Sasfin adds forwarding arm to provide all-in package

A NEW SERVICE in South Africa for importers and exporters, styled the Trade Finance and Logistics Package, has been designed by the Sasfin Group in line with overseas trade finance developments.
In addition to financing the movement of goods, Sasfin can now provide an all-encompassing logistics package to its clients including freight forwarding, customs clearing, warehousing, inland transportation and insurance.
The facility offers clients a completely integrated service, at the same time opening doors for them to finance transactions that would otherwise be beyond their reach, says Sasfin m.d. Roland Sassoon.
Through group companies Premier Freight and Sasfin Insurance Brokers, Sasfin will physically control the transaction and cover the insurance risks, thus minimising risk and enhancing the credit profile of the transaction. In instances where goods have been pre-sold and the ultimate buyer has been cleared by Sasfin, the credit assessment shifts from the importer to the ultimate buyer, says Sassoon.
Sasfin's acquisition of a 60% controlling stake in Premier Freight last November enabled them to offer the package concept.
Earlier in the year Sasfin Insurance Brokers had been formed to offer Sasfin clients a complete range of insurance services, including both long and short term.