What is ISP98? ISP98 (International Standby Practices) is a globally recognized legal framework governing standby letters of credit (SBLCs). It provides standardized rules for issuing, presenting, and enforcing SBLCs across jurisdictions.
Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs) are powerful tools—but only when they’re issued under the right legal framework. That’s where ISP98 comes in. If you're dealing with an SBLC and don’t see ISP98 mentioned, stop and ask questions.
What Is ISP98?
ISP98 stands for International Standby Practices, established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It sets out the rules and guidelines that govern how SBLCs are issued, called, and honored across borders. It ensures clarity, consistency, and enforceability in what would otherwise be a very grey space.
Why It Matters
Eliminates ambiguity in how SBLCs are interpreted
Gives all parties (issuer, applicant, beneficiary) legal protection
Ensures standard practices across banks, jurisdictions, and institutions
Reduces disputes over what documents are required to trigger payment
ISP98 vs URDG 758
ISP98:
More commonly used in the U.S., and focused on financial standby credits (SBLCs issued for payment, not performance)
URDG 758:
Typically governs demand guarantees—more commonly used in infrastructure, construction, or international tenders
Both are ICC rulebooks. Both are valid. The key is knowing which one fits your use case—and making sure it’s explicitly mentioned in the SBLC language.
Examples of Where ISP98 Applies
Payment guarantees in long-term procurement contracts
Advance payment guarantees tied to delivery milestones
Private credit deals where the SBLC secures bridge funding
Structured trades where the SBLC is the fallback payment trigger
What Happens If ISP98 Is Not Mentioned?
You’re relying on local contract law or custom practice—which varies wildly. Without ISP98, interpretation becomes subjective, timelines blur, and enforcement becomes a mess.
If you’re dealing with a real SBLC, issued through SWIFT (MT760), it should clearly state the applicable rulebook: “This standby letter of credit is subject to ISP98”
or URDG 758.
How Financely Uses ISP98
Every SBLC we help structure is issued under ISP98 or URDG—never outside of internationally recognized rulebooks. Whether you're securing a grid connection, bidding on a tender, or structuring a credit-backed trade, we ensure your instrument is not just valid—but enforceable.
Need a Standby Letter of Credit That Holds Up?
We issue SBLCs that are fully SWIFT-verified and governed by ISP98 or URDG. No fluff. Just clean, enforceable guarantees issued by real institutions.
Submit Your Deal & Receive a Proposal Within 1-3 Working Days
Submit your deal using oursecure intake form, and receive a quotewithin 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with theirrelationship managerthrough oursecure web portal.
All submissions arepromptly 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ourFAQandProcedurepages, we invite you to book a paid consultation for personalized guidance. A $250 USD fee applies per session.
Important Resources
Popular Services
About Financely
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.
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.
Trade Finance
Letters of Credit, Standby LCs, Confirmations, Receivables Finance, and Inventory Lines with control.
LCs and Confirmations
SBLC and Guarantees
AR/AP and Supply Chain
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.
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, engagement 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. When a mandate involves the purchase or sale of securities and a registered intermediary is required, all orders are introduced to and executed by a U.S. broker-dealer registered with the SEC and FINRA, acting as “chaperone” under SEC Rule 15a-6 (17 C.F.R. § 240.15a-6). Nothing here constitutes an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security. Before proceeding, read our Terms of Service to confirm that engaging Financely Group LLC, Ashford Capital Advisory LLC, or any affiliate aligns with your legal and regulatory requirements.In the United States, we operate as anexempt foreign private adviserpursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, subject to applicable exemptions from certain regulatory requirements. Our services and regulatory status may vary based on the location and nature of the transaction. Clickhereto download our brochure.