GTR Magazine - May/June 2013
Rue Britannia
The UK economy is flatlining and the medicine, thus far, isn’t working. Finbarr Bermingham reports on an exports sector in dire need of resuscitation.
The rise of the special agents
No export credit agency reflects the growing importance of such institutions better than US Exim. From its annual conference in Washington DC, Finbarr Bermingham reports record-breaking growth, but room for development.
UK exports: A work in progress
2012 saw a flurry of government initiatives to promote UK exports, but more needs to be done to make sure exporters benefit from them.
ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS:
Hugh Bailey, director, British Exporters Association (BExA)
David Havelock, chief executive, UK Export Finance (UKEF)
Mark Runiewicz, CEO, Trade and Export Finance Ltd
Legal regulatory review
Basel III, FATCA and compliance with global sanctions are some of the salient trends highlighted by lawyers active in the trade finance market today, writes Kevin Godier.
Commodity finance: After the storm
Commodity finance experts discuss the impact that the global financial crisis, the rise of Africa and the discovery of shale gas reserves in the US have had on the sector.
Roundtable participants:
Philip Prowse, partner, Clyde & Co (Chair)
John MacNamara, global head of structured commodity trade finance, Deutsche Bank
Bernard Zonneveld, MD, global head, structured metals and energy finance, ING
John Turnbull, global head of structured trade and commodity finance, SMBC Europe
Mike Johnstone, director, Loan Market Association (LMA)
Stephen Tricks, consultant, Clyde & Co
Brady Q&A
GTR’s Melodie Michel catches up with Gavin Lavelle, CEO of commodity trading software company Brady, on how recent changes in the market have increased the need for strong compliance systems for traders.
Multi-banking: Multiple choices
As a growing number of corporates seek out multi-bank trade finance solutions, third-party providers are witnessing growing demand for their offerings. But the days of proprietary solutions are not over, and banks may yet have another hand to play. Liz Salecka reports.
Aircraft finance: Ready for take-off
As orders for new aircraft reach unprecedented levels, tight liquidity and a tough regulatory backdrop could pose challenges to airlines looking for financing at a competitive rate. Eleanor Wragg reports.
Out of Africa
When GTR’s Africa editorial board gathered for its annual meeting in Cape Town, talks centred on financing opportunities for local banks, competition from international banks, and how the playing field is being levelled.
Focus on Tanzania
In light of new gas finds and significant international investment, how can resource-rich Tanzania continue to unlock its potential, asks Paige McClanahan.
Australia: Focus on efficiency
A strong dollar and a drop in coal exports are affecting Australia’s competitiveness, but the country’s economic health remains solid. Melodie Michel reports.
Lebanese banks keep options open
The Lebanese economic climate is tougher than usual, but adversity in one area is breeding innovation in another, writes Sarah Rundell.
Trade and terrorism in the Sahel
The greatest impact of the rise in political violence in the Sahel and West Africa has been on perceptions of doing business in the region rather than on actual trade volumes themselves. Elizabeth Stephens, head of credit and political risk analysis at JLT Specialty, reports.
Turkey aims for the top
Turkish companies, banks and policymakers are all singing from the same hymn sheet as the country tries to meet ambitious export targets. Finbarr Bermingham reports.
