Over 89% of banks say sustainability remains relevant in trade finance, and ICC now defines its product labels
Over 89% of banks in ADB's December 2025 survey say ESG and sustainability remain relevant in trade financing. ICC's December 2025 principles define four product types: green, social, sustainability-linked supply chain finance and sustainability-linked trade finance.
Trade finance platforms are multiplying on shared standards, with 21 eBL systems approved by shipping's P&I clubs
A trade finance platform puts the buyer's approval, the trade document and the payment on one record. The International Group of P&I Clubs lists 21 approved eBL systems, and ADB expects full digitalization to cut trade costs by 8% on average.
Most trade banks now see a role for AI in credit risk, with over 85% naming risk analysis and fraud prevention
Over 85% of bank respondents in ADB's December 2025 survey see potential use of AI for risk analysis and fraud prevention. A BIS study found machine learning predicted defaults better in a stress period, an edge that declined for customers with longer credit histories.
Thirteen jurisdictions have legislated on the UNCITRAL model law for electronic trade documents, 12 since 2021
MLETR, the UNCITRAL model law adopted on July 13, 2017, lets control of an electronic record count as holding a paper trade document. Thirteen jurisdictions have laws based on or influenced by it, and the UK Act in force since September 20, 2023 names eight trade documents.
Forged title documents drive big trade frauds, and a credit stays payable unless the beneficiary's fraud is proven
In ED&F Man v Come Harvest, $284,536,139.23 was advanced against 92 warehouse receipts the court found were forgeries. A letter of credit stays payable unless the beneficiary's own fraud is shown, and courts ask for particularly cogent evidence.
Container eBL usage reached 12.8% in November 2025, against a carrier pledge of 100% by 2030
An electronic bill of lading (eBL) is a bill of lading issued and passed on electronically. It can stand for the goods where the law treats control of the record like holding paper. Container eBL usage reached 12.8% in November 2025, against a carrier pledge of 100% by 2030.