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Trade & Structured Financing

For Businesses engaged in trade and complex financing needs

Trade finance facilitates international trade by managing payment risks between buyers and sellers. Structured financing creates customized funding solutions for complex transactions. These tools are essential for businesses engaged in cross-border trade or requiring bespoke financing arrangements.

Overview

Specialized financing for trade and complex transactions. Trade finance facilitates international trade by managing payment risks between buyers and sellers. Structured financing creates customized funding solutions for complex transactions.

Singapore Context

Singapore is a global trade hub with sophisticated trade finance infrastructure. Banks offer letters of credit, trade loans, export financing, and supply chain financing. Enterprise Singapore provides trade credit insurance through various schemes.

Understanding Trade Finance

These tools are essential for businesses engaged in cross-border trade or requiring bespoke financing arrangements. They help manage risks and optimize cash flow in complex international transactions.

Problems & Approach

Common Problems

  • Payment risks in international trade
  • Working capital tied up in trade cycle
  • Complex cross-border transactions
  • Currency and country risks
  • Counterparty creditworthiness concerns

Our Approach

  • Trade flow analysis and risk identification
  • Appropriate instrument selection
  • Multi-bank relationships for competitive terms
  • Currency and payment risk management
  • Ongoing trade finance facility management

Key Considerations

Trade Instruments

Letters of credit, bank guarantees, and trade loans serve different risk management needs. Choose based on transaction structure.

Currency Risk

Foreign exchange fluctuations can impact profitability. Consider hedging strategies for large exposures.

Documentation

Trade finance requires precise documentation. Errors can delay payments or cause disputes.

Pro Tips

Build relationships with multiple banks for competitive trade finance terms

Understand the difference between letters of credit and bank guarantees - each serves different purposes

Consider trade credit insurance to protect against non-payment risks

Work with experienced trade finance specialists - documentation errors are costly

Factor in all costs including bank fees, insurance, and currency conversion

Plan cash flow around trade cycles - working capital needs can be significant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a letter of credit?

A bank guarantee that payment will be made to the seller once specified conditions are met. Reduces payment risk in international trade.

When do I need trade finance?

When engaging in cross-border trade with payment risks, or when working capital is tied up in trade cycles affecting cash flow.

What is structured financing?

Customized financing solutions for complex transactions that don't fit standard loan products. Tailored to specific business needs and transaction structures.

How This Connects to Your Financial Plan