We provide lender-ready capital raise packaging and debt or equity placement support for business owners and buyers looking to secure serious term sheets and close funding on a defined timeline.
For business owners and acquirers pursuing private debt or equity, submit your deal for review. We revert within one working day with next steps and either a quote for our services.
For pre-submission discussions, we offer paid consultations. To initiate underwriting and lender outreach, submit the deal.
AI Lender Match helps business owners, investors, and sponsors identify lenders that fit their deal profile without wasting weeks on cold outreach. Get a smarter starting point for acquisitions, commercial real estate, trade finance, and structured debt transactions.
A standby letter of credit (SBLC) is an irrevocable undertaking issued by a licensed bank on behalf of an applicant, guaranteeing payment to a named beneficiary if the applicant fails to perform under the underlying contract. As a specialist SBLC provider and trade finance arranger, Financely Group structures, underwrites, and places SBLC mandates with regulated issuing banks across major financial centres. We do not issue; only licensed deposit-taking institutions with active SWIFT BICs do. Our role is to position your mandate correctly, verifying issuer eligibility, collateral structure, wording under UCP 600 or ISP 98, and KYC compliance, so that the bank can approve and transmit the MT760 without delay.
A standby letter of credit is a contingent payment instrument. It is designed to remain dormant and is only called upon when the applicant fails to fulfil a defined contractual obligation. Unlike a commercial letter of credit, which is the primary payment mechanism in a trade transaction, an SBLC functions as a payment of last resort. The beneficiary presents compliant documents as specified in the SBLC wording, and the issuing bank is obligated to pay.
SBLCs are governed by two primary rule sets: UCP 600(Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, ICC Publication 600) and ISP 98(International Standby Practices, ICC Publication 590). ISP 98 is purpose-built for standby instruments and is generally preferred for financial and performance standbys. UCP 600 is used where beneficiaries or issuing banks request it for familiarity. The choice of governing rules affects draw conditions, expiry mechanics, and the documents required for a compliant presentation.
The most common question we receive is whether a standby letter of credit and a bank guarantee (BG) are the same instrument. Both secure contractual obligations; however, they differ in governing rules, documentary requirements, and geographic acceptance.
| Factor | Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) | Bank Guarantee (BG) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing rules | UCP 600 or ISP 98 (ICC) | URDG 758 (ICC) or national law |
| Draw mechanism | Documentary: compliant presentation of specified documents required | On demand: written demand plus statement of default typically sufficient |
| Preferred markets | USA, Canada, Australia, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and international trade | Europe, Middle East, Africa, and many civil law jurisdictions |
| Transmission | SWIFT MT760 (and MT799 pre-advice where applicable) | SWIFT MT760 or hardcopy via authenticated courier |
| Confirmation | A second bank can add its undertaking under UCP 600 Article 8 | Counter-guarantee structure used for cross-border cases |
| Typical use | Trade payables, rent deposits, financial support, project payment | Construction performance, bid bonds, advance payment, maintenance |
In practice, many transactions are structured as either instrument depending on beneficiary preference and jurisdiction. We advise on the correct choice at intake and draft wording accordingly.
We work with corporates, project sponsors, contractors, and trading entities with a minimum SBLC face value of USD 2,000,000. Requests below this threshold are not accepted. All applicants must be able to demonstrate a legitimate underlying contract, a credible collateral source, and a clean sanctions profile. We do not work with individuals speculating on SBLC monetisation, pre-advised fee arrangements, or leased instrument schemes.
We verify the beneficiary, underlying contract terms, draw triggers, tenor, jurisdiction, and any confirmation requirement. Sanctions and policy screening is performed at intake. We confirm whether an SBLC or bank guarantee is the correct instrument for the beneficiary's jurisdiction.
We select financial or performance wording under UCP 600 or ISP 98, set draw documentation requirements, and align the instrument with the underlying contract. We draft specimen wording for bank review and confirm whether confirmation is required.
We size margin and security against the bank's underwriting criteria. Cash margins typically range from 20% to 100% of face value. If cash is limited, we arrange ABL or private credit facilities to fund the margin requirement. The issuing bank provides a priced term sheet.
We prepare and co-ordinate the full documentation pack: specimen wording, applicant indemnity and reimbursement agreement, board resolutions, incumbency certificates, control agreements for pledged securities, and confirmation instructions where a second bank is involved.
We prepare the compliance file to the issuer's and confirmer's policy requirements, covering corporate documents, UBO verification, source-of-funds evidence, sanctions screening certificates, and adverse media review, reducing the risk of compliance delays at submission.
On acceptance of terms and settlement of margin, the bank issues the standby letter of credit and transmits the MT760 via SWIFT to the beneficiary's bank. If a confirmation is required, the confirming bank sends its add-confirmation and assumes presentation risk.
We track expiry dates, renewal windows, and amendment requests. Draw notifications, beneficiary communications, and cancellation procedures are managed throughout the life of the instrument.
| Decision Point | Financely Full Scope | Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer Selection | Verified Regulated banks matched to jurisdiction, tenor, and rating. | Exposure Static panels with limited fit to contract or venue. |
| Underwriting | Pre-screen, credit narrative, collateral map, priced term sheet. | Document forwarding without credit positioning. |
| Collateral Solutions | Cash, securities under control, or ABL and private credit for margins. | No structured margin support. |
| Wording and Rules | Clean ISP 98 or UCP 600 drafts aligned to contract and venue. | Generic templates with higher amendment risk. |
| Confirmation | Confirming bank sourced where local enforcement or rating cover is required. | Left to the counterparty. |
| KYC and Sanctions | Complete file prepared to issuer and confirmer policy. | Reactive approach that leads to delays. |
| Timeline Ownership | Dated plan to MT760, acknowledgments tracked, amendments managed. | No ownership of milestones. |
| Fraud Filters | No leased or rented SBLC. No pre-advice fee traps. | Higher exposure to non-compliant offers. |
| Post-Issuance Support | Monitoring, renewal windows, cancellation procedures. | Process ends at message forwarding. |
Every SBLC mandates a form of security held by the issuing bank. The level and type of collateral required is set by the bank's credit committee based on the applicant's financial standing, the face value of the instrument, tenor, and the nature of the underlying obligation.
Costs vary by collateral type, issuer, tenor, face value, and confirmation requirements. The ranges below reflect standard market pricing for regulated bank issuance. All fees are disclosed in the term sheet before commitment.
By comparison, industry sources indicate that leased or "rented" SBLC schemes typically quote upfront fees of 3%–10% of face value with no compliant issuance at the end. We do not participate in these arrangements. Every mandate we handle results in a genuine bank-issued MT760 or we do not proceed.
The SBLC market attracts a significant volume of fraudulent activity. Operators present fabricated bank instruments, fake MT760 confirmations, and upfront fee arrangements that result in no issuance. Before engaging any provider, verify the following:
Share the contract, beneficiary, face value, tenor, and collateral plan. We provide issuer route, pricing, and a documentation checklist. Minimum USD 2 million.
Request an SBLC QuotationFinancely Group acts as an arranger and underwriter. We are not a lender or issuing bank. All services are subject to due diligence, KYC and AML screening, sanctions checks, and issuer or confirmer approval. Nothing on this page constitutes legal or financial advice. Fees and timelines are indicative and subject to change.
Submit your deal using our secure intake form, and receive a quote within 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with their relationship manager through our secure web portal.
All submissions are
promptly reviewed, and all communications are conducted through the intake form or the client portal for a seamless and secure process.
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.
Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address the challenge of global transaction risk through structured strategies that foster cross-border growth. Complete the form to unlock streamlined funding aligned with your commercial objectives.
Submit a RequestAccess non-recourse funding for infrastructure, renewable energy, or other capital-intensive ventures. We mitigate capital constraints by isolating project assets and focusing on risk management. Provide your details to receive a structure that drives growth and maximizes returns.
Submit a RequestSecure financing for business or real estate acquisitions. We ease transaction hurdles by reviewing cash flow, synergy opportunities, and exit plans. Complete the form for a customized proposal that supports your strategic investment objectives.
Submit a RequestFinancely assists banks facing Basel III pressures by distributing trade finance deals and providing collateral for letters of credit. We reduce capital burdens while preserving client relationships and fostering service expansion. Submit your request to optimize your trade finance offerings.
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.
To proceed,
request a quote
and receive indicative commercial terms. If you require guidance before engaging,
book a paid telephone consultation.
Security notice: we are aware of third parties using Financely’s name without authorization. Only emails sent from our official domains and communications through our portal are valid. Please verify any outreach before sharing documents or sending payments, and read our impersonation warning.
Email supportdesk@financely-group.com for general enquiries, press & partnership requests.
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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