Increasing geo-political concerns and the need for in-depth due-diligence in the Middle East has led business risk intelligence company EXX Africa to rebrand as Pangea-Risk. TXF talks to Robert Besseling, founder and CEO of Pangea-Risk about the expansion into Middle East markets.

With Orsted’s potential equity partners in its Changhua 1 offshore wind project wanting to eye loan agreements before debt signing, the project financing is nearing close. The facility is similar to its Taiwanese offshore wind precursors in many ways – but is also expected to be another small evolution in tenor and pricing.

Emmanuelle Petelle, deputy head of trade finance services, global transaction banking at Societe Generale outlines three key messages: trade finance is moving from proof of concept to everyday augmented reality; confidence amongst banks and customers is growing in alternative bidding platforms; and governments and companies have a growing role to play in shaping the future.

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) has bold ambitions, and launching an Islamic Finance suite of products in the eye of the COVID-19 crisis is part of its positive push to narrow the trade finance gap and tap into the potential of the halal market globally. TXF spoke to both ECI’s CEO, Massimo Falcioni, and to Zishan Iqbal, Director of Murabaha Solutions, about the agency’s plan and the products.

TXF spoke with Robin Miles, partner at Bracewell, to outline the impact of depressed oil and gas prices on oil majors and traders. From consolidation to financially over leveraged corporates converting debt to equity with the help of outside investment, the new ebb and flow of the energy market is providing a plethora of opportunities.