Digital and Traditional Trade in Motion
Welcome to the second edition of TraydGuru Insights, your regular update on the fast-evolving landscape of global trade finance. As the sector continues its digital transformation, this bulletin brings together key developments, market movements, regulatory shifts, and technological innovations across both digital and traditional trade finance.
Whether you’re modernising operational models, enhancing compliance capabilities, or leading strategic digital initiatives, TraydGuru is designed to provide the clarity and insight needed to stay ahead in a dynamic environment.
Industry Developments and Innovation
Vodafone Idea
Vodafone Idea has opened discussions with banks and global vendors to procure 4G and 5G network infrastructure using Letters of Credit (LCs) in place of upfront payments. This initiative, supported by the government’s debt-to-equity conversion, highlights a growing use of LCs in corporate procurement strategies.
Read more
Aurionpro Acquires Fintra Software
Aurionpro Solutions has acquired Fintra Software Private Limited to strengthen its Transaction Banking offering. The integration will support comprehensive trade finance solutions—from LC issuance to buyer and supplier finance.
Read the announcement
ICC Digital Standards Initiative
The ICC DSI is close to finalising its Implementation Guides for key trade documents including Commercial Invoices, Purchase Orders, and Certificates of Origin. Developed through a cross-sector working group, these guides are expected to improve document standardisation and digital adoption across the trade ecosystem.
GLEIF Expands vLEI Issuance in Southeast Asia
Finema, a Bangkok-based digital identity provider, has become Southeast Asia’s first Qualified vLEI Issuer under the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF). This move strengthens secure, digital identity verification and supports SME access to international trade finance.
GLEIF press release
Blessing Capital Launches LC Platform
Blessing Capital has launched a fintech-driven Letter of Credit program aimed at empowering first-time business owners and entrepreneurs with flexible credit solutions.
Read more
Policy and Regulation
Beyond MLETR: Bridging Legal Readiness and Operational Reality
The adoption of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) is a pivotal step for the trade industry. However, legal enablement alone is not enough. To realise fully digital trade finance, legal standards must be embedded into end-to-end operational workflows that are trusted, compliant, and interoperable.
ITFA article
Dutch Government Proposes eBL Legislation
The Netherlands has proposed new legislation to formally recognise electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs), aligning with MLETR and supporting broader digital transformation across the trade documentation landscape.
Read more
Technology in Action
Lloyds Bank and Mercore Execute Digital Participation in Trade Finance
Lloyds Bank and non-bank financier Mercore have completed digital secondary participation in a digital bill of exchange—marking a key advancement in the evolution of trade finance’s secondary market.
Full story
Komgo Launches GTK Platform
Komgo has introduced GTK, a web-based platform for corporates to manage guarantees and trade finance operations digitally across their enterprise.
Product details
HKMA Launches Expert Panel for Project Cargox
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has formed an expert panel to guide Project Cargox, aimed at leveraging cargo data to improve the digital trade finance ecosystem.
HKMA press release
Digitalisation and Case Studies
Blockchain Innovation: CGI, Skuchain, and National Bank of Canada
A new pilot program combining CGI’s Trade360 platform with Skuchain’s smart contract tools is revolutionising standby letters of credit and guarantees. The integration offers a digital-first, blockchain-based environment with real-time visibility and improved risk controls.
Read the case study
DCSA Interoperable eBL Pilot
The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has completed a successful, standards-based, interoperable eBL transaction, reinforcing progress toward scalable paperless trade.
More details
Veefin and IndusInd Bank Transformation
Veefin’s platform enabled IndusInd Bank to digitise its entire supply chain finance process with zero customer downtime, while also enhancing credit decisioning and leveraging India’s digital public infrastructure.
Case study
Market Trends and Global Reports
Allianz Trade Survey
A recent survey revealed that 60% of companies in major developed economies expect negative operational impacts due to recent trade tariffs, with many considering cutting imports or halting production altogether.
Read more at GTR
WTO Reform Agenda Ahead of MC14
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called for comprehensive reform proposals to be agreed before the 14th Ministerial Conference in March 2026 to ensure the WTO’s continued relevance in global trade.
More on WTO reform
IFC/WTO Regional Trade Finance Report
A joint IFC-WTO report highlights the crucial role of trade finance in enabling SME access to cross-border opportunities in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Read the report
Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure
MIMOS Berhad has announced the operational launch of the Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI), a national digital platform supporting trusted, cross-sector innovation.
Announcement
Maritime AI Developments
AI technology is now being deployed to improve maritime safety, reduce administrative burden, and mitigate navigational risk, as discussed in a recent Riviera Maritime webinar.
Webinar summary
About TraydGuru
TraydGuru is Traydstream’s platform for delivering curated, practical insights into the world of trade finance. Each bulletin is designed to empower trade professionals with forward-looking intelligence, actionable updates, and expert analysis that bridges traditional practices and digital innovation.
As trade finance continues its digital evolution, TraydGuru helps you navigate change – and lead it.
