Size matters - but innovation, strong marketing and a willingness to take on risk are the key traits that this year's winners of the TXF Perfect 10 Commodity Finance Deals of the Year all share.

ESG-linked debt in the commodity sector has another convert – Mercon. And ESG transparency is arguably a new first mover advantage in commodity trading. But do ESG-linked deals have the transparency and auditing processes to offset public and buyer suspicion caused by centuries of commodity trading opaqueness?

The $700 million cash-for-metal deal, signed between Duferco and JSW Steel, is the largest trade finance facility ever arranged for an Indian steel company. But will the first deal of this size to close in the steel industry since the financial crisis serve as a financing template for future deals?

In the latest edition of law firm Sullivan's Trade Finance Breakfast Seminar, partner Marian Boyle and managing associate Hannah Fearn examine the use of insurance and guarantees by financial institutions as a tool for capital relief for exposures. However, certain guarantees carry specific risks and banks need be able to demonstrate their adequate risk management capabilities.

The credibility and policing of ESG-linked loans, which are currently enjoying growing popularity with commodity traders, could be markedly improved via the adoption of blockchain. But in the commodity space, that technological leap appears very distant – for now.