Introduction to Payments

    • Themes
      • Trade

        Do you want to know how access to trade finance can increase your cross-border imports and exports? Explore our Trade Finance hub for practical tools.

        Treasury

        Are you a treasury or operations manager looking to mitigate the risks and efficiently manage your business’ cash flow? If so, check out our Treasury Management hub.

        Payments

        Whether you want updates from infrastructure support to cross-border transactions or clearing house operations to processing techniques, you can find all on our Payments hub.

        Letters of Credit

        Ready to to increase your imports / exports to guarantee the payment and delivery of goods? Find out more about LCs here.

        Shipping & Logistics

        Whether you’re transporting goods, or learning about supply chains, warehousing, transportation and packaging, we’ve got you covered.

        Incoterms

        Need to know which International Commerce Term is right for your needs? Explore our curated guides from shipping expert Bob Ronai.

        Sustainability

        Prioritising sustainable supply chains? Building inclusive trade? Working towards the UN’s 2030 SDGs? Read the latest on global sustainable standards vs green-washing here.

        Customs

        Heading into international markets? From the correct documentation to standardisation, here’s what you need to know for a streamlined customs clearance process.

        TradeTech

        TradeTech is rapidly evolving to help reduce some of the biggest challenges when it comes to trade. Keep up with these innovations here.

    •  

       

    • News & Insights
      • News

        The latest in Trade, Treasury & Payments - stay up to date on all the changes across the globe.

        Magazines

        The issues feature experts across the industry on the latest developments with specific themed and regional editions.

        Articles

        Insights by the industry, for the industry. These include thought leadership pieces, interview write ups and Q&As.

        Guides

        Working closely with industry experts and trade practitioners we provide inclusive educational guides to improve your technical knowledge and expertise in global trade.

        Research & Data

        We undertake qualitative and quantitative research across various verticals in trade, as well as create reports with industry association partners to provide in-depth analysis.

        Trade Finance Talks

        Subscribe to our market-leading updates on trade, treasury & payments. Join the TFG community of 160k+ monthly readers for unrivalled access in your inbox.

    • Media
      • Podcasts

        Welcome to Trade Finance Talks! On our series we hear from global experts in trade, treasury & payments.

        Shorts

        Enjoy our bite-sized video content for insights on-the-go with our short VoxPop & summary series.

        Webinars

        Experience the true nature of the TFG community through panel discussions on the latest developments - engage with questions.

        Videos

        Join us as we interview leaders in international trade, treasury, payments and more! Watch and learn.

    • Events
      • Partner Conferences

        We partner with industry conferences around the world to ensure that you don’t miss out on any event; in person or online, add to your calendar now.

        Women in Trade, Treasury & Payments

        Get involved in our most important campaign of the year, celebrating the achievements of women in our industry and promoting gender equity and equality.

        Awards

        Our excellence awards in trade, treasury, and payments are like no other. You can't sponsor them, and they're independently judged. They are the most sought-after industry accolades.

        Online Events

        Join our virtual webinars and community events. Catch up on-demand, right here on TFG.

    • Editions
    • Finance Products
      • Trade Finance

        Trade finance is a tool that can be used to unlock capital from a company’s existing stock, receivables, or purchase orders. Explore our hub for more.

        Invoice Finance

        A common form of business finance where funds are advanced against unpaid invoices prior to customer payment

        Supply Chain Finance

        Also known as SCF, this is a cash flow solution which helps businesses free up working capital trapped in global supply chains.

        Bills of Lading

        BoL, BL or B/L, is a legal document that provides multiple functions to make shipping more secure.

        Letters of Credit

        A payment instrument where the issuing bank guarantees payment to the seller on behalf of the buyer, provided the seller meets the specified terms and conditions.

        Stock Finance

        The release of working capital from stock, through lenders purchasing stock from a seller on behalf of the buyer.

        Factoring

        This allows a business to grow and unlock cash that is tied up in future income

        Receivables Finance

        A tool that businesses can use to free up working capital which is tied up in unpaid invoices.

        Purchase Order Finance

        This is commonly used for trading businesses that buy and sell; having suppliers and end buyers

    •  

       

    • Sectors
    • Case Studies
      • Informing today's market

        Financing tomorrow's trade

        Soft Commodities Trader

        Due to increased sales, a soft commodity trader required a receivables purchase facility for one of their large customers - purchased from Africa and sold to the US.

        Metals Trader

        Purchasing commodities from Africa, the US, and Europe and selling to Europe, a metals trader required a receivables finance facility for a book of their receivables/customers.

        Energy Trading Group

        An energy group, selling mainly into Europe, desired a receivables purchase facility to discount names, where they had increased sales and concentration.

        Clothing company

        Rather than waiting 90 days until payment was made, the company wanted to pay suppliers on the day that the title to goods transferred to them, meaning it could expand its range of suppliers and receive supplier discounts.

        Get Trade Finance

        Informing Today’s Market, Financing tomorrow’s Trade.

    • Get Trade Finance
  • About Us
  • Talk To Us

Introduction to Payments

Last updated on 15 Aug 2024
01 Aug 2023 . 1 min read
Carter Hoffman
Carter Hoffman is a Research Associate at Trade Finance Global focusing on the impact of macroeconomic trends and emerging technologies on international trade.

Access trade, receivables and supply chain finance

We assist companies to access trade and receivables finance through our relationships with 270+ banks, funds and alternative finance houses.

Get started

Content

    Introduction to Payments Hub

    Welcome to the TFG Payments Hub, a comprehensive resource centre dedicated to the multifaceted world of payments and treasury management. This hub is designed to cater to professionals in banking, corporate sectors, and payment vendors, offering a wealth of knowledge on various facets of the payments landscape.

    Our content covers critical areas such as infrastructure support, cross-border transactions, clearing house operations, and diverse payment methods & processing techniques. 

    The world of payments can be multifaceted and complex, which is why we aim to break down the impact of emerging technologies on the payments landscape, the significance of cash access, and the evolving regulations & standards governing the industry.

    Speak to our trade finance team



    FAQ

    What are the key components of payment infrastructures and how do they support the payments ecosystem?

    Payment infrastructures encompass various methods and processes that enable individuals, businesses, and financial institutions to transfer money or other forms of value between each other. These systems, which can range from traditional cash, cheques, and bank transfers, to newer digital payment technologies like mobile payments, online transfers, and cryptocurrencies, work by processing and verifying transaction details. They facilitate the transfer of funds between different parties securely and efficiently, playing a crucial role in the global economy.

    How do cross-border payments function and what are the challenges involved?

    Cross-border payments involve transferring money or other forms of value from a party in one country to a party in another. These transactions can be complex, involving multiple intermediaries, currency conversions, and regulatory compliance checks. Despite the challenges, such as potential delays, costs, and risks of fraud, cross-border payments facilitate global trade and commerce, support financial inclusion, and provide new opportunities for businesses and individuals.

    What role does a clearing house play in the payments landscape?

    A clearing house is a financial institution that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers in financial markets. They ensure that transactions are conducted in an orderly, efficient, and secure manner. Clearing houses play a critical role in various types of financial transactions, including those related to securities, derivatives, and commodities.

    How are new technologies advancing the payments landscape?

    Emerging technologies are revolutionising the payments industry by introducing faster, more secure, and more efficient methods of transferring value. Innovations such as blockchain, digital currencies, mobile payment platforms, and open banking are transforming traditional payment systems, offering benefits like real-time transactions, enhanced security, and improved customer experience.

    What are the current regulations and standards governing the payments industry?

    Payment systems are regulated by a combination of government bodies, industry organisations, and self-regulatory bodies. These entities set rules and standards for payment systems, monitor their performance, and intervene if necessary to address issues or mitigate risks. Regulations and standards are crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and fairness of payment systems, protecting consumers and businesses from fraud and other risks.

    What are the key components of payment infrastructures and how do they support the payments ecosystem?

    Payment infrastructures encompass various methods and processes that enable individuals, businesses, and financial institutions to transfer money or other forms of value between each other. These systems, which can range from traditional cash, cheques, and bank transfers, to newer digital payment technologies like mobile payments, online transfers, and cryptocurrencies, work by processing and verifying transaction details. They facilitate the transfer of funds between different parties securely and efficiently, playing a crucial role in the global economy.

    Publishing Partners

    • Payments Resources
    • All Payments Topics
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Conferences
    Latest
    A-Z Latest

    Back to Top