Objective:To provide bank staff with a comprehensive understanding of the various risks involved in Letter of Credit (LC) transactions and equip them with strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks effectively. 1. Introduction Letters of Credit (LCs) are widely used instruments in international trade, providing a secure payment mechanism for both buyers (applicants) and…
Objective:To equip trade finance staff with practical knowledge of International Standard Banking Practice (ISBP 745) and Incoterms, highlighting their interaction within documentary credit transactions and illustrating real-world implications through case studies. 1. Overview of ISBP 745 What is ISBP 745?The International Standard Banking Practice (ISBP 745) is a publication by the International Chamber of Commerce…
Objective:To familiarize bank staff with the purpose, scope, and operational framework of the Uniform Rules for Bank-to-Bank Reimbursements under Documentary Credits (URR 725) issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). These rules provide clarity, consistency, and efficiency in processing reimbursements between banks under documentary credit arrangements. 1. Introduction to URR 725 URR 725 is…
Objective:To provide bank staff with a clear understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and rights of each party involved in a Letter of Credit (LC) transaction, in accordance with international banking practices and regulatory frameworks. 1. Introduction to Letter of Credit (LC) A Letter of Credit (LC) is a financial instrument issued by a bank on…
Objective:To equip bank staff with the necessary knowledge and procedural understanding for effectively handling bills under Letters of Credit (LC), ensuring timely payments, accurate documentation, and full regulatory compliance. 1. Tracking and Monitoring of Bills a. Bill Status MonitoringStaff must monitor each bill’s lifecycle—from acceptance to negotiation and eventual settlement—ensuring that timelines stipulated under the…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure that banks exercise due diligence and maintain transparency and discipline in the issuance of Letters of Credit (LCs). These safeguards are intended to mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks while preserving the integrity of the LC as a trusted trade finance instrument. Procedural…
In a Letter of Credit (LC) transaction, documentary scrutiny is a vital process undertaken by banks to ensure that the documents presented by the beneficiary (exporter) strictly comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the LC. This examination involves assessing the authenticity, accuracy, completeness, and internal consistency of the submitted documents, in alignment with…
In a Letter of Credit (LC) transaction, multiple parties are involved—each with distinct liabilities, responsibilities, and rights. These parties include the issuing bank, applicant (buyer), beneficiary (seller), and, where applicable, the confirming and advising banks. The central premise of an LC arrangement is that the issuing bank undertakes an irrevocable commitment to pay the beneficiary…
A Documentary Letter of Credit (DLC), often simply referred to as a Letter of Credit (LC), is a widely used instrument in international trade transactions. It represents a formal commitment by a bank, acting on behalf of the buyer (applicant), to pay the seller (beneficiary) upon presentation of specified documents that prove shipment of goods…
(Generally, there are eight parties involved in letter of credit transactions, out of which four principal parties involved in any transaction. This article briefs about four principal parties and other four ordinarily involved in letters of credit transactions). Definition of Letter of Credit: Letter of credit (LC) is an undertaking letter issued by the importer’s…