Petroleum Products Trade Finance Advisory
Refined products trading is one of the fastest ways to burn cash if the structure is sloppy. Cargo values are large,
timelines are tight, documentation must be exact, and compliance expectations are higher than most commodity verticals.
A single mismatch between the sale contract, the charter-party, and the LC presentation terms can delay settlement and trigger disputes.
Financely advises refined products traders and downstream distributors on structuring bankable trade finance facilities and execution-grade settlement workflows.
We underwrite the transaction, align the paperwork, design control accounts and collateral mechanics, and place solutions through regulated banks and professional credit investors.
Financely is not a bank and does not lend or issue Letters of Credit. We act as a private debt advisory and structuring firm.
Documentary Letters of Credit are typically issued under UCP 600. Standby Letters of Credit are typically issued under ISP98.
All outcomes are subject to eligibility, KYC and AML, sanctions screening, credit approvals, and definitive agreements.
Typical Petroleum Product Flows We See
- Middle distillates:
ULSD, EN590, gasoil, marine gasoil.
- Gasoline and blendstocks:
mogas, reformate, alkylate, naphtha.
- Jet fuel:
aviation turbine fuel flows with tight delivery and quality control.
- Fuel oil and bunkers:
marine fuels and related distribution programs.
What We Advise On
LC And SBLC Structuring For Oil Trade
Documentary LC structures for cargo purchases and sales under UCP 600, including confirmation where required.
SBLC structures under ISP98 where the objective is credit enhancement, performance support, or payment backstop.
- LC drafts that match Incoterms, laycan, inspection and quality adjustment clauses.
- Presentation requirements aligned to what can actually be produced on time.
- Clear reimbursement and settlement instructions to reduce payment friction.
Borrowing Base And Revolving Liquidity
Revolving facilities sized to receivables and inventory, with eligibility criteria and reserves tied to counterparty quality,
product, jurisdiction, concentration, and historical performance.
- Eligibility rules for receivables and approved buyers.
- Inventory eligibility by location and control method.
- Controlled cash collections and a defined waterfall.
Cargo And Inventory Finance Controls
Petroleum financing breaks when control is assumed instead of documented. We design the control package so lenders can rely on title,
custody, insurance, and release mechanics.
- Account control agreements and blocked collection accounts.
- Independent inspectors and reports tied to draw or release triggers.
- Insurance alignment with loss payee and assignment where required.
Margin, Cash Collateral, And Equity Support
Banks often require cash margin or collateral support before issuing LCs. Where the trade is bankable, we can structure
credit and equity solutions to fund required margin or strengthen the facility.
- Margin funding mapped to shipment cycles and repayment sources.
- Intercreditor alignment where senior bank instruments sit above private capital.
- Exit mechanics defined upfront to avoid permanent cash traps.
Key Underwriting Themes In Refined Products
Counterparty Verification And Compliance
Oil and refined products attract higher compliance scrutiny. We address onboarding, beneficial ownership, and sanctions exposure early
so issuers do not stall the file late in the process.
- Verified buyers and suppliers with traceable operating history.
- Sanctions screening across parties, banks, ports, vessels, and documentation.
- Transaction mapping for KYT and trade-based money laundering controls.
Documentation That Matches Reality
Deals fail when the LC asks for documents that cannot be produced on schedule, or when the sale contract contradicts presentation terms.
We align contracts, shipping docs, inspection, and payment mechanics so settlement is predictable.
- Document lists consistent with operational capabilities and timelines.
- Inspection and quality adjustment clauses reflected in drafts.
- Funds flow documented to the account level.
Price Risk, Basis, And Exposure Windows
Lenders focus on how quickly exposure can move against the trader. Where appropriate, we structure hedging expectations,
reporting cadence, and reserves to reduce mark-to-market shock.
- Exposure windows tied to loading, discharge, and payment timing.
- Stress on price moves and basis risk rather than marketing slogans.
- Clear reporting to support ongoing credit monitoring.
Operational Controls And Cash Discipline
Strong controls keep facilities alive. We implement cash management, concentration limits, and escalation triggers so a single bad counterparty does not break the program.
- Waterfalls that prioritize fees, debt service, reserves, and releases.
- Concentration caps and buyer approval frameworks.
- Step-in and default handling mechanics defined in advance.
How The Engagement Runs
1) Feasibility And Triage
We review the transaction summary, counterparties, jurisdictions, and requested terms. We identify structural blockers early and confirm what is realistic.
2) Structuring And Control Package
We design the facility architecture, collateral, cash controls, LC or SBLC drafts, reporting cadence, and conditions precedent.
3) Placement And Indications
We approach a targeted panel of banks and credit investors and collect indications on a comparable basis, including pricing, reserves, covenants, and operational requirements.
4) Documentation And Execution Support
We coordinate the parties through definitive documents, control account setup, and operational go-live so the facility runs cleanly post-close.
FAQ
Do you provide cash or issue instruments directly?
No. Financely is an advisory firm. We structure and place solutions through regulated banks and professional investors. Banks issue LCs and SBLCs under their own policies and documentation.
What rule sets apply to these instruments?
Documentary Letters of Credit are typically issued under UCP 600. Standby Letters of Credit are typically issued under ISP98.
The governing rules and exact wording are confirmed per transaction and issuer policy.
Can you help if the issuing bank requires cash margin?
Where the transaction is bankable and controls are credible, we can structure and source margin funding through private credit and equity investors.
Any funding is subject to investor approvals and definitive agreements.
What usually causes petroleum trade finance delays?
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation, unverifiable counterparties, sanctions or compliance issues discovered late, and LC drafts that do not match contract reality.
Fixing these early is where most time is saved.
Do you guarantee issuance or funding?
No. Outcomes depend on eligibility, compliance, issuer and lender approvals, documentation, and market appetite. We accept mandates where the file can be defended with decision makers.
Request A Quote
If you have an active refined products trade flow and need LC or SBLC structuring, borrowing base liquidity, margin support, or controlled settlement design,
submit your deal through our contact form with counterparties, contracts, requested limits, and jurisdictions.
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, LC, SBLC, guarantee, or other instrument. Financely is not a bank, lender, insurer, surety, 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 transactions are subject to eligibility, KYC and AML review, sanctions screening, credit approval, and execution of definitive agreements.