Putting Innovation into Practice: Trade Finance for the 2020s

On the cusp of momentous change, the trade finance ecosystem is experiencing a significant restructure with the introduction of new technologies and market participants. In an unpredictable economy, treasurers need to adapt their initiatives to conform to new global trade dynamics.

Working capital conversations between banks and corporates have typically focused on individual bank products, rather than the specific needs and challenges of the corporate – leaving opportunities and efficiencies on the table. But that’s all changing now, as Adeline de Metz, UniCredit, explains.

Meliá Hotels' treasury team was looking to access faster and more flexible liquidity as means of speeding up the cash conversion cycle. They decided to implement a receivables finance programme with HSBC that would respond to the company's current and future needs.

Increased pressure from investors and consumers is driving corporates to hold their suppliers increasingly accountable to sustainable and ethical standards. However, technological innovations are making sustainable SCF more of a tangible reality for treasury professionals in all areas of the industry.

TMI speaks to five industry experts to understand how treasurers can help shore up supply chains right now – with quick-to-implement solutions. We also examine how companies can finance their supply chains for economic recovery, taking in to account emerging trends such as sustainability and the potential resurgence of domestic sourcing.

Treasury and supply chain disruption caused by external factors is nothing new, but recent developments may be making it the new normal. Therefore, the ability to switch technology and supply chains to new locations/suppliers with the minimum of upheaval is becoming a business imperative. This applies not just to the physical supply chain but also the financial one that underpins it, which presents corporate treasuries with significant additional challenges.