ITFA and ATFA join forces to strengthen the global footprint - Trade Finance Global

ITFA and ATFA join forces to strengthen the global footprint

By Deepesh Patel

Deepesh Patel is Editorial Director at Trade Finance Global (TFG) and host of Trade Finance Talks. Deepesh regularly chairs and speaks at international industry events held by the IFC, EBRD, IMN, WTO, Financial Times and Economist Impact, as well as industry associations including ICC, FCI, ITFA, ICISA and BAFT.

Last updated on 13 Apr 2024

29 Jan 2020 2 min reading time

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Today the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA) announced that is has joined forces with The Association of Trade and Forfaiting (ATFA) under a transition agreement effective 31st December 2019.

ITFA and ATFA today announced the details of their transition agreement, now with a combined 300 members globally. The combined associations allow ITFA to strengthen its presence into America using the knowledge and expertise of ATFA, which will run as the ITFA Americas Regional Chapter (AMRC).

An exciting milestone for both associations, their respective board members, and members, the joined membership is a big step towards strengthening ITFA’s global footprint.

The combined associations will now cover the globe, with members in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Through ITFA’s network of Regional Committees and ITFA Americas, the new organisation will bee positioned to provide more value-added offerings and opportunities, including a wider range of educational events and seminars, all designed to foster business relationships through and for the benefit of all members.

Sean Edwards, ITFA’s Chairperson stated: “This brings under one roof two highly complementary trade finance institutions. We have worked together frequently over the years and this step was long overdue. The synergy and benefits for all our members will be clear as we roll out our creative energy and ability to find solutions ever more globally and with greater ease. What a way to start off the new decade with a bang! We look forward to welcoming ITFA Americas’ members to our growing association”.

Lynn Galkoski, newly elected to ITFA’s Board and Chair of ITFA Americas, also expressed her enthusiasm saying that “for me, it’s always been a global vision. When I was elected ATFA president, we were strategic about assembling a board that, for example, knew corporates, knew Latin America and understood the enormous potential at hand to add even more value for our membership. Joining forces with ITFA with its strong brand and expanding into Latin America are two major steps toward bringing that vision to fruition. We have a great passion for this organization and look forward to the exciting future ahead of us”.