CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE – Sean Edwards, ITFA Chairman, October 2024

Dear Members and Friends,

Welcome to the October edition of the ITFA Newsletter!  We are thrilled to share the latest updates, news and insights from ITFA.

I am excited to announce that preparations are in full swing for our 51st annual conference, set to take place in none other than the vibrant city of Singapore—a global hub of innovation, culture, and now… trade finance! With its stunning skyline, rich heritage, and world-class infrastructure, Singapore offers the perfect backdrop for another inspiring gathering of the trade finance community.  Stay tuned for more!

In this month’s newsletter, you will discover a range of timely and engaging articles.  Highlights include an ‘Update on Digitalisation and Distribution’ which emerged from last month’s ITFA Annual Conference, a revealing ‘Q&A: ITFIE Ramps up Efforts to Attract Investors to Trade’, and an insightful look into ‘ITFA’s Technology-Driven Approach to SME Financing’.  Also, a feature on the ‘Inaugural GTR CEE Kicks Off in Vienna with ITFA’s Support’, and another compelling Q&A ‘Q&A: New Advocacy Committee To be “More Proactive”’.  Dive in to stay informed and inspired by the latest in our industry!

Looking ahead to November, we have several exciting events lined up. On 5 November, Eastnets is sponsoring a webinar titled “Utilize technology to combat trade-based financial crime: A Battle you cannot afford to lose.” Then, on 12 November, the ITFA ARC/SERC webinar will delve into different perceptions of risk in African trade finance. In addition, the Emerging Leaders Committee is becoming increasingly active, with several events happening in November across multiple locations, including London, Mumbai, Dubai, and Chicago. Moreover, on 12 November, the ITFA German Regional Committee will also hold an educational and networking event in Munich.

In this issue of our newsletter, I also want to remind you about the article, “Voices from our Regions” where we are excited to share events that took place across our global network in the last few weeks. This includes the ITFA MERC Trade Distribution Forum which was held in Dubai on the 18 September, and the ITFA Emerging Leaders event held in Frankfurt on the 25 September.

As we approach the festive season, we have much to celebrate, with the ITFA Christmas events being planned at London, the Middle East and Zurich! More details about the three events can be found on our website.

Finally, we are excited to announce and welcome the following institutions to our ever-growing association – Advance Global Capital (AGC) and Intercredit Bank, N.A.

Our message continues to resonate, and we eagerly anticipate your feedback. Feel free to reach out to me directly, any of the Board Members, or our general email at info@itfa.org.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy reading this edition of the ITFA newsletter. 

Best wishes,

Sean Edwards