
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Standard transport and inspection terms
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Nominated bank with capacity and track record
Risk-creating wording
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Open-ended quality triggers or bespoke certificates
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Conflicting dates or mismatched Incoterms
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Restrictive negotiation with unknown banks
Process from intake to confirmed LC
- Intake and eligibility. Share LC text, amendments, SWIFT trail, contract or PO, shipment plan, and KYC.
- Indicative route. We propose formal or silent confirmation, fees, controls, and a closing path.
- Wording alignment. Rules, documents, time windows, and nominated bank are settled with counterparties.
- Confirming bank approval. Fee letter and responsibilities issued after credit review.
- Closing and notices. Formal add shown on SWIFT or silent agreement executed. Payout instructions set.
- Presentation and settlement. Documents follow the checklist. Payment releases per agreed terms.
Frequently asked questions
What does LC confirmation change for the beneficiary?
It adds a second obligated payer. On compliant presentation, the confirming bank must pay even if the issuer does not. This supports discounting and reduces counterparty risk.
When is silent confirmation used?
When the issuer will not permit a visible confirmation or discretion is needed. A private agreement mirrors document checks and sets payment obligations.
How are confirmation fees determined?
Fees reflect issuer and country risk, tenor, LC wording, document quality, and whether the structure is formal or silent. Longer tenor and higher risk cost more.
Does confirmation guarantee discounting without recourse?
It helps, but funders still review wording, bank names, and documents. Clean presentation and defined payout controls remain essential.
Which rules apply to LC confirmation?
UCP600 for documentary credits and ISP98 for standbys. Some guarantees reference URDG758. We align the structure to the chosen ruleset.
Request an LC Confirmation Assessment
Share the LC text, SWIFT trail, shipment plan, and KYC. We will confirm eligibility, outline a route to formal or silent confirmation, and issue indicative terms.
Request Indicative Terms
Financely acts as advisor and arranger on a best-efforts basis. All transactions are subject to KYC and AML, sanctions screening, document compliance, and approvals by confirming banks or counterparties. Nothing here is a commitment to lend or an offer of securities. Terms depend on bank names, jurisdiction, tenor, and documentary quality.