This guide by Trade Finance Global examines the critical role of factoring in supporting SMEs by providing liquidity and protecting against customer bankruptcies. It highlights the global factoring industry's resilience and explores its significant growth opportunities in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Africa. The guide also delves into the strategic importance of partnerships for entering new markets, with insights from industry leaders at efcom and Xilligence. Additionally, it addresses the rise of Islamic factoring, compliant with Sharia law, as an ethical and viable financial solution in Muslim-majority regions. The guide emphasises the benefits of digital technologies in enhancing operational efficiency and compliance in factoring services.