New Trade Finance Options Target US$2.5T Gap
Importers and exporters can now evaluate deferred-payment and commodity-backed settlement alternatives to traditional Letters of Credit.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in International Trade
FINATRADES Finance SA, a Swiss-based financial technology and trade infrastructure company, expanded its global trade finance platform with three integrated solutions: FINABRIDGE, FINASWAP and RPAY. The company says the platform aims to help narrow a global trade finance gap of US$2.5 trillion, and the offerings are open to eligible importers and businesses.
Why it matters
The global trade finance gap, measured at US$2.5 trillion in 2025 and representing roughly 10% of global trade, is a persistent constraint on businesses that buy and sell across borders. Alternatives to traditional Letters of Credit, such as deferred-payment arrangements and commodity-backed settlement, reflect a search for ways to fund trade when conventional bank financing is harder to obtain.
The global trade finance gap was US$2.5 trillion in 2025, about 10% of global trade. The figure is the scale of unmet trade finance demand that FINATRADES says its platform aims to address.
The players
FINATRADES Finance SA
A Swiss-based financial technology and trade infrastructure company offering trade finance, commodity-backed settlement and payment services to eligible businesses.
RAMINVEST HOLDING DIFC
A Dubai-based investment group that is the parent of FINATRADES.
SO-FIT
A FINMA-recognised self-regulatory organisation with which FINATRADES Finance SA is affiliated.
The details
FINABRIDGE offers Import Now, Pay Later arrangements for eligible importers and provides structured trade financing that complements Letters of Credit, subject to credit approval and compliance requirements. FINASWAP lets eligible businesses use gold and approved physical commodities as an alternative to cash settlement, and requires due diligence, sanctions screening, verification of ownership and origin, and valuation of the commodities. RPAY provides IBAN-enabled account services and international payment capabilities for eligible businesses.
Timeline
The Asian Development Bank released its Global Trade Finance Gap Survey announcement in January 2026.
FINATRADES announced the expansion of its trade finance platform on November 2, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Asian Development Bank's Global Trade Finance Gap Survey has tracked the shortfall in trade finance, now measured at US$2.5 trillion. Private providers such as FINATRADES are entering the space with alternatives to traditional bank-issued instruments.
Importers and exporters that rely on Letters of Credit should compare the cost and eligibility terms of alternative deferred-payment and commodity-backed options before changing their payment structures. Businesses considering these arrangements should consult qualified trade finance counsel and an accountant before committing to any settlement method.
The takeaway
Trade finance remains a US$2.5 trillion gap, so new private alternatives are worth evaluating against your existing bank terms. Before using any commodity-backed or deferred-payment arrangement, verify the provider's regulatory affiliations and required documentation with qualified advisers.
Further reading
For broader context on cross-border commerce, see the International Trade section.
More information
Eligible businesses can review the FINATRADES platform for registering eligible businesses.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
