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In a world shaped by instant payments, blockchain innovation, and rapid digital transformation, the letter of credit may appear outdated.
Yet this long-standing trade finance instrument continues to support billions of dollars in global commerce each year. It has lasted for a reason.
When properly structured, a letter of credit remains one of the most reliable safeguards in international trade.
Why Letters of Credit Still Matter
At its core, a letter of credit restructures risk. Rather than relying solely on a buyer’s promise to pay or a seller’s assurance to deliver, both parties depend on banks as neutral intermediaries.
Payment is triggered by documentary compliance, not trust alone. This separation — known as the principle of independence — means a bank’s obligation exists independently of the underlying sales contract. If documents comply, payment must follow.
This framework is reinforced by strict document examination and globally recognised rules, particularly UCP 600. For exporters, a confirmed letter of credit from a reputable bank effectively replaces buyer credit risk with bank credit risk. For importers, it ensures payment is released only when shipment dates, insurance, inspection certificates, and other agreed terms are properly evidenced.
Where Risks Can Still Emerge
Despite its solid structure, real-world cases show that effectiveness depends on execution. Between 2014 and 2020, commodity financing scandals in Asia, including the Qingdao port incident involving an estimated $15 billion in financing, revealed serious verification failures. Banks issued credits against warehouse receipts without independently confirming the physical existence of the collateral. The issue was not the instrument itself, but inadequate due diligence.
At Coronation Merchant Bank (CMB), stringent verification processes and independent checks are core to our trade finance framework, ensuring that such lapses are not an option.
Using the Instrument Effectively
To maximise protection, organisations must be intentional. Trade exposures should be segmented by counterparty risk, country risk, and transaction size. High-risk trades may justify confirmed credits from top-tier banks, while lower-risk relationships may require simpler structures.
Equally important is capability. Teams involved in trade transactions must understand documentary requirements and global rules to avoid preventable discrepancies. Involving banking partners early — especially when drafting complex credits — improves clarity and reduces friction.
Ultimately, letters of credit have remained in use this long because they address a fundamental challenge: enabling trade between parties who cannot rely on trust alone. Their safety lies not in eliminating risk, but in clearly allocating it through structured documentation and bank intermediation.
As global trade evolves, the mechanics may change, but the core value of letters of credit remains. When used thoughtfully, they continue to provide stability, predictability, and protection in an increasingly complex trading environment.
Curious about how letters of credit work in practice?
Get in touch with our team to learn more about structuring secure trade transactions. Email crc@coronationmb.com.
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