The new coronavirus, Covid-19, is shining a light on just how connected global trade is to the world’s second largest economy. TXF takes a look at how China will officially support its trade and we ask whether global ECAs need to be taking note. ‘Think Global, Act Local’ may be apt for world trade and the response to the disease.

Sam Fowler-Holmes, senior associate at Sullivan presents the challenges across the trade and commodity finance space, with potential headwinds in 2020 including sanctions, new regulations, Libor/Sofor, fintechs and of course - Brexit.

The commodity trade finance funding mix is evolving. Growing regulation, the rise of alternative funds and all things ESG have contributed to the decline in deal volume in 2019. But are traders being transparent enough about their deals? And will bank-fund hybrid loans form a happy marriage?

It was unseasonably warm for Stockholm in February at EKN’s annual seminar. TXF was in Sweden to hear about the opportunities to finance the transition to carbon zero. Apparently, no more Nobel prizes need be awarded for some of the technology to make it happen. The financing is a different question.

The maritime industry’s growing regulatory complexities and lengthy paper-based loan application procedures are convoluting access to trade finance for corporates in the sector. But can digitisation raise the levels of compliance and put an end to sanction headaches and shipment delays?