20 Minutes With: Preslav Raykov, Eleen Marine
TXF spoke with Preslav Raykov, global head of trading at Eleen Marine about the importance of risk controls in the present geopolitical environment as well as strategies for aligning stakeholders across commodity supply chains.
In this episode of the 20 Minutes With podcast, TXF spoke to Preslav Raykov, global head of trading at Eleen Marine. Read on for the top takeaways from the discussion, or find the episode wherever you go for your podcasts.
Geopolitics are redrawing the map
Global trade flows remain in flux due to ongoing crises, including the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and persistent regional disputes. Adaptation is no longer optional as regulations, tariffs, and government policies shift with little warning.
Safety and risk management first
Personnel safety is paramount: financial losses can be managed, but safety can’t be compromised. Robust risk controls and disciplined deal structures are now industry standards.
Transparency drives supply chain resilience
The age of “unknown end users” is over. Successful commodity businesses demand visibility and integration across the supply chain, ensuring all parties work from the same playbook and share information openly.
Liquidity and financing challenges
Traditional trade finance is under pressure as banks reassess their appetite for commodity risk. Alternative financing models, including joint ventures and strategic partnerships, are increasingly important.
Seizing opportunity amid shifting dynamics
The industry is experiencing the rise of “friend shoring,” new trade lanes and bold moves into high-risk, high-reward markets. Companies agile enough to capture these opportunities, while maintaining strict risk controls, are reaping substantial benefits.
Margin pressure and the importance of scale
Thin margins are squeezing smaller traders out; scale, origination control and integrated logistics are required to stay competitive in this new landscape.
Reinforced risk discipline across the industry
Easy access to capital is a thing of the past. Traders must now prove deal profitability and risk discipline to secure financing, raising professionalism and resilience across the sector.
Globalisation’s staying power
Despite the trend toward “localisation,” global expansion and cross-border partnerships will remain fundamental. The current wave of protectionism is seen as a temporary detour, not a new permanent reality.
The bottom line:
Navigating today’s commodities markets demands sharper risk controls, transparent partnerships and flexibility in both operations and financing. Performance now hinges on agility, discipline and a relentless focus on safety and supply chain integration.
