(A question that often pops up over coffee among trade bankers) Sometimes in LC discussions, what seems like a simple question turns out to be surprisingly layered. A friend recently asked whether an advising bank can discount a deferred payment under a confirmed LC, when the confirmation was added by another bank. At first glance, you might think, “Why not?” …

From time to time, I receive interesting questions from trade professionals that touch on both the letter and the spirit of UCP 600. Here’s one from Mr. C.R. Nishanth about a Certificate of Origin clause that uses the term “legal competent authority.” __________ QUESTION Dear Sir, How’s it going? I have the below clause mentioned in the Letter of Credit: …

Every now and then, exporters face a tricky situation — two letters of credit, same buyer, same goods, same vessel, and the urge to save time by presenting one combined set of documents. Sounds harmless enough, right? Not quite. What looks like a paperwork shortcut can easily turn into a “combined drawing” discrepancy — a frequent headache for both beneficiaries …

Intro  Our friend Thomas from a Korean bank brought up two rather unusual LC situations that would make even the most seasoned trade finance professional pause for a sip of coffee.  In the first, the confirming bank adds its confirmation but signs a side agreement with the beneficiary — allowing recourse if the issuing bank refuses payment due to discrepancies. …

When a Letter of Credit (LC) says it’s available with any bank by deferred payment and requires a Bill of Lading (B/L) made out to the order of the negotiating bank and endorsed to the issuing bank, exporters sometimes get stuck on a practical question: To whose order should the Bill of Lading actually be issued? _____ QUESTION Dear Mr. …

Intro: Every once in a while, a question pops up that seems simple but opens a door into the practical logic behind trade finance. This one came from Max, who was planning to use a revolving letter of credit for regular shipments and wanted to understand how the “cumulative” and “automatic” features actually work in real life. Question from Max …

A reader’s question to Mr. Old Man on interpreting Bills of Lading in transshipment cases Introduction In container trade, it’s common to see Bills of Lading (B/Ls) that mention both a feeder vessel and a mother vessel. However, confusion often arises when the same vessel appears as both the “Feeder Vessel” and “Ocean Vessel” on different pages of the B/L. …

Intro Confirmed LCs are designed to give exporters peace of mind — the comfort that even if the issuing bank or its country faces trouble, a confirming bank (often in the exporter’s own country) will step in and pay. But what if the confirming bank itself goes under before documents are presented? This question, raised by Ts., is not just …

Intro: Sometimes a small wording twist in an insurance document can spark big compliance headaches. One reader recently asked whether an insurance policy showing both the beneficiary and the issuing bank as insured parties meets LC requirements. Let’s see what Mr. Old Man has to say. QUESTION Dear Mr. Old Man, Warm greetings. I hope this message finds you well. …

INTRO Everyone in trade finance knows the famous “five banking days” rule under UCP 600 — but confusion often arises about what happens after those five days. If the bank finds the documents complying, must it pay right away? Or can it wait until the fifth day (or even later) to release the funds? _____ QUESTION Dear Mr. Old Man, …