Letters of credit
Bank-backed payment under UCP 600, so suppliers ship and you pay against compliant documents.
Trade finance
Trade finance for UK importers and exporters
Pay overseas suppliers with confidence, get paid by buyers abroad, and stop stock purchases draining your cash. Our team comes from international trade banking, so the documents and the jargon are familiar ground.
What we arrange
Facilities across the whole trade cycle
From the purchase order to the final payment, there's a facility for each stage.
Documentary collections
A lower-cost route where banks handle documents against payment or acceptance.
Import loans
Pay your supplier now and repay once goods are sold, typically over 60 to 180 days.
Stock and inventory finance
Release working capital tied up in stock on the shelf or in transit.
Purchase-order finance
Fund the supplier cost of a confirmed customer order you couldn't otherwise fulfil.
Export finance
Get paid sooner on export invoices and protect against buyer non-payment.
At a glance
Typical trade finance facilities
Trade facilities are usually set up as a limit you use shipment by shipment.
| Facility size | £100,000 to £10 million+ |
|---|---|
| Tenor | Usually 30 to 180 days per transaction |
| Instruments | LCs, standby LCs, collections, import loans |
| Currencies | GBP, USD, EUR and other major currencies |
| Suited to | Regular importers and exporters with repeat suppliers or buyers |
Indicative ranges across the lenders we work with. Actual terms depend on the lender, your business, the security offered and status. Finance is subject to lender approval.
Who it's for
- UK importers buying from suppliers in Asia, Europe and beyond
- Exporters selling to overseas buyers on credit terms
- Wholesalers and distributors with growing order books
- Businesses whose suppliers want payment before shipping
What lenders will usually ask for
- Two years' accounts and recent management figures
- Details of your main suppliers or buyers and countries
- Typical shipment values and payment terms
- Sample purchase orders, invoices or contracts
- Existing banking and trade facilities
How it works
From first call to funds in your account
Tell us what you need
A short enquiry or call about the amount, the purpose and your business.
We build your case
We prepare the figures, security and story in the format lenders expect.
We approach lenders
We go to the lenders whose appetite fits your deal and negotiate terms.
We see it through
We manage valuations, solicitors and conditions until funds are released.
Questions
Trade finance FAQs
What is a letter of credit?
A letter of credit is a bank's promise to pay your supplier once they present documents that match the agreed terms, such as the bill of lading and commercial invoice. It protects both sides.
Is trade finance only for large companies?
No. Many specialist lenders support SMEs importing regular shipments. What matters most is a track record of trading and reliable suppliers or buyers.
Can trade finance help if my supplier wants payment upfront?
Yes. An import loan or letter of credit can pay the supplier on time while giving you time to sell the goods before you repay.
How is trade finance different from a business loan?
Trade finance is tied to individual shipments and repaid from the sale of those goods. A business loan is a lump sum repaid over a fixed term.
Related finance
Other ways we can help
Commercial finance
Business loans, revolving credit and invoice finance.
Find out moreAsset finance
Hire purchase and leasing for equipment and vehicles.
Find out moreCommercial mortgages
Owner-occupied and investment property finance.
Find out moreImporting or exporting? Let's talk.
Two minutes to enquire. A broker replies within one working day.