We Enable Direct Investments in Trade Finance & Project Finance

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Uncorrelated Alternative Asset Class

Discover the potential of trade finance and project finance as alternative asset classes that offer a combination of stability and attractive returns. These markets not only provide a hedge against volatility but also cater to the growing need for infrastructure and global trade expansion.

Understanding the Global Trade Finance Gap

The global trade finance gap currently stands at approximately $2.5 trillion, predominantly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets.


These businesses often struggle to secure the necessary capital for international trade due to strict credit assessments and regulatory constraints imposed by traditional banks.


This substantial funding shortfall hinders global economic growth and limits opportunities for these crucial players in international commerce.


Source: Asian Development Bank

The Challenge of the Project Finance Gap

There is a pressing need for approximately $3 trillion annually in infrastructure investment to support projected global growth up to 2040, as per the World Bank.


Current investments, however, fall short by significant margins, especially in essential areas like renewable energy and transportation.


This gap not only slows progress towards sustainable development goals but also curtails economic expansion by failing to meet critical infrastructure needs in rapidly urbanizing societies.


Source: World Bank

HOW OUR FUND OPERATES

We address these gaps head-on by facilitating the securitization of trade and project finance assets through dedicated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).

We collaborate closely with investment banks and Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) to structure these offerings, which are then placed directly within our robust investor base. This strategic approach allows our clients to access needed liquidity swiftly, while providing our investors with a predictable source of income.


These assets are generally non-correlated with other investments, enhancing portfolio diversification and reducing overall risk.

Our fund specifically targets institutional investors, with a minimum investment threshold of 100 million USD and a commitment period of 36 months.

Investors can anticipate annual returns ranging between 8% and 12% on average, making Financely’s Trade Finance and Project Finance Fund a compelling choice for those seeking consistent, non-correlated returns in the alternative assets space.


An additional advantage, especially for trade finance investments, is that profits can be paid out monthly or after each trade cycle is completed, providing investors with regular, timely returns.

Fund Mechanics

Investing in Trade and Project Finance Made Accessible and Secure

Financely connects private credit lenders and other institutional investors with opportunities in trade and project finance. Our platform thrives on a robust deal flow—daily, we receive transactions that undergo rigorous curation and due diligence by our expert analysts. Investors can choose to commit to our fund or select specific transactions, aligning with their investment mandates.


Our portfolio includes physical commodity trades, import/export transactions, and infrastructure projects. Importantly, over 96% of our transactions utilize credit facilities instead of cash, with credit insurance on SPVs to eliminate capital loss risks. This strategic approach offers both security and high potential returns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we address your most pressing queries about investment criteria, mechanisms for risk mitigation, and expected returns, providing detailed responses designed to inform and guide potential investors.

  • 1. What types of investments does the Financely Fund focus on?

    The Financely Fund primarily invests in trade finance and project finance, specializing in areas such as physical commodity trading, import/export transactions, and infrastructure project financing.

  • 2. What is the minimum investment required to participate in the fund?

    The minimum commitment required from institutional investors to participate in the Financely Fund is $100,000,000.

  • 3. What are the expected returns for investors in this fund?

    Investors can expect annual returns ranging between 8% and 12%. Most trade finance investments offer the opportunity for monthly profit payouts following the completion of each trade cycle, enhancing the liquidity and appeal of these investments.


    In project finance transactions, if an offtake agreement is in place, profits are held in a debt service account to ensure secure and continuous returns. 


    Even before the offtake agreement is established, the project company will pay a rate for utilizing our facility, safeguarding returns throughout the investment period.

  • 4. How is investor capital protected?

    Investor capital is safeguarded through carefully curated transactions and due diligence processes. Additionally, all of transactions utilize credit facilities rather than direct cash, with credit insurance on the SPVs to mitigate the risk of capital loss.



    Investor capital is protected in two primary ways: by serving solely as collateral for credit facilities and through the securitization of underlying assets with stringent loan-to-value (LTV) requirements.


    Example 1: Revolving Credit Facility for Commodity Trading

    In a scenario where an investor's capital is used as collateral for a revolving credit facility in commodity trading, the investor benefits from the continuous flow of returns generated by multiple trading cycles. The capital itself is not directly expended but guarantees the credit line. 


    The borrower pledges the commodities being traded as collateral under a securities agreement, ensuring that in the event of a default, these assets can be seized. 


    This arrangement is backed by a minimum 120% LTV, meaning the value of the pledged commodities always exceeds the amount of the credit facility, significantly reducing the risk of capital loss.


    Example 2: Standby Credit Facility for Infrastructure Projects

    In project finance, particularly for infrastructure projects, an investor’s capital might back a standby credit facility. 


    This ensures the project's continuity and financial stability without immediate utilization of the investor's funds. 


    The project itself, including any physical structures and anticipated revenues, serves as collateral. 


    Detailed covenants in the term sheet further protect the investor by enforcing strict operational benchmarks and financial health indicators. In case of borrower default, the rights to seize the project assets are predefined, with the minimum 120% LTV requirement ensuring that the collateral value always covers the outstanding credit, thus securing the investor's capital.



    In both cases, the structured use of credit facilities backed by high-value collateral and robust contractual covenants minimizes financial exposure while providing a clear mechanism for asset recovery. This structured approach ensures that the fund can offer both security and profitability, aligning with the investors' need for reliable, low-risk returns.

  • 5. What is the lock-up period for investments in this fund?

    The lock-up period for investments in the Financely Fund is 36 months.

  • 6. Can investors choose specific transactions to invest in?

    Yes, investors have the option to fully commit to the fund or to finance specific transactions, depending on their individual or institutional investment mandates.

  • 7. How often can investors expect profit payouts?

    For trade finance investments, profits can be paid out monthly or after each trade cycle is completed. The specific payout schedule will depend on the nature of the transaction and the agreement terms.

  • 8. How does Financely ensure a constant deal flow?

    Financely maintains a constant deal flow through a network of global contacts and a robust process of transaction curation. Our analysts conduct daily reviews and due diligence to ensure that only the most viable and secure transactions are presented to investors.



  • 9. Are there geographical restrictions on the investments made by the fund?

    While the fund primarily focuses on global opportunities, particular attention is given to emerging markets where the trade finance and project finance gaps are most pronounced. Specific geographical focus may vary depending on the underlying transaction and strategic interest.

  • 10. What is the process for an investor to exit the fund?

    Exiting the fund typically aligns with the end of the lock-up period. However, specific exit procedures and any potential early exit options or penalties will be detailed in the individual investor agreements.


    This term sheet format provides clear and concise information, facilitating better understanding and decision-making for potential investors. If you have more questions or need further details, please feel free to ask.

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To receive detailed information about Financely's Trade & Project Finance Fund, please fill out this brief form. We will contact you within one business day with specific offering details and investment opportunities.

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