SBLC Provider: Full Guide to Access, Collateral & Structuring

SBLC Provider - Issuers, Collateral, Pricing and Structuring

SBLC Provider - Issuers, Collateral, Pricing and Structuring

We structure, underwrite, and place standby letters of credit with regulated banks. Scope includes financial SBLC, performance SBLC, confirmation, and back-to-back issuance. Collateral options include cash, securities under a control agreement, or asset based support. All mandates are subject to KYC, AML, and sanctions screening. We do not arrange leased or rented SBLCs.

SBLC Product Suite

Financial SBLC
Payment support for rent, loans, trade payables, or settlement risk. Issued via SWIFT MT760 under UCP 600 or ISP 98.
Performance SBLC
On demand coverage for bid, performance, and advance payment obligations. Triggers tied to delivery failure or milestone breach.
Confirmed SBLC
A second bank adds its undertaking. Applied where the beneficiary requires local enforcement or higher rating cover.
Back-to-Back SBLC
An incoming instrument supports onward issuance to a third party. Suitable for prime contractor to subcontractor flows.
SBLC for Real Estate
Standbys for rent, build-to-suit, and EPC obligations. Tenor, renewal, and cancellation aligned to lease or EPC terms.
SBLC for Project Sponsors
Performance and payment support for contractors and suppliers. Can be paired with ABL or private credit to fund margins.

How an SBLC is Issued

1

Qualification and Use Case

We verify beneficiary, contract terms, draw triggers, tenor, jurisdiction, and any confirmation requirement. Sanctions and policy screening is performed.

2

Structure Mapping

We select financial or performance wording under UCP 600 or ISP 98, set draw documentation, and align with the underlying contract.

3

Collateral and Term Sheet

We size margin and security. If cash is limited, we arrange ABL or private credit to fund the margin. The bank issues a priced term sheet.

4

Documentation Pack

Specimen wording, indemnities, board resolutions, control agreements for securities, and confirmation instructions where applicable.

5

Issuance and SWIFT

On acceptance, the bank issues the MT760. If confirmed, the confirming bank sends its add confirmation and assumes presentation risk.

6

Monitoring and Amendments

We track expiry, renewal windows, and amendments. Draw notifications and beneficiary communications are managed in the portal.

Financely Full Scope SBLC Placement versus Other Providers

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.

Capital and Security Expectations

Cash Margin
20 to 100 percent of face value held by the issuing bank. Lower margins require strong financials and clean history.
Securities as Collateral
Investment grade bonds or listed equities under a control agreement. Haircuts applied by volatility and liquidity.
Asset Based Support
Receivables, inventory, or real estate under ABL. Proceeds fund margin and ongoing fees.

Where an SBLC Fits

Trade and Distribution
Supplier risk mitigation and cross border settlement. Combine with LC advising and confirmation if required.
Construction and EPC
Bid, performance, and advance payment standbys with milestone triggers.
Real Estate and Leases
Landlord security for rent and fit out obligations. Renewal and cancellation aligned to lease terms.
Back-to-Back Supply Chains
Onward issuance from prime contractor to subcontractor with control measures to avoid circular risk.

Pricing Structure and Typical Costs

  • Issuance fee. 0.5 to 1.5 percent per year for cash backed cases. Billed quarterly or upfront.
  • With securities. 0.6 to 2.0 percent per year plus 0.05 to 0.15 percent custody.
  • With ABL or private credit. 1.0 to 2.0 percent facility fee plus SOFR plus 400 to 600 bps, or a 10 to 14 percent per year private credit rate.
  • Confirmation. Add 0.3 to 1.2 percent per year by rating and country risk.
  • SWIFT and legal. MT7xx messaging and counsel billed at cost.

Documentation We Prepare

Core Pack
  • Specimen wording under UCP 600 or ISP 98
  • Applicant indemnity and reimbursement agreement
  • Board resolutions and incumbency
  • Security and control agreements for cash or securities
Execution and Risk
  • Confirmation instructions and draft add confirmation
  • KYC, AML, sanctions file and adverse media review
  • Underlying contract extracts and draw document list
  • Amendment and cancellation procedures

Risk and Control Framework

  • Issuer verification. Licensed deposit taking bank with active SWIFT BIC. Status and message trail verified.
  • Wording cleanliness. Clear draw conditions, defined documents, controlled expiry and renewal.
  • Jurisdiction and enforcement. Venue for draw and enforcement considered, confirmation arranged where needed.
  • Fraud filters. No leased or rented SBLC, no pre-advice fee schemes, no insurance premiums presented as issuance proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can issue an SBLC?
Only licensed banks with SWIFT connectivity. Brokers do not issue. We place requests with regulated issuers and confirming banks.
What collateral is expected?
Cash margin or securities under a control agreement. Where equity is limited, ABL or private credit can fund the margin.
What is the typical timing?
Two to six weeks from a complete file and term sheet acceptance. Confirmation can extend timing by venue.
Is an SBLC the same as a bank guarantee?
Both secure obligations. SBLCs are documentary under UCP 600 or ISP 98. Some markets prefer on demand guarantees. Advice is provided case by case.
Do you arrange leased SBLC?
No. Leased or rented SBLC claims are non-compliant and frequently linked to fraud. We work only with regulated issuance.

Request Your SBLC Term Sheet

Share the contract, beneficiary, face value, tenor, and collateral plan. We provide issuer route, pricing, and a documentation checklist.

Request An SBLC Quotation

We act as an arranger and underwriter. We are not a lender or issuing bank. All services are subject to due diligence, KYC and AML, sanctions screening, and issuer or confirmer approval.

Get Started With Us

Submit Your Deal & Receive a Proposal Within 1-3 Working Days

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.

Express Application Submit Your Deal
Request a Proposal
Request a Proposal / Submit a Deal

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.

Trade Finance

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.

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Project Finance

Access 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.

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Acquisitions

Secure 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.

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For Banks

Financely 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 Request

Once 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.

Still Have Questions? Schedule a Consultation

If you still have questions after visiting our FAQ and Procedure pages, we invite you to book a paid consultation for personalized guidance. A $250 USD fee applies per session.