6th SCF Summit to address emerging issues and challenges in Europe

Organised by the professional education arm of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the ICC Academy, the 6th SCF Summit aims to highlight the progress made towards the digitisation of trade processes. The event, which is expected to gather over 200 international professionals from across sectors, will include keynote speeches from leading experts including Deutsche Bank’s Global Head of Trade Finance Daniel Schmand; dynamic and informative presentations; engaging panel discussions; compelling case studies; and various opportunities for both informal and formal networking.

A line-up of high-profile speakers, such as Equant-Analytics’ Co-Founder and CEO, Rebecca Harding; European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Head of the Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP), Rudolf Putz; Taulia’s European Marketing Director, Matthew Stammers; and Thomson Reuters’ Global Head of Proposition for Risk Managed Services, James Swenson; are slated to present a snapshot of the latest changes and challenges shaping the future of finance. With a programme created to explore a variety of topical issues, participants are sure to gain insight from new developments in the physical supply chain and the automating of the financial supply chain to the role of credit insurance and more.

“[The programme will provide] a greater focus on key issues facing the United Kingdom, European Union, Americas and Africa, in addition to further exploration of the technologies enabling the digitisation of supply chain finance.”

Managing Director at the Trade Advisory Network John Bugeja helped develop the event’s programme. Speaking on the day’s activities, Mr Bugeja said: “We are looking forward to the 6th SCF Summit when the themes covered in Singapore will be examined more thoroughly. There will be a greater focus on key issues facing the United Kingdom, European Union, Americas and Africa, in addition to further exploration of the technologies enabling the digitisation of supply chain finance.”

Participants will also receive an update on the ICC Banking Commission’s ground-breaking initiative—“Standard Definitions for Techniques of Supply Chain Finance”—a living document that strives to uniform the terminology related to this ever-advancing form of financing. Its intent is to create a consistent and common understanding of SCF and ensure clarity for all users.

“The standardisation of supply chain terminology is a first step performed by ICC and other large organisations, such as the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), Euro Banking Association (EBA), Factors Chain International (FCI) and the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA). This should lead, in coordination with the market, to the establishment of clear rules of operations.”

Commenting on this timely update, ICC Banking Commission’s Head of Policy Olivier Paul said: “In the years to come, supply chain finance will undoubtedly be one of the key triggers of trade finance development. The standardisation of supply chain terminology is a first step performed by ICC and other large organisations, such as the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), Euro Banking Association (EBA), Factors Chain International (FCI) and the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA). This should lead, in coordination with the market, to the establishment of clear rules of operations.”

For participants looking to improve their understanding of SCF in order to fully appreciate the information discussed throughout the Summit, the ICC Academy is hosting a specialised SCF Workshop on 2 May. Designed by the co-founders of the Trade Advisory Network, John Bugeja and Lionel Taylor, the one-day seminar will provide an overview of key parties and events in the physical supply chain; allow practice of technique use in Trade Cycle Analysis; and build knowledge of SCF products. The workshop promises to be highly interactive, combining case studies with individual and group exercises.

Learn more or register to attend the 6th Supply Chain Finance Summit, taking place in London from 3-4 May 2017.