There have been 1.7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus globally, with over 100,000 deaths. The majority of countries around the world still have strict lockdowns in place, and the virus is still spreading rapidly.

“WTO economists believe the decline will likely exceed the trade slump brought on by the global financial crisis of 2008-2009″

TFG’s Carter Hoffman explores the current and potential impact of COVID-19 on both international trade and trade finance. Business as unusual, the decisions we make now will have long lasting impacts.

TFG heard from development finance expert Diana Smallridge on the role of various institutions when it comes to financing trade, infrastructure, and exports.

The coronavirus focus in the last week has largely been around the provision of PPE, as well as MDBs providing continued economic support to businesses

TFG heard from John Lentaigne, Acting CEO at African Trade Insurance Agency, on the current investment landscape in Africa.

As the APAC region solidifies its global trade leadership, banks gain an opportunity to serve new finance needs as long as they make needed technology and process changes.

TFG heard from Finastra and Cognizant discussing trade and supply chain trends in Asia for 2020. Accounting for half of global GDP, what are the biggest challenges that lie ahead?

The coronavirus focus is now on ensuring countries have free flow of medical supplies, equipment and goods, with the support of MDBs

Money fuels serious crime, including drugs trafficking, human slavery and terrorism. Managing financial crime risk while keeping up with the speed at which trade finance and payments technologies are emerging presents a huge challenge for banks around the world. TFG heard from Standard Chartered’s Global Co-Head, Financial Crime Compliance, David Howes.