In this article, EBRD’s Ralph De Haas and Rudolf Putz talks about ways to improve regulatory compliance for trade finance and correspondent banking.

Though international trade is a complicated industry, there is one truth that is simple: the world runs on finance. There is a mind-boggling amount of capital floating around the globe. However, access to this financing has proven difficult for many companies and countries.

As an observer at the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) 2023, where Trade Finance Global (TFG) was a media partner, TFG had the opportunity to discuss these challenges and prospects with local and international delegates.

Like every aspect of the financial services industry, the correspondent banking world has changed a great deal over recent years due to technology, regulatory regimes, and risk management.

Central Asia is becoming increasingly attractive to investors. It has abundant natural resources and is strategically located, leading to its reputation as a region with untapped economic potential.

Following the EBRD 2023 Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, TFG’s Brian Canup (BC) spoke with Nino Masurashvili (NM), Deputy CEO, Chief Risk Officer, TBC Bank Georgia, who was recognised with the EBRD Sustainability Silver Award. Read this two-part interview to learn more about TBC Bank Georgia, why they were awarded the EBRD Sustainability Silver Award, and their plan for continuing to support Georgian sustainability.

In the shadows of the interconnected world of international trade lies a pervasive threat that silently endangers the security of global markets. Financial crimes, with their detrimental effects on stability and integrity, cast a dark cloud over the world economy, threatening the trust upon which international trade relies. From money laundering to terrorist financing, illicit activities can have far-reaching consequences.

In trade finance compliance, getting the details right matters. Regulators around the world, the financial institutions involved and, of course, bank clients, have a keen interest in ensuring that trade transactions do what they are designed to do: ensure timely payment and prevent fraud, all in line with constantly changing international regulations. As that suggests, there is always the potential for a mistake to cost the bank a great deal of money and put a major dent in its reputation. That threat, in turn, can put a lot of pressure on staff.

Following the EBRD 2023 Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, TFG’s Brian Canup (BC) spoke with Nino Masurashvili (NM), Deputy CEO, Chief Risk Officer, TBC Bank Georgia, who was recognised with the EBRD Sustainability Silver Award. Read this two-part interview to learn more about TBC Bank Georgia, why they were awarded the EBRD Sustainability Silver Award, and their plan for continuing to support Georgian sustainability.

This article focuses on correspondent banking, its role in international trade, and shortfalls of the traditional model that adversely affect lower-income countries, impeding economic development and the advancement of financial inclusion.