This issue of Trade Finance Talks examines the unexpected complexities of 2020, including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights China's crucial role in global supply chains and the significant disruptions caused by the pandemic, affecting nearly 300 million workers. The issue explores the limitations of blockchain consortia in addressing global trade challenges and emphasises the progress and challenges in emerging and developing markets (EDEs). Key features include insights from Gwen Mwaba of Afreximbank on regulatory challenges in MENA, discussions by Sean Edwards and Olena Grynuk on innovative financing and distributed ledger technologies (DLT), and Susie Aliker's exploration of new opportunities for specialist banks. The issue celebrates the resilience and innovation in the trade finance industry amid unprecedented challenges.