Trade finance digitalization is no longer a trend but a necessity for businesses to stay competitive in the global economy. The latest developments in the trade finance industry reflect this shift towards digitalization, with a focus on emerging and developing markets, collaboration in supply chain finance, and the adoption of new technologies.
TFG’s Issue 24, titled “What’s Emerging in 2025? The Emerging and Developing Markets Edition,” explores the future of trade finance in these markets. Released in conjunction with BAFT’s 2025 MENA Bank to Bank Forum in Dubai, this issue delves into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for businesses operating in these regions.
In Germany, the adoption of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) presents a unique challenge. Should Germany update its century-old bill of exchange law or create new legislation for the digital era? These questions are explored in a podcast that delves deep into the legal framework surrounding bills of exchange in Germany.
Collaboration is key in supply chain finance, and new technologies are expected to drive deeper collaboration between different parties in the coming years. SMEs stand to benefit the most from supply chain finance, but there are still barriers preventing them from fully leveraging this financing option. Addressing these barriers and embracing new technologies will propel the market forward.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Sullivan & Worcester have expanded their supply chain finance offerings in Türkiye and Romania to support regional economic recovery. These initiatives highlight the importance of financial support in driving economic growth in emerging markets.
In Davos, Tradetech took the spotlight in a panel discussion led by industry experts. The discussion focused on how new technologies can revolutionize world trade by removing inefficiencies and enhancing security and global interconnectedness.
Standard Chartered introduced SC PrismFX, an integrated FX payment platform designed for financial institutions, non-banking financial institutions, payment technology companies, and corporates globally. This platform aims to streamline foreign exchange transactions and improve efficiency for users.
On the geopolitical front, Donald Trump’s return to the White House has stirred up global currency markets with his trade threats against major trading partners. The uncertainty surrounding these threats has created instability in the currency markets, impacting businesses worldwide.
Looking ahead to the future of trade finance, TFG’s Weekly Trade Briefing provides insights into the latest trends and developments in the industry. From treasury management in 2025 to the exploration of digital currency frameworks, these briefings offer a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of trade finance.
Overall, the trade finance industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by digitalization, collaboration, and the adoption of new technologies. Businesses that embrace these changes and adapt to the evolving landscape will be well-positioned to thrive in the global economy of the future. d Angela Duca, Associate Director at the Berne Union, in a conversation with Trade Finance Global’s Editorial Director, Deepesh Patel. Read more →
The global trade finance industry is experiencing significant changes and developments that are reshaping the way businesses operate and manage their finances. As the world becomes more interconnected, companies are increasingly turning to digital solutions to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. This shift towards digital trade finance is creating new opportunities for growth and innovation, but also posing challenges for businesses that are not prepared to adapt.
One of the key trends in the trade finance industry is the rise of cross-border payments specialists like dLocal, a Uruguay-based company that recently obtained FCA authorization to conduct operations in the UK. By facilitating transactions between merchants and customers in emerging markets, dLocal is helping businesses expand their global reach and access new markets. This development highlights the growing importance of cross-border payments in the digital economy and the need for businesses to have access to reliable and secure payment solutions.
Another important issue in trade finance is the impact of shipping laws on trade transactions. In a recent case involving The Giant Ace, a trade finance bank was unable to exercise a claim for mis-delivery against the carrier of the cargo due to a one-year time bar. This highlights the importance of understanding the legal implications of trade transactions and the need for businesses to have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations under shipping laws.
The trade relationship between Mexico and the US is also under scrutiny, as President Trump prepares for a potential second term. The question of whether Mexico can weather a second wave of Trump’s trade policies is of critical importance to businesses operating in the region. The outcome of this trade relationship could have significant implications for businesses in both countries and underscores the need for companies to stay informed about changes in trade policies and regulations.
In Croatia, the introduction of SEPA instant payments is set to revolutionize the country’s payments system by allowing for the instant transfer of funds in euros within the Single Euro Payments Area. This development is part of a broader trend towards faster and more efficient payment systems that are reshaping the way businesses conduct transactions and manage their finances.
In Indonesia, the government’s decision to reject Apple’s $1 billion investment offer to lift the ban on iPhone 16 sales highlights the challenges that businesses face in navigating regulatory requirements and trade restrictions in emerging markets. This case underscores the need for companies to have a deep understanding of the regulatory environment in which they operate and to develop strategies to mitigate risks and navigate complex trade policies.
Overall, the trade finance industry is undergoing a period of rapid change and innovation, driven by digital technologies, regulatory developments, and geopolitical shifts. Businesses that are able to adapt to these changes and embrace new opportunities will be well-positioned to succeed in the global marketplace. By staying informed about the latest trends and developments in trade finance, companies can make informed decisions and take advantage of new opportunities for growth and expansion. TFG Weekly Trade Briefing, 9th December 2024
In the world of trade finance, staying informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and developments is crucial. The TFG Weekly Trade Briefing offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent news and insights in the industry. From tracking digital trade in Peru to exploring structured credit solutions, this briefing covers a wide range of topics that are shaping the future of trade finance.
November | Tracking digital trade in Peru and beyond
Digital trade is revolutionizing the way businesses conduct transactions, and Peru is at the forefront of this transformation. Stay informed about the latest developments in digital trade by following insights from Pamela Mar, Managing Director of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI). Read more →
Structured credit: Closing in on the trade finance gap
The trade finance gap is a significant challenge for businesses around the world. At the Trade Finance Investor Day, André Casterman, CEO of the Trade Finance Distribution Initiative (TFDI), discussed the role of securitization in bridging this gap and building resilience in the trade finance ecosystem. Read more →
C-suite speaks | ICISA’s Richard Wulff provides four reasons to digitalize trade
Digitalization is a key driver of innovation in the trade finance industry. Richard Wulff, Executive Director of the International Credit Insurance and Surety Association (ICISA), shares his insights on the importance of digitalization and the benefits it brings to businesses. Read more →
US financial institutions explore regulated settlement network with shared ledger technology
The Regulated Settlement Network (RSN) Proof-of-Concept (PoC) is exploring how tokenized securities and shared ledger technology can enhance settlement processes within financial markets. This initiative has the potential to revolutionize settlement processes and improve efficiency in the industry. Read more →
PODCAST | Factoring and receivables: What’s in store for 2025?
Factoring and receivables play a crucial role in trade finance, and understanding the latest developments in this area is essential for businesses. Federico Avellán Borgmeyer, Chief Partner Officer at efcom, shares insights on the trends and challenges in factoring and receivables for the year 2025. Read more →
UK invoice financing startup Stenn put into administration after HSBC application
The announcement of UK invoice financing startup Stenn being put into administration after an application from HSBC has sent shockwaves through the industry. Three managing directors from Interpath Advisory will take over as administrators, signaling a significant shift in the company’s operations. Read more →
ABN AMRO to wind down asset-based financing in UK and Germany
ABN AMRO, one of the largest Dutch banks, has announced its plans to wind down its international operations in asset-based financing by the end of 2026. This decision reflects a strategic shift in focus towards Northwestern Europe and finance and advisory services. Read more →
South Africa faces mixed global economic outlook, PwC reports
South Africa’s economic outlook is complex, with targeted reforms in energy, logistics, and crime potentially boosting growth and job creation in the coming years. PwC reports on the potential impact of these reforms on South Africa’s economy and employment rates. Read more →
In conclusion, the TFG Weekly Trade Briefing provides valuable insights and updates on the latest trends and developments in the trade finance industry. Stay informed, stay ahead, and make informed decisions for your business by following these updates. Read more → In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it is imperative for companies to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market conditions in order to remain competitive. This requires a proactive approach to anticipating and responding to industry trends, as well as a willingness to embrace innovation and change.
One of the key factors driving change in the business world is technology. Advances in technology are revolutionizing the way companies operate, enabling them to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. From automation and artificial intelligence to data analytics and cloud computing, technology has the power to transform businesses and drive growth.
In addition to technology, globalization is also reshaping the business environment. Companies are no longer confined by geographic boundaries and are increasingly operating on a global scale. This presents both opportunities and challenges, as companies must navigate diverse markets, cultures, and regulatory environments in order to succeed in the global marketplace.
Another key trend impacting businesses today is sustainability. With growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation, companies are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. This not only benefits the environment, but also enhances brand reputation, attracts socially conscious consumers, and can lead to cost savings in the long run.
To thrive in this dynamic business environment, companies must be proactive in identifying and responding to these and other industry trends. This requires a strategic approach to planning and decision-making, as well as a willingness to embrace change and innovation. By staying ahead of the curve, companies can position themselves for success and gain a competitive edge in their respective markets.
One way that companies can stay ahead of the curve is by investing in research and development. By allocating resources to innovation and product development, companies can create new products and services that meet evolving customer needs and preferences. This not only drives growth and revenue, but also enhances the company’s reputation as a market leader and innovator.
Collaboration is another key strategy for staying ahead of the curve. By partnering with other companies, industry organizations, and academic institutions, companies can gain valuable insights, access to new technologies, and opportunities for growth. Collaboration can also help companies expand their reach and enter new markets, enabling them to stay competitive in an increasingly globalized world.
Another important aspect of staying ahead of the curve is investing in talent development. In order to drive innovation and growth, companies need to attract and retain top talent with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment. By investing in employee training and development, companies can build a skilled workforce that is capable of driving success and staying ahead of the curve.
Finally, companies must be agile and adaptable in order to stay ahead of the curve. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, companies that are able to quickly respond to market shifts and changing customer preferences are the ones that will succeed. This requires a flexible approach to business operations, as well as a willingness to embrace change and take risks in order to drive growth and innovation.
In conclusion, staying ahead of the curve in today’s business environment requires a proactive approach to identifying and responding to industry trends, as well as a willingness to embrace innovation, collaboration, and change. By investing in research and development, talent development, and sustainability practices, companies can position themselves for success and gain a competitive edge in their respective markets. By staying agile and adaptable, companies can navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving business landscape and drive growth and innovation in the years to come.
