The global financial crisis had one upside it catapulted Asia to the top of the heap. The region has become an engine of global economic growth, driving significant trade and commodities flows. “Growth is driven by emerging markets, which in turn generates dynamic South-South trade flows and strong demand for commodities,” said Jean Francois-Lambert, HSBC global head of business development, trade and supply chain.
What’s interesting in this new world order, however, is that while many companies rely on traditional trade finance, it’s not the only game in town.
Use of more intricate trade structures, typically centred around large bilateral relationships in high-value and usually cross-border commodities flows, is central to financing some...
