90% of world trade – from bulk raw commodities to breakbulk and finished goods – is moved on approximately 60,000 trading ships, crewed by about 1.5 million seafarers. To most traders, the potential risks associated with any one of these vessels is an unknown.

Does a New York court have jurisdiction over an Indian collecting bank that is alleged to have violated the Uniform Rules for Collections (URC 522) for neither collecting and remitting funds to pay for shipments represented by the documents forwarded to it nor returning originals of several of the documents sent to it for collection? 

In part 1 of this interview, Morgan Lépinoy, Managing Director of Viatrans broke down how container deposits are creating deep structural issues for the shipping and logistics industry in Africa, and what Viatrans is doing to help mitigate these challenges.

Although there is widespread support for ESG initiatives and a large proportion willing to prioritise positive environmental and social impacts over financial returns, Standard Chartered’s research reveals that many companies still haven’t made concrete sustainability commitments or set targets. 

Shipping containers are vital for shipping lines, which are availed to shippers (importers, exporters, customs agents, and freight forwarders) for safe and secure transportation of goods. 

International Lawyers and Economists for Development (ILaED) is a non-government organisation focusing on the economic development of women and girls. By encouraging entrepreneurial skills, it helps them engage in both local and international markets.

While a growing portion of the industry starts to seize the opportunities of measuring and managing emissions, many commodity traders still hesitate. Why undertake the complex process of carbon accounting, if it’s hard, if it’s not a legal requirement, and if it only draws attention to their high-carbon products rather than their competitors? 

Over the past several months, corporates have increasingly been asking for details on a bank’s distribution capabilities when deciding which financial firm to work with. 

A judge in a Canadian court case has ruled that a thumbs-up emoji constituted a legally binding acceptance of a contract, ordering the defendant, who failed to fulfill their end of the deal, to pay more than $82,000 in damages. 

Surety carriers have a unique opportunity to support the green transition, grow emerging industries, and promote sustainable financing practices. However, challenges must be addressed.