Company News Archives - Tradewind Finance Intelligent Trade Finance Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:15:24 +0000 ur hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6 https://www.tradewindfinance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-favicon-32x32-1-32x32.png Company News Archives - Tradewind Finance 32 32 Tradewind Finance and Founder Ansgar Hütten Honored with Professional and Contribution Awards from CFEC https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2023/02/28/tradewind-finance-and-founder-ansgar-hutten-honored-with-professional-and-contribution-awards-from-cfec/ Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:49:29 +0000 https://dev.tradewindfinance.com/blog/2023/02/28/tradewind-finance-and-founder-ansgar-hutten-honored-with-professional-and-contribution-awards-from-cfec/ Tradewind Finance announced that it has received Commercial Factoring Industry’s 10th Anniversary Professional Award at the Commercial Factoring Expertise Committee of China (CFEC) Summit, with key players in the Chinese and international factoring community. The award ceremony was held by CFEC, the only national self-disciplined organization in this industry, on February 22, 2023 in Tianjin, China. […]

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Tradewind Finance announced that it has received Commercial Factoring Industry’s 10th Anniversary Professional Award at the Commercial Factoring Expertise Committee of China (CFEC) Summit, with key players in the Chinese and international factoring community. The award ceremony was held by CFEC, the only national self-disciplined organization in this industry, on February 22, 2023 in Tianjin, China.

The Professional Award is an award to honor companies who took the earliest opportunity to realize innovation in the fields of product development, business models, business areas, risk control methods, and technology application in the commercial factoring industry’s evolution in China since 2012.

Tradewind’s Executive Director and founder Ansgar Hütten has also received the Contribution Award for his outstanding endeavors in the promotion of commercial factoring in China, including advancing legislation and participating in industry training and the association’s standardization management.

Both awards mark the recognition of Tradewind’s leadership and efforts in timely tailor-made trade finance solutions for small and medium-sized businesses across the world, enabling both importers and exporters to accelerate cash flow, reduce trade risks, and develop client portfolios.

Tradewind will continue to contribute to the development of flexible and high-quality solutions to meet the needs of local trading companies in an increasingly complex global trade environment.

About Tradewind Finance

Founded in 2000, Tradewind Finance maintains a network of offices all over the world, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, India, Pakistan, Peru, Turkey, UAE, and the USA as well as the headquarters in Germany. Combining financing, credit protection, and collections into a single suite of trade finance products, Tradewind brings streamlined, flexible, and best-in-class services to the world’s exporters and importers.

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Success Stories at Tradewind in 2022 https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/12/27/success-stories-at-tradewind-in-2022/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 01:14:00 +0000 https://dev.tradewindfinance.com/blog/2022/12/27/success-stories-at-tradewind-in-2022/ As announced earlier this year, Tradewind Finance completed USD 1 billion in funding globally in the first five months of 2022, with projections to reach additional funding amounts of more than USD 3 billion by the year end. Throughout the past twelve months, several cases of this funding momentum involved existing customers who were looking […]

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As announced earlier this year, Tradewind Finance completed USD 1 billion in funding globally in the first five months of 2022, with projections to reach additional funding amounts of more than USD 3 billion by the year end.

Throughout the past twelve months, several cases of this funding momentum involved existing customers who were looking to upsize their financing facilities. Tradewind was prepared to address their ongoing liquidity needs by offering them scalable cash flow solutions, which are designed to expand funds as the client’s sales grow.

From a clothing manufacturer in Pakistan whose facility was increased tenfold to a Turkish aluminum exporter that saw their facility number doubled in the short span of seven months, Tradewind supplied flexible working capital that enabled businesses to sustain growth and stay competitive. Being able to offer longer payment terms to buyers was especially important to clients who received additional funding.

“In my six years at Tradewind, the most rewarding thing for me is to grow together with our clients and make them profitable, and make them grow internationally through scalable cash flow solutions. That is why I am proud to share five typical client success stories with you,” Peter Maerevoet, Global CFO and Regional CEO for Asia at Tradewind Finance, commented.

 

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Tradewind Finance, UCB aim to expand access to financing for exporters (Published in The Financial Express) https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/12/21/tradewind-finance-ucb-aim-to-expand-access-to-financing-for-exporters-published-in-the-financial-express/ Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:03:00 +0000 https://dev.tradewindfinance.com/blog/2022/12/21/tradewind-finance-ucb-aim-to-expand-access-to-financing-for-exporters-published-in-the-financial-express/ View original article in The Financial Express Tradewind Finance and United Commercial Bank Limited (UCB) have recently discussed ways to expand access to receivables-based financing for exporters in Bangladesh. Arif Quadri, managing director and CEO of UCB, and Soheil Zali, regional commercial director – Middle East and Southeast Asia at Tradewind, were present at the […]

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View original article in The Financial Express

Tradewind Finance and United Commercial Bank Limited (UCB) have recently discussed ways to expand access to receivables-based financing for exporters in Bangladesh.

Arif Quadri, managing director and CEO of UCB, and Soheil Zali, regional commercial director – Middle East and Southeast Asia at Tradewind, were present at the meeting, said a press release.

Mr Zali spoke about the process and regulations of Tradewind’s receivables-based international factoring arrangements, as well as the credit insurance that is included in the firm’s financing programmes.

Md Rashedul Hasan, vice president (commercial) at Tradewind’s Bangladesh office, also conducted a session in which he cited instances of how the company’s solutions have solved trade finance challenges for businesses, like bridging the cash flow gap that often happens when suppliers require payment upfront and buyers request longer windows to pay their invoices.

The businesses supported by Tradewind included local ready-made garment (RMG) manufacturers, an Indian chemicals company, and a seafood importer in the United States with ties in Africa.

In his speech, Mr Hasan also reviewed the central bank’s regulations on factoring in Bangladesh.

Also present at the event were high officials of UCB, including Abul Alam Ferdous, additional managing director; Md Abdullah Al Mamoon, deputy managing director; and Md Khairul Alam Chowdhury, executive vice president and head of Trade Finance Operations.

The heads of the bank’s RMG division, senior managers from 15 major UCB branches, and officials from trade service operations were also in attendance.

Tradewind, which is headquartered in Germany, and UCB, one of the largest private-sector commercial banks in Bangladesh, are teaming up in the right way, said the statement.

Over the past two decades, the German lender has built a name for itself by providing trade finance services to exporters that sell to famous retailers in the US and Europe.

As for UCB, they’ve financed a similarly noteworthy foreign export volume that is valued at $2.4 billion according to recent estimates.

Funding RMG businesses and enabling open account terms with buyers are shared hallmarks of the lenders.

With both financiers serious about enhancing the financial welfare of small, medium and large companies, the workshop reinforced what can be accomplished with the two institutions working alongside each other.

“It was great to hash out ways we can uplift exporters in Bangladesh through our mutual channels,” Mr Zali told the event.

“We know we can turn to our partners at UCB to help spread awareness of international factoring in the country and to introduce us to their exporter network in need of tailor-made cash flow solutions.”

 

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Tradewind Finance Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of Commercial Factoring Pilot in China with Invitation to Give Video Speech by CFEC https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/12/20/tradewind-finance-celebrates-tenth-anniversary-of-commercial-factoring-pilot-in-china-with-invitation-to-give-video-speech-by-cfec/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:08:00 +0000 https://dev.tradewindfinance.com/blog/2022/12/20/tradewind-finance-celebrates-tenth-anniversary-of-commercial-factoring-pilot-in-china-with-invitation-to-give-video-speech-by-cfec/ With ten years having passed since the pilot for commercial factoring was launched in mainland China, Tradewind Finance looks back with pride on its role as one of the first foreign-funded factoring enterprises to have entered Shanghai. After nearly ten years, the company, through its bespoke factoring products, has provided crucial working capital support for […]

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With ten years having passed since the pilot for commercial factoring was launched in mainland China, Tradewind Finance looks back with pride on its role as one of the first foreign-funded factoring enterprises to have entered Shanghai.

After nearly ten years, the company, through its bespoke factoring products, has provided crucial working capital support for local Chinese small and medium-sized businesses to achieve growth and reduce trade risk while doing it.

In the past decade, alongside the development of commercial factoring in the country, Tradewind has witnessed China’s trade open up, and the company has been at the forefront of this shift. It has participated in momentous events like the China International Import Expo for the past four years, including the debut of the expo in 2018, and signed a cooperation agreement with Lujiazui Administration of Shanghai Free Trade Zone. This cooperation helped Tradewind bring more localized capital support solutions for Chinese import and export enterprises to expand their business globally.

Upon invitation by the Commercial Factoring Expertise Committee (CFEC) of CATIS in China, Mr. Peter Maerevoet, Global CFO and the Regional CEO for Asia at Tradewind Finance, delivered a video speech for the tenth anniversary celebration of the pilot. In it he shared his thoughts on Tradewind’s experience over the last ten years.

 

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Tradewind Finance Participates in ‘Global Supply Chain Forum’ https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/11/09/tradewind-finance-participates-in-global-supply-chain-forum/ Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:53:00 +0000 https://www.beta.tradewindfinance.com/?p=18650 Financing plays an important part in ensuring supply chains operate smoothly and uninterrupted, according to Peter Maerevoet, Global CFO and CEO Asia of Tradewind Finance. This is one of the insights Tradewind shared at the ‘Global Supply Chain Forum’ that took place at the end of October, for which the firm was a headline partner. […]

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Financing plays an important part in ensuring supply chains operate smoothly and uninterrupted, according to Peter Maerevoet, Global CFO and CEO Asia of Tradewind Finance.

This is one of the insights Tradewind shared at the ‘Global Supply Chain Forum’ that took place at the end of October, for which the firm was a headline partner. Hundreds of supply chain leaders, procurement and logistics experts, and data specialists tuned into the conference, where modern-day factors impacting supply chains, including geopolitics, rising prices, shortages, and eroding trust, as well as the strategies to overcome these challenges, were discussed.

Maerevoet, who has two decades of experience working with supply chains which he gained during his time at powerhouse brands Procter & Gamble and Levi’s, delivered a keynote address at the event and participated in a panel discussion on “Supply Chain Finance for Buyers and Suppliers.” He spoke about how trade finance, like that offered by Tradewind, can improve supply chains by accelerating cash flow, maximizing growth, and ensuring payment – via credit protection – even in the case of customer default.

In one case study pointed out during the presentation, Tradewind closed a multi-currency credit facility for a chemicals company based in Mumbai, India. Through the firm’s short-term financing, the manufacturer received the urgent capital required to sustain their business and engage with new international buyers.

Sometimes there is a so-called different “language” between an industry and the banks, Maerevoet suggests. Tradewind aims to bridge this barrier, and has built a reputation as a trusted financial partner for industries like apparel, Food & Beverage, electronics, and others.

As supply chains evolve and calibrate to different issues, Tradewind is dedicated to finding creative financial solutions that will continue to meet the unique needs of businesses around the world and that endeavor to move products smoothly, globally.

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Tradewind Finance: A Global Leader with a Strong Legacy of Funding Cross-Border Businesses (Published in Business Connect) https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/10/06/tradewind-finance-a-global-leader-with-a-strong-legacy-of-funding-cross-border-businesses-published-in-business-connect/ Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:43:00 +0000 https://dev.tradewindfinance.com/blog/2022/10/06/tradewind-finance-a-global-leader-with-a-strong-legacy-of-funding-cross-border-businesses-published-in-business-connect/ View original article on Business Connect Having an international clientele can spell the difference between success and failure in today’s global market. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized businesses, also known as SMEs, since they are the engine of the world economy. Most scientific breakthroughs and business transformations are driven by them. SMEs […]

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View original article on Business Connect

Having an international clientele can spell the difference between success and failure in today’s global market. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized businesses, also known as SMEs, since they are the engine of the world economy. Most scientific breakthroughs and business transformations are driven by them. SMEs even developed the vaccination programme to fight COVID-19.

However, most SMEs are underserved and have limited access to trustworthy trade financing, which presents challenges to creating a robust global trading system. According to a report from the Asian Development Bank, SMEs are disproportionately affected by the $1.7 trillion trade finance gap, which is the difference between the number of applications to finance enterprises’ participation in international operations and the number of approvals.

Everyone agrees that COVID-19-related disruptions have made this shortfall worse and that it will persist unless measures are taken. Private banks have been rather sluggish in updating their decades-old trade financing procedures in light of the growing digitization of financial and commercial services. While multinational corporations, or MNCs, are leveraging innovation to redefine supply chain efficiency and transparency, SMEs, due to their small scale, find it difficult to capitalize on such opportunities.

SMEs play a significant role in international trade, so the situation needs to be remedied. This is where Tradewind Finance comes in—a global leader with years of experience and promising services that enable companies to prosper through international trade.

HELPING BUSINESSES GROW AND THRIVE
Tradewind was founded to assist various market segments and sectors in obtaining cross-border trade finance solutions. The firm finances manufacturers, wholesalers, traders, branded companies, distributors, importers and exporters, and other businesses. In particular, it serves clients who have the potential for rapid growth but are constrained, under stress, or financially impaired when it comes to international sales or who lack tangible assets but have sizable purchase orders. The firm can meet the varied needs of its clients because of its flexibility and capacity for customization.

One excellent offering is the firm’s Non-Recourse Export Factoring solution, a trade credit-insured method of receivables financing that is one of its exclusive offerings to suppliers, manufacturers and companies selling internationally. The buyer’s financial stability and creditworthiness are considered as opposed to the banks’ dual recourse options– mandating that debt be repaid in case of default – which expose both the client and the client’s buyer. This results in a win-win situation for both parties and allows firms to raise sales by offering customers extended credit terms.

Tradewind also provides clients with the margin and liquidity required to manage other pressing obligations via supply chain solutions that enable them to extend Days Payable without adversely affecting their financial position. The firm serves a variety of industries, including automotive, gaming, media, electronics, industrial & mechanical, food & beverage, seafood, apparel & textiles, and more.

While its practices and products vary by location, they always make sure to fulfill client needs. For instance, while providing export factoring services for major South Asian export centers, it offers supply chain solutions for markets exclusive to large corporations. Its ability to finance sales made on Open Accounts (O/A), Letters of Credit (L/C), and Cash against Documents (CAD) is made possible by its industrial exclusivity. The firm has a strategic presence in various markets but prefers working in emerging markets that serve developed economies.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO GLOBAL TRADE FINANCE
The ecosystem of global trade finance is made up of a variety of players. The buyers and sellers who make up this system’s core are primarily SMEs. 95% of all enterprises worldwide and more than 50% of all jobs are classified as SMEs or SME-related employment, respectively. They contribute up to 40% of the national income (GDP) in emerging economies. These indicators show vibrant SMEs are necessary for a robust trading ecosystem.

However, the current market has made it difficult for everyone to get liquidity. And with private banks, the situation is far worse. With stricter and more complex lending procedures, SMEs face challenges to establishing substantive success. Trade financing firms, however, are more adaptable and can provide SMEs with custom credit options, as well as cash-at-bank, without related debt. Tradewind has been persistent in supporting the rapid growth of firms and has solved liquidity challenges for the last 20 years.

The firm has a wealth of experience dating back to the early days of factoring Turkish textile exports to Europe and the expansion of its global business 10 years ago, including opening offices in Shanghai, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The firm has created several high-end trade finance partnerships across South Asia, including Hong Kong, over the years. “We financed $70 million to clients in Hong Kong last year, and we estimate it to increase more than $100 million this year,” says Peter Maerevoet, CFO and regional CEO of Asia, Tradewind Global.

The trade finance sector is expected to increase to $1 trillion by 2030, and Tradewind is contributing to that expansion as well. The firm is close to financing $2 billion so far this year and is dedicated to boosting global trade. Its tailor-made solutions have helped export businesses fulfill their financial obligations. With the help of its working capital injection services, companies have quickly seen considerable and sustainable business growth. The company’s team of trade finance experts gathers detailed data about and evaluates each client’s industry to provide solutions that are specifically tailored to address their unique challenges while fostering the expansion of their business and market.

SUPPORT FOR THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
While being a forerunner in export financing, Tradewind also excels in Supply Chain Finance (SCF). It offers financial and risk mitigation strategies to optimize the management of working capital and liquidity in the supply chain. This includes import financing, inventory financing, and vendor financing. The firm has customized financing programs that bridge financial gaps across the supply chain due to credit-based payment terms.

Eventually, clients’ cash flow is accelerated with immediate liquidity, aiding in timely vendor payments and expanding capacity to on-board additional business orders. Instead of waiting up to 3 to 4 months with doubts, funds are received within 48 hours after invoice submission. “Our products are designed to give businesses instant liquidity. This minimizes the time that is required to realize and receive payments from their foreign buyers,” explains Mr. Maerevoet.

The flexibility and tailoring have significantly helped in resolving the adversities of COVID-19 throughout the global supply chain. With regard to its clients and businesses looking for cash flow assistance, Tradewind has been more lenient in financing extended payments between buyers and sellers.

Since the firm’s focus is mostly on tangible assets, it encourages suppliers and retailers to work together compassionately rather than take sudden, harsh action that could ultimately disrupt their business. Tradewind’s global presence keeps it in close contact with both sides of a trade transaction. Clients can also receive local on-the-ground assistance in negotiations and collections as needed.

REVIVING THE UAE TRADE MARKET
Tradewind played an important role in the recovery of GCC nations from the pandemic, especially UAE. The country attracts robust capital flows from around the region thanks to government incentives for investors and the country’s continued commitment to technical and innovation breakthroughs. The pandemic affected the region significantly, upsetting its economic environment across Food & Beverage, renewable energy, Information and Communications Technology, healthcare, and real estate, to name a few sectors.

To revive the Gulf’s most liberal and resilient trading regime, Tradewind thoroughly examined the demographics and crises to create solutions that address the challenges and speed its growth. This was essential to drive purpose-led growth by navigating and predicting high-risk scenarios that could cause more disruptions and liquidity
concerns.

The decision to open up markets to trade and eliminate severe lockdowns and travel restrictions created the road for alternate financing sources to enter. Tradewind’s primary focus was the SME ecosystem, and it strived to lower the risks tied to global trade and balance the needs of exporters and importers.

To help both parties benefit and support the hub of international trade, the firm offered domestic factoring in the UAE, export factoring, and supply chain financing services. In a time of extraordinary stress on supply chains, this helped to free up working capital and boost sales expansion for both potential and existing clients, which reduced liquidity issues.

By rightly balancing technology and tailor-made solutions, Tradewind is able to address the unique needs of its clients while promising efficiency in the process. Tradewind takes pride in its Client Access Portal, which offers clients a clear view of submitted invoices, payment due dates for buyers, released payments, and a unified overview to continuously track business performance and progress.

THRIVING BEYOND COVID-19
Tradewind has made proven progress in assisting the global trade ecosystem to recover. In doing so, it has helped clients realize the benefits of alternative financing solutions. The “Black Swan Event” has shown banks scaling back and pulling back their financing lines. This led to clients resorting to alternative solutions and shifting from traditional lenders. This led to companies filing for administration and suppliers seeking to safeguard themselves from protracted defaults using non recourse funding and asset-light companies seeking collateral-free export financing solutions.

As a recognized leader in its industry, Tradewind had a surge in business inquiries and interactions. Initially, it offered credit facilities, but as the clientele expanded, it also scaled up its offerings. In the end, it was successful in filling numerous cash shortfalls brought on by supply chain delays. In addition, the firm is actively working to assist industries in managing the pressures in cross-trade. Mr. Maerevoet explains,

“Due to the extreme imbalance caused by pressures in cross-trade functions, a sizable portion of the sector lacks access to customized trade-financing tools and is unaware of their eligibility for the same. We are planning to inform them about this and provide the resources they need to grow and cope with disruptions”

PETER MAEREVOET LEADS WITH BIG BRAND EXPERIENCE
One of Tradewind’s growth drivers is Mr. Maerevoet, who has transformed the company into a strong, global player, well-connected to international brands and companies and a force to be reckoned with in the face of industrial rivalry.

He supervises the firm’s global finance team with an extensive background in international trade sourcing and supply chain financing operations from his previous positions at P&G in Belgium and Levi Strauss in the US. His leadership is based on the values of envisioning, enabling, and energizing, which drive Tradewind employees in their everyday work. Being raised at P&G, he learned from great mentors who took these 3 E’s by heart.

He believes in preparing the right vision, trusting and ensuring that the team can achieve the vision, and energizing them to achieve it. In comparison to competing entities like large banks, FinTech firms, and other global trade finance enterprises, this thought process has given the firm a competitive edge, especially in handling complex cases, and a reputation for providing quality service.

The firm offers better visibility and has more operational experience than its competitors, which makes it preferred. The firm also invests in its employees’ development. The firm currently has a global workforce of over 200 people and expects to add 20 people by the end of this year. As per the CEO, this will help in identifying new clients while strengthening relationships with existing ones.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR SMEs, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
Tradewind is a symbol of financial support, standing tall despite uncertain events and disruptions. With persistence and conviction, it has established a presence in 14 countries across 4 continents. Over the past 22 years, the firm has carved a unique niche in providing liquidity to global companies with customized cash flow solutions.

One of its biggest strengths is its global reach, and the company is proud of its multicultural team of international trade and cash-flow management specialists for maintaining it. Its effective management structure across geographies and constantly updated market insights keep it at the forefront of market challenges and demands. It also helps in balancing out an equal value proposition across locations.

The company is eyeing opportunities for product development and geographic expansion. Mr. Maerevoet adds, “We are looking into new markets where we can make a difference for regional SMEs.” It literally saved companies from bankruptcy and allowed others to grow exponentially. And it intends to pursue and succeed in this purpose in the years to come.

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Tradewind Finance Receives “Company of the Year” Award from Business Connect https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/10/04/tradewind-finance-receives-company-of-the-year-award-from-business-connect/ Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:48:00 +0000 https://www.beta.tradewindfinance.com/?p=18640 “Tradewind Finance’s admirable growth and differentiating factors drew [the] attention of Business Connect” This sentiment is enclosed in the top award Tradewind Finance recently received: “Company of the Year”. The honor was given to them by Business Connect, a publication that serves senior-level executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. The magazine’s recent cover story, which features Peter […]

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“Tradewind Finance’s admirable growth and differentiating factors drew [the] attention of Business Connect”

This sentiment is enclosed in the top award Tradewind Finance recently received: “Company of the Year”. The honor was given to them by Business Connect, a publication that serves senior-level executives, entrepreneurs, and investors.

The magazine’s recent cover story, which features Peter Maerevoet, Tradewind’s Global CFO and the Regional CEO for Asia, helps reveal what made Tradewind the top contender for the award. The firm provides cross-border trade finance to small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 90% of the world’s businesses. Its financing solutions remained a constant source of capital during the pandemic and are intended to continue delivering liquidity for SMEs in the future.

As the feature points out, Tradewind sets itself apart through the flexibility it affords companies who have the potential to grow, but lack the resources to do so. Tradewind largely focuses on financing exporters and manufacturers in emerging markets and uses a financing model that eliminates collateral and rigid borrowing criteria.

Tradewind is honored to have received the award and will continue to live up to what it represents.

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How well will Gulf businesses capitalise on World Cup Qatar 2022? (Published in Gulf News) https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/09/20/how-well-will-gulf-businesses-capitalise-on-world-cup-qatar-2022-published-in-gulf-news/ Tue, 20 Sep 2022 22:22:00 +0000 https://dev.tradewindfinance.com/blog/2022/09/20/how-well-will-gulf-businesses-capitalise-on-world-cup-qatar-2022-published-in-gulf-news/ View original article on Gulf News Global sporting events can prise open new chances for businesses – trade finance can help Peter Maerevoet, Special to Gulf News Like any major sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar will bring an influx of sponsorships, tourism, and a wealth of new opportunities. Businesses are aiming […]

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View original article on Gulf News

Global sporting events can prise open new chances for businesses – trade finance can help

Peter Maerevoet, Special to Gulf News

Like any major sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar will bring an influx of sponsorships, tourism, and a wealth of new opportunities. Businesses are aiming to make the most of this experience, but are also wary as they are at the post-Covid recovery stage. Therefore, most businesses want to ensure their moves are as profitable as possible, while involving minimal risk.

Catering to a global market can be quite challenging for any local business, especially if it involves foreign direct investments (FDI). Nevertheless, doing so successfully will mean growth for both the business and the local economy. Therefore, businesses need financial backing and support that will aid them in taking the step forward in terms of investments and scope of work while managing the risks of international trade.

Economic impact of sporting events

Evidence shows how hosting major sporting events increases FDI. The Investment Promotional Agency Qatar already reported that investments worth $19.2 billion were secured in Q2-2022 alone. As seen in other countries that have hosted major sporting events, the trend for FDIs tends to increase too.

According to PwC, the Middle East’s sports business is forecast to increase by 8.7 per cent over the next 3-5 years. The GCC sports sector is expected to grow the quickest overall, while the global sports industry is only expected to grow by 3 per cent. As hosts for the World Cup, many investors are now looking at Qatar and even possibly its neighbours like the UAE, which had a $13.79 billion FDI inflow in 2019, the highest in the region.

Some major beneficiaries of this event will be the tourism sector along with corporate travel and representatives to whom local business owners will have the chance to sell their products and services. The government expects to see a $17 billion boost in its economy due to the World Cup. The question now is, are businesses ready to go international?

Reduce risks in international transactions

Expanding into international trade can take businesses to the next level and is a natural next step for any enterprise. Events such as the World Cup pave the way to a number of openings – but it’s not without its risks. Here are a couple of risks with international trade and how they can be mitigated.

Payment terms and delays

One of the biggest challenges in international trade is payment. Long credit periods that can extend up to 90 or even 180 days after the goods have been dispatched are common. This can drain the company’s working capital, which in turn affects the smooth running of operations, payments to suppliers and overall working. However, using trade finance can insulate your business from these risks.

When it comes to payments, it is best to work with an intermediary. The intermediary advances the funds to the client and the buyer pays back the intermediary on the due date. This provides timely cash and ensures that businesses are able to fulfill their financial obligations on time.

Global variables

Issues like political unrest, economic downturns, and currency exchange rates can derail the delivery of goods and services or the transaction itself. Opting to seek the support of trade finance companies can help businesses navigate smoothly in international markets. They can offer the best advice on how to make the most of the current situations and utilize the opportunities in the global market.

Economies of scale

Most of the major sporting events last for a limited period of time and need to be capitalized on; however, being limited by current spending power can prevent businesses from doing so. Trade finance can help businesses place larger orders with suppliers to achieve economies of scale, which raise the possibility of more profits over a limited time and strengthen buyer relationships. This helps businesses enhance their competitive edge and buying power.

In essence, with a financial trade intermediary, you won’t be venturing into new opportunities on your own. You will be covered against business risk, cash crunches and any other business hiccups, helping you achieve your financial goals to your best potential.

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“Ten Years of Factoring, and a New Chapter”: Interview with Shanghai Commercial Factoring Association https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/08/30/ten-years-of-factoring-and-a-new-chapter-interview-with-shanghai-commercial-factoring-association/ Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:50:00 +0000 https://dev.tradewindfinance.com/blog/2022/08/30/ten-years-of-factoring-and-a-new-chapter-interview-with-shanghai-commercial-factoring-association/ Interviewee: Mr. Peter Maerevoet, Global CFO and Regional CEO for Asia at Tradewind International Factoring Limited Background Info: Tradewind International Factoring Limited is a member of Shanghai Commercial Factoring Association. Founded in 2000, with more than 20 offices in 14 countries including our headquarters in Germany, clients in over 30 countries, Tradewind Finance is at […]

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Interviewee: Mr. Peter Maerevoet, Global CFO and Regional CEO for Asia at Tradewind International Factoring Limited

Background Info: Tradewind International Factoring Limited is a member of Shanghai Commercial Factoring Association. Founded in 2000, with more than 20 offices in 14 countries including our headquarters in Germany, clients in over 30 countries, Tradewind Finance is at the forefront of international trade finance. Tradewind Finance services a variety of industries including food & beverage, seafood, electronics, automotive, chemical and consumer goods, among others.

Secretariat of Shanghai Commercial Factoring Association (Q):Hi Mr. Maerevoet, this year marks the tenth anniversary of commercial factoring pilot in mainland China. As a member of the first batch of foreign funded enterprises moved into Shanghai, who witnessed the development of this industry, would you please share your thoughts with us?

A: Time flies and ten years have passed. All sorts of feelings well up in my mind. Tradewind Finance entered the Chinese market in 2013, the second year after the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China launched the first batch of commercial factoring pilot projects. Since launching the business in China, Tradewind Finance has continued to focus on the field of factoring, empowering exporters with flexible and customized financing solutions to accelerate cash flow, reduce trade risks and lift worries for enterprises.

In the past ten years, Tradewind Finance has grown together with the domestic commercial factoring industry, witnessed the great changes in the development of the sector, and continued to win more clients in a diversity of businesses with high-quality services.

This decade is a milestone, and it has also laid a solid foundation for the future. The achievements of Tradewind Finance in the past ten years are inseparable from the sound and rapid development of China’s economy. Nowadays, the global environment is in crisis and there are more unpredictable risks, so exporters are faced with a complex and volatile trade situation. In this regard, Tradewind Finance actively embraces changes, makes flexible adjustments to financing solutions, continuously improves product competitiveness, and better reduces trade risks for clients.

Q: How would you describe the development of Tradewind Finance in the past ten years?

A: This decade has been a decade for Tradewind Finance to enrich factoring products and improve service standards, to help more Chinese enterprises expand their business, and to overcome difficulties and focus on achieving long-term strategies.

In 2013, Tradewind Finance entered the China market. Initially, its business in China was mainly focused on export factoring, and then it continued to expand its product line to provide tailor-made foreign trade financing solutions and supply chain financing services for local enterprises of all sizes. Considering that the global credit system is still developing and there are problems of information asymmetry, many Chinese importers must pay in full before their suppliers can ship their goods. The supply chain financing services offered by Tradewind Finance can release funds for upstream and downstream partners of enterprises, thus optimizing their cash flow and promoting their business development and expansion.

In the past decade, Tradewind Finance has also witnessed the opening and development of China. On November 7, 2018, the first China International Import Expo, the world’s first import-themed national exhibition, was inaugurated in Shanghai. Tradewind Finance held a high-end dinner in Shanghai and invited a number of Chinese clients, partners and friends to the dinner to announce the launch of a new supply chain financing product in China. With the support of Tradewind Finance, Chinese buyers can focus on business development without worrying about issues such as settlement and capital turnover.

On November 8, 2019, Tradewind Finance was invited to participate in the signing ceremony of the key projects in the Lujiazui area during the China International Import Expo (CIIE), and signed a cooperation agreement with Lujiazui Administration of Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Tradewind Finance’s cooperation with the Lujiazui administration helped provide trade finance for importers and exporters in the area, which is a hub for shipping. It brought more localized capital support solutions for Chinese import and export enterprises, increased their cash flow, reduced trade risks, and promoted the development of Chinese import and export enterprises’ business globally.

Q: Please allow me, on behalf of the trade association, to express my heartfelt thanks to you and Tradewind Finance for the contribution to China’s economy and the development of local companies! Tradewind Finance has been in China for ten years and has developed well. What do you think is the core competitiveness of Tradewind Finance?

A: The biggest advantage of Tradewind Finance lies in the ability to provide tailor-made financing solutions for clients. With a team of highly qualified trade finance experts on four continents and 22 years of operational experience, Tradewind Finance has the ability to handle more complex cases and has a high reputation in the industry.

Besides, as an international commercial factoring company with origins in Germany, Tradewind Finance not only inherits the German style of rigor and efficiency, but also achieves localization to the greatest extent. In addition to adjusting products and services to meet the needs of local enterprises, it has also been successfully recognized by China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE). Tradewind Finance also became the first factoring company to sign a factoring policy with SINOSURE, providing local enterprises with more diversified credit insurance options.

Q: In the past ten years, are there any people and events that have left a deep impression on you?

A: As an international trade finance company, Tradewind Finance is committed to solving clients’ cash flow problems, promoting their business development and scale expansion with customized financing solutions, and the amount of financing for clients can grow with the growth of their business.

Over the past decade, I have been impressed by the change in the business scale of two Chinese mainland clients. We are honored to cooperate with them and help them achieve rapid business expansion.

One client, whose main business is steel trading, only had a USD 5.9 million export factoring facility last year. After working with Tradewind Finance, the company has now increased its financing to US$20 million, as it has sufficient working capital to continue to invest in production and take on more orders without having to wait for payment under long terms.

Another client, whose main business is exporting frozen seafood, had a USD 10 million export factoring facility several years ago. But after years of cooperation with Tradewind Finance, it was able to develop more buyers, pay suppliers in time to enhance competitiveness, and now the figure is close to USD 23 million.

Q: Being able to witness the growth of clients might be the most delightful thing for us! China has a long history, and Chinese like to navigate the future by looking back to the past. Speak of the future, what are your expectations and prospects for Shanghai’s Commercial Factoring industry and for Tradewind Finance?

A: After ten years of hard work, Shanghai’s commercial factoring industry has experienced breakthroughs from scratch, leaps from small to large, and is in a butterfly transformation from big to strong. The development in the next ten years is also crucial. With the opening of a new chapter in the next decade, I believe that Shanghai’s commercial factoring industry will be able to create greater glories in the future!

Despite the complex and volatile international situation, Tradewind Finance’s international commercial factoring team not only overcame the continuous business interruptions caused by the epidemic, but also performed well. Tradewind Finance anticipates facilitating $200 million in financing requests this year to clients in mainland China. Looking ahead, Tradewind Finance will continue to build better communication with clients and expand the range of industries it serves, with a greater focus on improving the quality of customer service. As the strategic core shifts to Asia, Tradewind Finance will continue to provide high-quality and customized solutions to local trading companies, assisting them in obtaining financing more conveniently and quickly, in order to revitalize their cash flow and strengthen their business development initiatives.

Q: Thank you for accepting the interview. Wish Tradewind Finance a better development in next ten years!

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Tradewind Finance Reaches Over $35 Million in Funded Sales in First Half of 2022 for Americas Region https://www.tradewindfinance.com/ur/blog/2022/08/10/tradewind-finance-reaches-over-35-million-in-funded-sales-in-first-half-of-2022-for-americas-region/ Wed, 10 Aug 2022 18:24:00 +0000 https://www.beta.tradewindfinance.com/?p=18630 The team around René Pastor, who is now six months into his new role as CEO of the Americas division at Tradewind Finance, has worked hard providing capital to innovative businesses in the US, Latin America, and other markets around the globe. For the first half of 2022, Tradewind is delighted to share that the […]

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The team around René Pastor, who is now six months into his new role as CEO of the Americas division at Tradewind Finance, has worked hard providing capital to innovative businesses in the US, Latin America, and other markets around the globe. For the first half of 2022, Tradewind is delighted to share that the Americas team has completed 12 financing transactions amounting to over $35 million in revolving facilities.

Here is a snapshot of what they’ve accomplished to date:

    • $5M for an international aviation group offering ACMI leasing of its aircrafts to large international logistics providers
    • $3M for a Paraguay-based bathroom hardware manufacturer
    • $2M for a Hong Kong-based distributor of garments to US and European buyers
    • $9M for a Swiss metals trader
    • $6M for a US-based auto exporter
    • $2.25M for a Dutch agricultural trading company
    • $2.5M for a canned seafood company based in Miami
    • $1.5M for a Miami-based importer and distributor of frozen seafood
    • $350k for a newly-opened US sales office of a well-established furniture Turkish company
    • $1M for a sustainable crab importer in the US
    • $500K for a lumber exporter based in Brazil
    • $1.6M for Paraguay-based garment manufacturer

From aviation to agriculture, Tradewind serves a vast range of industries and can offer different brackets of funding to businesses seeking to improve their cash flow. Looking ahead, the team plans to sustain this growth momentum with new and existing clients in the upcoming months.

Thank you to our partners, brokers, and the whole team for making the first half of the year a success.

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