'Companies increasingly outsource trade financing'

THE SHEER volatility of the foreign exchange and interest rate markets is persuading many more companies to outsource their trade financing to specialists in the field, according to JP du Plessis, m.d. of Stellenbosch-based Anglo African Trading. A financial risk management organisation specialising in the financing of import and export trade transactions must include a wide spectrum of trade financing, he added, and an ability to eliminate the risks in these volatile markets. "To be effective, you need to utlilise integrated treasury, financial management and accounting systems to maximise risk solutions for clients," said Du Plessis. "You must also be able to cover the entire chain between the importer and exporter, through the various trade portals." Anglo African's expertise in this highly competitive field has given it a significant penetration in the markets for logistics finance, export and import trade finance, and foreign currency loans, Du Plessis added.