The dematerialisation of invoices and other supply chain documents is set for rapid growth. Most importantly the B2B market can be expected to build on the success of larger enterprises in automating their accounts payable and receivable processes to spread e-invoicing practices to small and medium-sized businesses (SME).
Trade is critical in advancing economies, including those in the MENA region. At the same time, trade finance presents unique opportunities for criminal exploitation, also referred to as Trade Based Financial Crime (TBFC).
Industrialisation is a critical component of economic development, with many benefits that include improved standard of living, economic stability, growth in agricultural production, the balance of payment surpluses and high employment rates.
For many SMEs, the financing gap is always a major concern. It is reported that financing shortages count for more than half of SMEs’ problems. This issue is important for national policymakers, and financiers, as SMEs are major drivers of economic growth, employment, and social development in all economies, but especially in developing countries.
Global trade is a constantly evolving landscape with new challenges and opportunities emerging all the time. In an international marketplace dominated by digital technologies that bridge gaps between oceans, staying… read more →
The Basel regulations have been continuously refined and updated to address new risks and challenges in the global banking sector, with the overall aim of promoting financial stability and preventing future crises.
A typical fund structure uses proceeds from shareholder subscriptions to invest in a diverse pool of assets. A fund generally cannot default if it has no debt obligations but rather will experience changes in its total return or net asset value available to fund shareholders (the investors).
Fraud has been a prevalent issue in commodity trading and financing over the past few years, most recently in relation to cargoes of metals.
ESG is certainly not a new development, but its growth and importance in financial services have never been higher. Whilst there has been a big focus on the “E” in ESG, we’re also seeing a lot of progress in tackling other aspects, such as social action to address societal challenges. One of the biggest social challenges in global trade is the huge, and growing, finance gap.
The Court of Appeal in England has decided in MUR Shipping BV v. RTI Ltd [2022] EWCA Civ 1406 (27 October 2022) that sometimes a party must accept payment in Euros, even though the contract expressly stipulated payment to be made in US Dollars. Although the case is not about independent undertakings, DCW readers might ask if the decision could have implications for letters of credit and demand guarantees.
