Structured Trade Finance for Oil, Metals & Bulk Goods Explained

Access to capital is the backbone of international trade. For businesses involved in importing, exporting, and commodity trading, cash flow constraints can make or break a deal. That’s where Structured Trade Finance (STF) comes into play—designed to unlock liquidity, reduce risk, and keep transactions moving without tying up balance sheets.

What is Structured Trade Finance?

Structured Trade Finance is a specialized form of lending used to fund large-scale trade transactions. Unlike traditional bank loans, STF relies on the underlying transaction’s cash flow and collateral rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness alone. This allows businesses to secure financing based on their trade flows, inventory, or receivables.

Put simply: if you have a solid trade deal but need funding, STF structures capital around the transaction itself.

How Does Structured Trade Finance Work?

1. Deal Origination & Risk Assessment – The lender evaluates the transaction, including the commodity type, buyer-seller agreements, and market conditions.
2. Collateral Structuring – Unlike unsecured loans, STF deals are backed by Letters of Credit (LCs), inventory, trade receivables, or pre-sold goods.
3. Funding & Transaction Execution – Once approved, funds are disbursed directly to suppliers to ensure goods are shipped, and payments are structured according to trade flows.
4. Repayment Through the Trade Cycle – Repayment is made once the goods are delivered, sold, or the buyer pays, aligning financing with the natural cash flow of the deal.

Common STF Instruments

• Prepayment Finance – Buyers secure funding to pay suppliers before shipment.
• Borrowing Base Facilities – Credit lines issued against inventory or receivables.
• Structured LC Finance – Letters of Credit backed by secured assets to guarantee supplier payments.
• Warehouse Receipt Financing – Loans secured against stored commodities.

What Are the Costs?

Like any financing, STF comes with costs:

• Origination Fees – 1% to 3% of the transaction value, covering underwriting and structuring.
• Interest Rates – 8% to 15% per annum, based on risk profile and collateral strength.
• Collateralization – Lenders typically require 30% to 100% secured through cash, goods, or receivables.

Deals with weak security, speculative buyers, or unverifiable transactions face higher costs or rejection.

Why Use Structured Trade Finance?

• Secures capital without burdening balance sheets – Funding is structured around the deal, not corporate debt.
• Ensures suppliers are paid on time – No cash flow delays, no missed shipments.
• Reduces counterparty risk – With LC-backed or prepayment structures, financing is secured against actual goods or buyer obligations.

For traders, exporters, and importers looking to scale operations, close deals faster, and access capital efficiently, Structured Trade Finance is the go-to solution. But it only works when deals are structured properly. Without collateral, a clear trade cycle, or financial backing, lenders won’t take the risk.