Trade Finance
Funding and risk-mitigation tools, such as letters of credit and guarantees, that help businesses buy and sell goods across borders by bridging the gap between paying suppliers and getting paid by customers.
Related terms
Invoice Finance (Factoring)
Borrowing against unpaid invoices to release cash tied up in receivables. The lender advances a percentage of each invoice up front and collects, or is repaid, when the customer pays.
Read full definitionWorking Capital
The cash a business has tied up in day-to-day operations, broadly its current assets minus current liabilities. Healthy working capital lets a company pay suppliers and staff while waiting on customer payments.
Read full definitionEmerging Markets
Economies that are developing toward advanced-market status, often offering higher growth alongside greater currency, political and liquidity risk. Trading with them frequently calls for tailored FX and payment solutions.
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Revolving Credit Facility
A flexible credit line a business can draw down, repay and reuse up to an agreed limit. Interest is charged only on the amount outstanding, making it useful for managing fluctuating working-capital needs.
Read full definitionMerchant Cash Advance
A lump-sum advance repaid as a fixed percentage of a business’s daily card takings. Repayments flex with sales, so they rise in busy periods and fall in quieter ones.
Read full definitionAsset Finance
Funding that lets a business acquire or release cash from equipment, vehicles or machinery, through leasing, hire purchase or refinancing, spreading the cost over the asset’s useful life.
Read full definitionCommercial Mortgage
A long-term loan secured against business or investment property. It is used to buy premises or refinance existing property, with the building serving as collateral.
Read full definitionLoan-to-Value (LTV)
The size of a loan expressed as a percentage of the value of the asset securing it. A lower LTV means more borrower equity and generally lower risk and pricing for the lender.
Read full definitionCovenant
A condition written into a loan agreement that the borrower must meet, such as maintaining a minimum cash level or financial ratio. Breaching a covenant can trigger a review or repayment of the facility.
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