Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)

A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a financial instrument issued by a bank on behalf of a client, promising to pay a specified sum of money to a beneficiary if the client fails to fulfill a contractual obligation. Unlike commercial letters of credit that facilitate trade transactions, SBLCs primarily serve as a safeguard or backup payment mechanism. They are often used in international trade to reassure parties that contractual obligations will be met, providing assurance of payment even if the buyer defaults. SBLCs can be valuable in mitigating credit risk and enhancing trust between transacting parties, offering a reliable form of financial security in various business and financial transactions.

Documentary Letter of Credit (DLC)

A Documentary Letter of Credit (DLC) is a financial instrument commonly used in international trade to guarantee payment between a buyer and a seller. Issued by a bank on behalf of the buyer, the DLC ensures that the seller will receive payment once they present the required shipping and trade documents, such as a bill of lading, invoice, and certificate of origin, that meet the conditions specified in the letter of credit.

DLCs help mitigate risks by ensuring that the seller gets paid if they fulfill their part of the agreement, while the buyer only pays when the correct documentation is provided, proving the shipment of goods. This method is widely used to provide security and trust in cross-border transactions.

ed by a bank on behalf of a client, promising to pay a specified sum of money to a beneficiary if the client fails to fulfill a contractual obligation. Unlike commercial letters of credit that facilitate trade transactions, SBLCs primarily serve as a safeguard or backup payment mechanism. They are often used in international trade to reassure parties that contractual obligations will be met, providing assurance of payment even if the buyer defaults. SBLCs can be valuable in mitigating credit risk and enhancing trust between transacting parties, offering a reliable form of financial security in various business and financial transactions.

Bank Guarantee (BG)

A Bank Guarantee (BG) is a financial assurance provided by a bank that guarantees the liabilities or obligations of a client to a third party. In the event that the client fails to meet their contractual obligations, the bank will compensate the third party up to the guaranteed amount.

Bank Guarantees are often used in business transactions, particularly in industries like construction or international trade, where they serve as a safeguard for both parties. There are two main types of Bank Guarantees:

  1. Financial Guarantees, which cover monetary obligations.
  2. Performance Guarantees, which cover the completion of a project or service.

A BG builds confidence between business partners by providing assurance that financial or performance-related commitments will be honored.

Financial Instrument Procedures

At Thomas Trading , the Financial Instrument Procedures are meticulously designed to facilitate secure and efficient transactions involving various financial instruments, such as Standby Letters of Credit (SBLC), Bank Guarantees (BG), and Documentary Letters of Credit (DLC). These instruments serve critical roles in international trade by acting as guarantees for payment, providing financial security to all parties involved.

The process begins with the beneficiary issuing a Letter of Intent (LOI) and completing the necessary compliance documentation, including the Client Information Sheet (CIS) and Know Your Customer (KYC). Once these documents are submitted, Thomas Trading issues a Letter of Representation (LOR) and arranges a Deed of Agreement (DOA) between the issuer and beneficiary.

Payment for these instruments is handled via secure methods such as escrow accounts, ensuring full transparency and security. The issuing bank then initiates the pre-advice (MT799) and finalizes the Standby Letter of Credit (MT760). This ensures that transactions, whether for commodity trading or project funding, are conducted smoothly with minimized risk.

  • 1. Financial Instrument Procedures​
  • 2. Financial Instrument Procedures Updated 131024

Commodities Procedure

The Commodities Procedure at Thomas Trading is designed to facilitate seamless transactions between buyers and sellers in international trade. This process outlines clear responsibilities for both parties, ensuring transparency and efficiency in commodity trading. Key stages include the issuance of an Irrevocable Corporate Purchase Order (ICPO) by the buyer, followed by the seller providing a Full Corporate Offer (FCO) detailing terms and conditions.

Negotiations take place to finalize the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), which includes payment terms and the seller's ability to supply the commodity. Thomas Trading, leveraging its joint venture agreements with suppliers, ensures that trade finance is arranged, mitigating risk for both parties.

The procedure also involves crucial logistics coordination, including shipping, payment guarantees, and compliance with international trade regulations, ensuring that transactions are executed fairly and efficiently. Thomas Trading acts as a middle trader when necessary, providing payment guarantees while ensuring acceptable guarantees from buyers.

  • Commodities Procedure