Edition 04 | August 2025
Welcome to TraydGuru Insights, your regular briefing on the evolving landscape of digital and traditional trade finance. As technology continues to reshape global trade operations, staying informed of emerging practices, regulatory developments, and innovation trends is critical.
Each edition offers practical perspectives, analysis of market shifts, and a closer look at how digital tools are transforming trade processes. Whether you are enhancing operational models, navigating compliance, or driving new business strategies, TraydGuru brings clarity to a rapidly changing trade world.
Chainlink
This report explores the current state of digital verification in financial services, outlining the opportunity for blockchain-enabled identity and how GLEIF and Chainlink strengthen organizational identity and help automate processes that support compliance.
https://chain.link/resources/digital-identity-automated-compliance
Asian Development Bank
ADB is deploying digital as an enabler to open new frontiers in climate resilience, financial inclusion, green innovation, and social equity.
ICC/World Bank
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Bank Group have announced a new collaboration to boost SME growth, jobs and economic resilience in developing economies. By combining ICC’s global business network with the World Bank’s development expertise, the collaboration will advance trade digitalisation, financial inclusion, and capacity building.
Financial Times
Britain’s financial regulators are failing to deliver the critical reforms required to unlock an estimated £22 billion in trade finance for small businesses, according to the UK branch of the International Chamber of Commerce.
In a letter addressed to the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority of the Bank of England, the ICC highlighted an “urgent need” to overhaul the regulatory approach to trade finance, which underpins global trade flows.
The letter, reviewed by the Financial Times, criticised the current framework as “antiquated” and argued that it undermines the advantages of the Electronic Trade Documents Act introduced in 2023, which aimed to modernise the documentation process for exports.
https://www.ft.com/content/9508ae4f-0b02-48be-83cd-9e7d8e881bb1
AI Standards
This ICC policy paper highlights how divergent AI regulations across countries can lead to fragmented global markets and increased business costs. ICC calls for greater coordination on the development of international, market-driven AI standards, to bridge legal differences, reduce compliance burdens, improve market access and enhance cross-border innovation.
Singapore and EFTA
Singapore and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States have successfully concluded negotiations on the EFTA-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (ESDEA). This landmark agreement aims to enhance integration between the two sides and establishes a comprehensive, high-standard framework for trusted and inclusive digital trade.
https://opengovasia.com/singapore-and-efta-forge-agreement-to-boost-digital-trade/?c=gb
HSBC
HSBC announces trade finance loan partnership with logistics platform Cainiao.
Afreximbank
Jamaica has officially acceded to the Establishment Agreement of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), becoming the 13th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member State of the African Multilateral Financial Institution.
https://www.afreximbank.com/jamaica-accedes-to-afreximbank-strengthening-ties-to-global-africa/
Bangladesh Bank
The Bangladesh Bank has directed banks to adhere to international rules and regulations in import-export transactions based on sales contracts. Specifically, when using the documentary collection method, banks are required to strictly follow the internationally recognised Uniform Rules for Collection (URC). As per earlier instructions, banks are required to comply with the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP 600) for all Letters of Credit (LC)-based transactions – for both imports and exports.
Traydstream
Interoperability in trade finance is a topic that has been examined from every angle. Its advantages, improved efficiency, enhanced security, and stronger collaboration, are routinely championed at industry events across the globe. And yet, despite the consensus on its value, genuine interoperability remains elusive. This persistent gap was among the many issues explored at the Collaborative Trade Finance Innovation Forum on 18 June, a joint initiative by Surecomp and Traydstream aimed at uniting the industry to confront the challenges of digital transformation. Across panel discussions, roundtables, and keynote presentations, five recurring themes emerged, reflecting how a diverse range of stakeholders, from global banks to corporate CFOs, are engaging with the evolving priorities of digitalisation, collaboration, and the future shape of trade finance.
Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled Athena, a generative AI tool aimed at improving customer service delivery and towards the banking group’s digital transformation.
https://techinformed.com/lloyds-bank-rolls-out-genai-tool-blockchain-trial/
Blockchain
U.S. Bank has completed its first fully digital trade finance transaction, marking a significant step away from traditional paper-based processes in global trade. As the first American lender to execute such a transaction via WaveBL, a blockchain platform enabling secure, encrypted transfer of trade documents between parties, this signals broader implications that extend well beyond the transaction itself.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2025/07/20/trade-finance-is-finally-going-on-chain/
JP Morgan
Mobile Technology Network South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (MTN SA), a leading mobile telecommunications operator, has successfully executed the inaugural transaction using J.P. Morgan’s new Electronic Bill of Exchange (eBoE) solution, representing a significant milestone in the ongoing digitisation of global trade finance.
India Bills of Lading Act
On 21 July 2025, India’s Parliament passed the landmark Bills of Lading Act, 2025, an historic legislative overhaul that replaces the long-outdated Indian Bills of Lading Act of 1856. Hailed by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, as a ‘watershed moment’ for India’s maritime industry, the Act signals a decisive break from colonial-era statutes, introducing a contemporary, digitally-enabled legal framework. Now pending Presidential assent, the legislation is set to modernise the country’s shipping landscape, align it more closely with international trade norms, and support India’s broader ambition of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Euromoney
Leading fintechs tell Euromoney how they are addressing industry concerns over the slow pace of trade finance digitalisation and where their solutions are adding value.
electronic bills of lading
Commerzbank, Siemens and freight forwarder Fr. Meyer’s Sohn (FMS) report that they have completed a test of digital trade transaction capabilities between Germany and China using an electronic bill of lading (eBL), under a letter of credit arrangement.
https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/2025/07/25/germany-china-electronic-bill-of-lading-trial-completed/
ADB
Tariffs and trade uncertainty are dampening the outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific, with growth forecasts downgraded to 4.7% for 2025 and 4.6% for 2026. Risks include renewed tariff hikes, geopolitical tensions, and further property market weakness in the People’s Republic of China.
DSI
DSI unveils roadmap to digital trade. On 21 July, DSI launched its latest report, Digitalising Global Trade: A Roadmap to Interoperability and Trust at Scale, which outlines the technical building blocks needed to transform today’s fragmented trade landscape into a connected, inclusive digital ecosystem.
About TraydGuru
TraydGuru is dedicated to making digital and traditional trade finance more accessible, understandable, and actionable. With a focus on operational innovation, emerging market practices, and regulatory developments, TraydGuru Bulletin provides trade professionals with clear analysis and practical perspectives. In a world where technology is reshaping every aspect of global commerce, TraydGuru helps you navigate change – and lead it.
