via Trade Finance Global by Doğa Usanmaz, Joanne Fraser, Edward Collis, and Alina-Elena Pauna
Trade finance events tend to centre on the trials and tribulations of banks, analysing how developments in the industry – be it because of digitalisation or geopolitical mayhem – impact those on the financing side of international trade.
Corporates are viewed through the eyes of banks, a sight blurred by clouds of rigid regulation and tight liquidity. Banks are investing in automation and new payment infrastructure, but the perspective of the corporate end user is often missing from the equation.
During this year’s BAFT Europe Forum, hosted in London, a panel titled ‘The Voice of The Ultimate End User – The Global Corporates’, brought together representatives from across the corporate and non-profit spectrum – all the way from the charity end with Save the Children to global energy company Shell and consumer goods company British American Tobacco.