Your Monday morning coffee briefing from TFG. The WTO is forecasting growth in global merchandise trade of 8.0% this year following a contraction of 5.3% in 2020.

The pandemic has undoubtedly had countless negative implications for the global community. However, amidst all the turmoil there have been some silver linings.

Fresh Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) research shows those selling into the bloc suffering more as a result of new paperwork than importers. The vast majority of those doing business… read more →

Your Monday morning coffee briefing from TFG. A container ship ran aground, blocking the Suez Canal which carries about 12% of global maritime trade. The blockage may take some time to clear, further disrupting global shipping, already beset by high freight costs and delays caused by the pandemic.

The trade consequences of Brexit already include a dramatic shrinking of commerce with the EU, an expansion of trade with other allies, and redrawing of supply chains for companies.

More than 90% cost savings could be possible from using distributed ledger technology to handle authoritative digital original documents

We spoke to BACB’s new Money Laundering Reporting Officer on the new risks when combating fraud, and the role new technologies can play in fighting financial crime.

Your Monday morning coffee briefing from TFG. In the UK, over 40% of the population have received at least one vaccine dose. This compares to the US (24%), Italy (9%), Spain (9%) and France (9%). The UK government borrowed £19.1bn last month, the highest February borrowing since records began in 1993. Debt rose to £2.13tn, and consumer confidence rose to its highest level since last March.

Documentary credits are one of the oldest, most sophisticated, and safest payment instruments used in international trade.

In a year that shook the foundation of trade, these innovators rose to the challenge and helped the industry to digitalise