Education in Trade Finance
Alexander R. Malaket

Trade has always been front and center for the International Chamber of Commerce, and trade finance is no different. What is the role of the ICC Academy in educating the next generation of industry practitioners? What are the battles (both advocacy and architecturally) that need to be fought as we head into 2018? The Co-Chair of our Academic Committee, Alexander R. Malaket, will take us through the fundamental need for trade finance stakeholders to expand their horizons and fill the widening skills gap.

Introduction to Documentary Credits
Alexander R. Malaket

Anyone working with international imports/exports should know everything about Documentary Letters of Credit. This overview provides a practical introduction of the long-established trade financing instrument and a foundational understanding of the importance of the documentary credit in enabling trade, the versatility of this proven instrument in addressing a range of market conditions and a variety of client needs. Alexander R. Malaket, President of Opus Advisory Services International offers his vast experience and insights to introduce this keystone of international trade.

Introduction to Bank Guarantees
Alexander R. Malaket

Bank Guarantees are widely used and globally accepted instrument for securing and enforcing the claims of parties to foreign trade contracts. As an additional resource to the ICC Academy course of the same name, Alexander R. Malaket, President of Opus Advisory Services International provides his experience with Bank Guarantees and the practical benefits of using them.

Introduction to Collections
Alexander R. Malaket

A simple way to collect payment for your exported goods is to stay in control of your goods after they have been dispatched. Our discussion on Documentary Collections explores the origins of this service and their function in today’s marketplace. Alexander R. Malaket, President of Opus Advisory Services International provides his experience with Documentary Collections and the relatively simple process involved.

Introduction to Guarantees and Stand-by LCs
Gabriel Sham

In this session, we will highlight the pitfalls of using guarantees and standby credits and how to avoid them, whether you are a bank, an applicant or a beneficiary. While guarantees and standbys are used by businesses of all sizes – ranging from SMEs to large MNCs – this presentation is particularly relevant to SMEs who are more likely to be required to provide guarantees and standbys on terms largely dictated by the beneficiaries.  Industry consultant Gabriel Sham joins us for an introduction on this topic.

Introduction to Transferable and Back-to-Back LCs
Gabriel Sham

In this session, Gabriel Sham returns to shed some light on what exactly “transferable” and Back-to-Back letters of credit really are.  Together we cover how they work at a base level and how they compare with one another.  Also covered are the benefits of using these tools as a buyer, seller, or even a small/medium sized business.  Industry consultant Gabriel Sham joins us for an introduction on this topic.