Global Supply Chain Finance Forum issues payables finance guidance
The Global Supply Chain Finance Forum (GSCFF) – an initiative comprising the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Finance for Development Banking Commission, BAFT (Bankers Association for
Finance and Trade), the Euro Banking Association (EBA), Factors Chain International (FCI) and the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA) – has released a new guidance document on
payables finance, to aid financial institutions, accounting firms, rating agencies and regulators in gaining clarity and consistency on the various terms and techniques.
While uptake and feedback on the 2016 Standard Definitions for Techniques of Supply Chain Finance has been positive, much work is still required to further align terminology across the complex
ecosystem of stakeholders involved in international supply chains.
As part of this drive for clarity, the second Market Practices in Supply Chain Finance publication focuses on payables finance – a technique and form of receivables purchase, flexibly applied, in which sellers
of goods and services sell individual or multiple receivables (represented by outstanding invoices) to a finance provider at a discount. In turn, the guidance document takes a wider look at this important technique and provides a comprehensive overview on how payables finance can be used in practice.
“When all parties use similar techniques and terminology, it makes for a streamlined and efficient process,” said Christian Hausherr, European product head of supply chain finance at Deutsche Bank
and chair of the GSCFF. “Our hope is that this report will lead to an industry-wide, uniform adoption of the payables finance technique.”
The publication represents a go-to resource that finance providers can refer to for guidance on common market practices in risk management, documentation and operational handling for payables
finance transactions.
The GSCFF will continue issuing additional guidance and whitepapers related to supply chain finance as needed.
To view Market Practices in Supply Chain Finance: Payables Finance Technique, please visit supplychainfinanceforum.org.