The service enables Chinese businesses to receive payments through local clearing systems– a cheaper option than setting up foreign accounts. The HSBC virtual account solution also enables Chinese businesses trading… read more →

In fragmented markets, there is often a lack of real-time standardised data. In response, a group of eight leading financial institutions united on Chainlink’s platform, has launched an ambitious initiative to revolutionise corporate actions processing using artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. 

The Vienna-based financial service provider will implement Traydstream’s platform to process export letters of credit, amendments, and document scrutiny: areas which have traditionally required manual processing. The partnership, announced on… read more →

Mastercard has launched an ambitious new service to speed up commercial cross-border payments in light of surging international trade flows.

Hong Kong’s role as a conduit for international investment into mainland China has reached new heights, with cross-border trading volumes hitting record levels in 2024.  “Hong Kong is that rare… read more →

Africa’s population has swelled to account for around 17% of the world’s population. Over the same period, according to figures from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa’s share of global trade has decreased from 4.4% to just 3%. This paradox, in part, is the result of a lack of access to and awareness of trade finance solutions from banks on the continent.

With banks constantly looking to achieve growth objectives and remain competitive, middle-market growth corporates present an opportunity hidden in plain sight. These companies, which in some cases reach $1 billion in annual revenue, are in fact large enterprises in the making: attractive targets for banks. 

The traditional, paper-heavy processes that once dominated the trade finance industry are now being replaced by innovative, automated systems designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs.  This digitalisation… read more →

The ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (PSTF), developed in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group and leading financial institutions, addresses a crucial gap in the market: the challenge of applying… read more →

It’s hard to ignore the continued growth and influence coming out of Asia for trade. Asia’s trade growth continues to surge, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasting 5% growth in 2024, driven by strong domestic demand and recovering exports. Regional integration and modern trade agreements are enhancing resilience in key sectors like food and technology. Asia also benefits from rising demand for tech exports, particularly semiconductors, driven by AI. However, risks such as geopolitical tensions and protectionism remain.