Mastering trade finance: Credit, negotiations, & risk International trade creates risk for trading parties relating to uncertainty over the timing of payments between exporters and importers. For instance, an exporter often has a cash flow shortfall when it provides trade credit to an importer. This is because payment is not received until some

Nonferrous metals: Indispensable business materials A nonferrous metal is an alloy or metal that does not contain an appreciable amount of iron in its chemical composition. There are many metals that fall into this definition, but only a few of these metals are traded on exchanges. We can split these traded nonferrous

What are green bonds? As interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues has grown, the market for green bonds and other green assets has expanded rapidly. Today, this market includes a wide range of green debt instruments and new asset types are emerging regularly. However, a lack of universal global standards for

CBDC momentum slows The development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has been a priority for central banks across the globe over the last few years. Recently, however, momentum has stalled. Apart from China’s digital yuan, CBDCs across major economies are yet to be launched, with some at more advanced stages of development

Toward a “new normal” for bonds? Global bonds markets appear to be in a state of structural volatility. While inflationary pressures and fiscal concerns are the most oft-cited factors, the apparent failure of the markets to adapt their expectations could be just as significant. In September 2024, the Fed embarked

What is corporate governance? Corporate governance is concerned with optimizing and improving how companies are managed and monitored, with the goal of benefiting all stakeholders and minimizing downside risks. Shareholders, the board of directors, management, employees, and other stakeholders all have a role to play in ensuring that companies adhere to the highest

What is operational risk? Unlike most other industries, banks earn income by taking risks, primarily by accepting exposures to credit and market risk. Banks are, however, exposed to a range of other risks. Operational risk, for instance, can be found in all banking products, activities, processes, and systems. The Basel Committee on Banking

What is PSD2? The second EU Payment Services Directive (PSD2) builds on the first such Directive (PSD1) by providing for the further development of a better-integrated internal market for electronic payments across the EU. PSD2 puts in place a comprehensive framework for payment services, with the objective of making payments within the EU