From Inquiry to Instrument — 5 Simple Steps
We have streamlined the trade finance process so that importers, exporters, and project developers can access top-rated bank instruments quickly, without the traditional barriers of collateral or cash margin.
A Simpler Path to Institutional Finance
Traditional trade finance requires applicants to pledge assets, maintain large cash deposits, or have long-standing relationships with major banks. Prime Trade Finance removes these barriers by leveraging our direct banking relationships — so you get the instrument you need based on the merits of your trade transaction.
Five Steps to Your Instrument
Transaction Details
We begin by collecting the full details of your transaction — the instrument type required, transaction value, counterparty information, beneficiary details, and the required validity period.
Our specialists review every submission within 24 hours and will contact you to confirm receipt and request any additional documentation needed to proceed.
- Trade contract or pro forma invoice
- Counterparty / beneficiary details
- Instrument type and validity period
- Applicant business registration
Draft Instrument
Based on your transaction details, our team prepares a full draft of the instrument — including all conditions, wording, and validity terms — for your review before any commitment is made.
We work closely with you to ensure the draft precisely matches your counterparty's requirements, eliminating discrepancies that could delay acceptance or payment.
- Instrument draft for client review
- Bank selection confirmation
- Proposed wording and conditions
- Validity and expiry terms
Approved Draft
You review and approve the draft instrument. Once confirmed, the instrument wording is finalised and submitted to the issuing bank for processing.
No instrument proceeds to issuance without your explicit approval of the draft. This ensures complete alignment between all parties before any bank fees are incurred.
- Client approval confirmation
- Finalised instrument wording
- Issuing bank submission
- Timeline confirmation
Invoicing & Agreement
Upon draft approval, we issue a formal invoice and service agreement outlining the fees, terms, and issuance timeline. Payment of the service fee confirms your instruction to proceed.
All fees are agreed upfront with no hidden charges. The service agreement provides full transparency on the issuance process and your obligations as the applicant.
- Service invoice
- Fee schedule
- Service agreement
- Instruction to proceed confirmation
Issuance — 7 to 10 Working Days
Your instrument is issued by a top-rated, investment-grade bank and transmitted directly to your counterparty's bank via authenticated SWIFT message — MT700 for LCs, MT760 for SBLCs and BGs.
Issuance is completed within 7 to 10 working days of receiving your confirmed instruction and payment. SWIFT transmission ensures your instrument is authenticated by the beneficiary's bank promptly.
- SWIFT MT700 / MT760 confirmation
- Instrument copy for your records
- Bank issuance certificate
- Validity and expiry confirmation
Structured on Trade Merit, Not Balance Sheet Size
Traditional banks require collateral because they are taking a credit risk on the applicant. Prime Trade Finance structures transactions differently — we assess the underlying trade transaction, the counterparty's credibility, and the instrument's conditions. This allows us to issue instruments based on the strength of the trade, not the size of your balance sheet.
Trade-Based Assessment
We evaluate the underlying trade transaction — the goods, the counterparty, and the commercial terms — rather than requiring asset pledges.
Direct Banking Relationships
Our established relationships with top-rated banks allow us to issue instruments that would otherwise require significant collateral from the applicant.
Preserved Working Capital
By eliminating cash margin requirements, we ensure your working capital remains available for your business operations throughout the transaction.
Common Questions
Start Your Application Today
Our specialists are ready to review your transaction and structure the right instrument within 24 hours.
Apply Now