Trade Finance Services for Companies and Investors
Trade finance covers the instruments and structures that fund global trade flows. Each year trillions of dollars of goods move across borders but a funding gap of more than 2.5 trillion dollars remains unmet according to the ICC. Financely advises on transactions for both sides of the market. Borrowers access
structured trade and commodity finance solutions. Investors participate through
trade finance investment vehicles.
What Is Trade Finance
Trade finance is a category of short-term credit products used to finance the movement of goods and services. These exposures are self liquidating. They are repaid through receivable collections, letter of credit settlements, or sale proceeds of controlled inventory. Structures are backed by documents such as bills of lading, invoices, inspection certificates, and insurance policies.
Why Trade Finance Matters
Exporters and importers face long working capital cycles. Goods must be shipped before payments arrive. Suppliers often demand deposits. Buyers require extended terms. Trade finance solves these gaps by injecting capital at shipment or production stage and ensuring repayment on delivery or collection. Without access to trade finance, contracts are delayed, supply chains weaken, and exporters lose competitiveness.
For investors, trade finance is a private credit allocation with short maturities and defined repayment sources. Institutional investors increasingly allocate capital to insured receivables, confirmed letters of credit, and structured commodity trade flows to achieve steady returns.
Types of Trade Finance Services
Letters of Credit
Issued under UCP 600, these instruments guarantee payment when compliant documents are presented. They reduce counterparty risk and enable trust between buyer and seller.
Standby LCs and Guarantees
Used as credit enhancement. A standby letter of credit or demand guarantee ensures performance or repayment in case of default.
Receivables Finance
Factoring, discounting, or securitization of accounts receivable. Liquidity is provided against invoices while investors rely on insured repayment streams.
Borrowing Base Revolving Credit
Facilities sized to eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Monthly reporting and eligibility criteria govern advance rates and availability.
Inventory Repo
Goods at port or warehouse are sold to a financier with a repurchase agreement. Collateral managers control title and investors fund against net orderly liquidation value.
Pre Export Finance
Funding advanced against confirmed offtake contracts. Proceeds of exports repay the facility. Common in commodities such as oil, metals, and agriculture.
How Trade Finance Transactions Are Structured
Financely works under two types of mandates. A best efforts mandate means we structure the deal, prepare materials, and present it to investors but cannot guarantee capital will be raised. Outcome depends on sponsor equity, collateral eligibility, and investor appetite. A firm commitment mandate involves an underwriting partner that uses its balance sheet to guarantee placement subject to due diligence and higher fees.
All distribution is handled by regulated chaperones. Financely focuses on structuring, underwriting, and preparing the transactions so they can be presented in a compliant and standardized format to institutional investors.
Who Provides Trade Finance
Banks are traditional providers of letters of credit and short term trade loans. Basel capital requirements and balance sheet limits reduce their appetite for mid market transactions. Private credit funds and institutional investors fill the gap by purchasing insured receivables, discounting LCs, and providing revolving facilities. Insurance companies play a critical role by covering credit and political risks, making non bank participation possible.
Trade Finance Across Sectors
- Commodity Trading:
Pre export, repo, and borrowing base structures secure flows in oil, metals, and agriculture.
- Manufacturing:
Export receivables and confirmed orders financed through discounting and forfaiting.
- Import and Distribution:
LC confirmations and insured open account terms support supply chains.
- Infrastructure Sponsors:
Short term working capital bridged to longer project finance structures.
- Emerging Markets:
Trade credit insurance allows capital into jurisdictions where banks are constrained.
Risks and Controls in Trade Finance
Trade finance faces risks including counterparty default, performance risk, collateral value fluctuation, and political interference. Controls mitigate these risks. Banks and investors require insurance, escrow accounts, collateral management, eligibility rules, and covenants. Pricing reflects the tenor, quality of counterparties, and strength of controls.
Why Some Transactions Fail
Not all deals succeed. Common reasons include insufficient sponsor equity, weak documentation, unrealistic return expectations, encumbered collateral, or regulatory issues. Financely works in good faith on every mandate but investor commitments depend on these fundamentals being in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between trade finance and supply chain finance?
Trade finance funds specific import and export flows, secured by goods and receivables. Supply chain finance is typically buyer led and focuses on extending supplier terms through factoring or discounting.
How long does it take to secure trade finance?
Depending on structure and documentation, transactions may close in 4 to 10 weeks. LC confirmations can be faster while borrowing base facilities require audits and eligibility testing.
What collateral is accepted?
Accounts receivable, confirmed orders, inventory under collateral management, and export contracts. Sponsor equity is always expected to align incentives.
Can SMEs access trade finance?
Yes, but typically with credit insurance or guarantees to support investor confidence. Smaller ticket sizes are often financed through receivables discounting platforms.
What is the difference between best efforts and firm commitment?
A best efforts mandate means Financely prepares and distributes the deal without guaranteeing funds. A firm commitment mandate involves an underwriting partner that commits capital subject to diligence and fees.
Borrowers: Request Structured Trade Finance
Importers, exporters, and commodity traders can access working capital through structured facilities. Submit your contracts and requirements for review.
Start Client Intake
Investors: Participate in Trade Finance
Gain exposure to insured receivables and short dated trade flows. Financely structures vehicles where institutional and accredited investors can target steady returns with strong controls.
Review the Investment Vehicle
Financely provides advisory, underwriting, and arrangement services through regulated partners. Financely is not a bank and does not issue letters of credit or loans. All transactions are subject to due diligence, investor approval, and documentation.