In a recent live session co-organized by Surecomp titled “Empowering Treasurers, Trade Finance Management Strategies,” industry experts provided valuable insights into the world of trade finance. The panel, featuring Eddy Veenstra from Vanderlande, Enno-Burghard Weitzel from Surecomp, and Niki van Zanten, treasury and FX expert, delved into critical aspects of trade finance processes.

The discussion was skillfully moderated by Pieter de Kiewit, a treasuryXL ambassador and the owner of Treasurer Search.

Recap

Eddy Veenstra emphasized the importance of payment guarantees and performance bonds in international projects at Vanderlande and highlighted customer preferences for bank guarantees, even from lower-rated banks. Niki van Zanten stressed the need for bid bonds and navigating guarantees efficiently.

The discussion uncovered the challenges faced by smaller companies dealing with complex trade finance requirements. The speakers stressed the connection between financing and supply chains and the need for modernization.

They also discussed the move away from outdated processes , emphasizing on streamlining processes, collaboration platforms, and corporate-to-corporate approvals.

Eddy shared his experience at Vanderlande, where new procedures and standardized forms simplified guarantee issuance and portfolio management. Risk mitigation and finding a balance between speed and risk management were key topics.

The panelists highlighted the complexity of trade finance processes and the role of technology, such as connectivity through APIs but also language models like ChatGPT, in streamlining assessments of legal documentation.

Surecomp’s efforts to improve corporate guarantee issuance processes were showcased, with a focus on management, reporting, and digital communication, resulting in cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Lastly, the selection processes for banks and suppliers in trade finance were discussed, emphasizing the importance of balancing regional needs, currency requirements, and customer preferences.

Pieter’s final question to the panelists was about their insights into the developments expected in trade finance over the coming years and decade. To discover their intriguing responses and outlook, please tune in to the recording…




Go to our Live Session recording page to watch our previous sessions. Enjoy!

Speakers

Eddy Veenstra

Customer Finance Director at Vanderlande

A visionary ex-banker, Eddy transformed Vanderlande as Customer Finance Director, revolutionizing warehousing and logistics. Renowned for his integrity, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Eddy continues to inspire and redefine success in the industry.

Enno-Burghard Weitzel

Senior Vice President Strategy & Digitization at Surecomp

A seasoned business strategist and digital trade finance expert, Enno is formerly the head of trade finance product at Commerzbank. Enno has a proven track record of driving innovation. With his deep industry knowledge and visionary leadership, he continues to shape the future of digital trade finance transformation.

Niki van Zanten

treasury and seasoned FX expert

treasuryXL

Niki is a long time treasury professional filled with fresh ideas and a allround developed tool set. In the past 20 years he built experience in all pillars of Treasury (cash management, corporate finance, (FX) risk management) maintaining focus on what matters most to individual stakeholders.

Niki doesn’t tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear.

Pieter de Kiewit

Moderator | treasuryXL Ambassador

Owner of Treasurer Search

With his passion for treasury and recruitment Pieter started his successful treasury recruitment company, Treasurer Search, in 2009, and is a proud treasuryXL ambassador. His down to earth mentality combined with his open, honest and authentic communication has brought him a warm and valuable network within the treasury world.

As a speaker and moderator for a variety of events and his well-known presence in the treasury world, Pieter is the go to person to moderate this event.

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