THE VOICES FROM OUR REGIONS – June 2025

ITFA Americas Regional Committee, Global Economic Outlook Briefing, June 2025

Contributed by the Americas Regional Committee

On May 8th, the ITFA Americas Regional Committee hosted a successful Global Economic Outlook Briefing at the Swiss Re offices in Toronto. The event brought together industry professionals to gain insights into the current economic landscape, characterized by increasing trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions. Azzizza Larsen from Marsh opened the session, setting the stage for Prince Owusu, Senior Economist at Export Development Canada (EDC), who delivered a comprehensive briefing on navigating the complexities of both the global and North American economies. This was followed by a networking reception, providing the nearly 50 attendees an invaluable platform to discuss and debate the data and trends presented. Overall, the briefing was an unmissable opportunity for trade professionals to stay informed and make sound business decisions in an ever-shifting economic environment.

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Successful ITFA SERC Trade Finance conference in Paris (a first in France)!

Contributed by the ITFA SERC Regional Committee

On the 12^th June, Crédit Agricole CIB had the pleasure and honor of hosting the ITFA Southern European Regional Trade Finance conference for its first edition in France.

The event was a great success and brought together more than 115 professionals from across the European trade finance ecosystem: banks, insurers, brokers, Fintechs and other trade finance experts.

Top-tier speakers and timely topics shaping the current trade finance landscape, from macroeconomic shifts that impact global trade flows to the next phase in the digitalization of trade instruments. We also explored how inventory finance was gaining traction in today’s market context, and we dove deep in the evolving dynamics and challenges in supply chain finance with the post-maturity financing.

The event was widely praised for its relevance, remarkable speakers, the high-quality exchanges and a vibrant networking cocktail which made a truly memorable event!

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ITFA visits to the Dominican Republic: A Strategic Step Toward ITFA’s Growth in the Americas, June 2025

Contributed by Hernan Mayol, Board Member – ITFA Americas Representative, May 2025

On May 19, 2025, financial and trade leaders convened at the Intercontinental Real Santo Domingo for the ITFA Latin America Cocktail Reception — a significant first step in developing a local ITFA member community in the Dominican Republic, and part of a broader strategy to expand ITFA’s presence across Central America and the Caribbean.

As regional trade evolves, countries like the Dominican Republic are emerging as strategic hubs for commerce and financial services. With its geographic position, economic stability, and growing influence in trade corridors, the Dominican Republic is playing a leading role in shaping the future of regional trade — not just as a participant, but as a connector between Latin America, the Caribbean, and global markets.

The reception brought together top institutions including Banreservas, Banco Popular Dominicano, Banco BHD León, Scotiabank República Dominicana, and Banco Santa Cruz, along with Deloitte, Bank of America, Intercredit Bank, the Asociación de Bancos Múltiples (ABA) the local banking Association, government officials, and industry consultants. Their participation reflects the shared vision of building stronger, cross-border collaboration and aligning local capabilities with international best practices.

As Chair of the ITFA Latin America Regional Committee (LARC), Hernán Mayol welcomed guests and outlined ITFA’s growing commitment to the region, highlighting the organization’s role in uniting institutions, fostering innovation, and providing access to global expertise.

“ITFA thrives where trade thrives. By expanding our presence in Central America and the Caribbean, we’re helping elevate key markets — like the Dominican Republic — to lead regional integration and drive meaningful growth in trade finance.”

This event marked the beginning of ITFA’s deeper engagement in the region. We look forward to working with local partners to expand membership, share knowledge, and build a collaborative community across Central America and the Caribbean.

The momentum is here — and the path forward is full of opportunity.”

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ITFA Americas: Challenges Facing the Supply Chain Finance Industry, Los Angeles

Contributed by the ITFA Americas Regional Committee The ITFA Los Angeles kick-off event on May 21, 2025, was a resounding success, marking a strong start for the local chapter. With an impressive turnout of 40 participants, the event demonstrated the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to advancing the supply chain finance industry. The panel discussion, featuring Brent Causey Managing Director and Head of Supply Chain, City National Bank, Delvina Kolich Director of Origination, Americas, Orbian, and David Habib Owner, Law Office of David J. Habib, moderated by Nasrin Nourizadeh, Divisional Vice President, FCIA, offered deep and engaging insights into the challenges facing the sector today. Attendees particularly appreciated the networking lunch seminar, which provided a warm and welcoming space to reconnect with peers and forge new professional relationships after years apart. The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscored the event’s success and the strong appetite for continued engagement in the region.

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ITFA SEARC EVENT, “TARIFFS & THEIR RIPPING EFFECTS ON ASEAN’S TRADE”, June 2025

Contributed by the ITFA SEARC Regional Committee, May 2025

Amidst the ongoing evolution of global tariffs, Trade Finance professionals gathered in Singapore on 29 May 2025 to make the ITFA SEARC Event, “Tariffs & Their Rippling Effects on ASEAN’s Trade”, a success.

Parisha Saimba, EM Asia Macro Strategist, BNP Paribas shared insights on liquidity and foreign exchange, highlighting potential impacts across various countries against the backdrop of the highest effective tariff rates since 1903 and the continued likelihood of elevated uncertainty. Attendees across the industry shared their views on actions and strategies for hedging foreign exchange risk observed in the market, making it a truly interactive event. 

The esteemed panel—Ashutosh Kumar (MD, Head of Global Transaction Banking, APAC, Mizuho Bank), Charley Zhang (Head of Trade & Working Capital, APAC, JP Morgan), Hoang Anh Le Nguyen (APAC Geographic-Lead, Trade Finance & Working Capital Solutions, Swiss Re), and Sebastien Avot (MD, APAC Head of Institutional Cash & Trade, Deutsche Bank)—moderated by Neha Noronha (ITFA SEA Regional Committee member,Unit Head (South Asia) – Trade and Supply Chain Finance

Asian Development Bank), offered valuable and realistic perspectives on potential areas of growth amidst this uncertainty, as well as the impact on trade flows and supply chain activity across Asia.

Vipin Vashishtha, Chairman of ITFA and MD & Global Head of Trade Asset Sales & Syndications at Standard Chartered, concluded the event by emphasising the importance of coming together as a community to be better equipped to face uncertainty collectively. Thank you to all our attendees, to Swiss Re for sponsoring the event, and to the ITFA SEARC Committee for making it such an engaging and memorable occasion!

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