Background:

This webinar explores the major digitalization trends reshaping trade finance and payment operations worldwide. Banks and corporates are moving from paper-based, manual processes toward fully digital, data-driven workflows supported by global initiatives such as the ICC Digital Trade Roadmap and UNCITRAL’s MLETR. Technologies such as OCR/ICR, APIs, digital signatures, and trade finance portals are enabling faster processing, enhanced compliance, and stronger operational controls.

Fintech disruption — especially blockchain, smart contracts, and digital Letters of Credit— is transforming how documents, assets, and settlements flow across the trade ecosystem. Digital LCs and digital negotiable instruments significantly reduce cycle times and increase transaction transparency.

The seminar also covers the rise of electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs), their legal recognition through MLETR, and their impact on cargo release, fraud mitigation, and interoperability among carriers and banks.

Finally, participants will explore advanced trade instruments — including SBLCs, demand guarantees, supply chain finance, forfeiting, factoring, structured commodity finance, and risk participation—highlighting operational requirements, risk considerations, and modern structuring practices across global markets.