Case Study

How a Dubai Import-Export Firm Secured
$1M in Letters of Credit
Without Using Their Own Collateral

Mid-sized importer unlocked working capital and secured 3 new supplier contracts within 45 days through our team’s facilitation of third-party collateral-backed LCs.

International Trade
Import-Export
Letter of Credit
Dubai

$1 Million

in LCs Issued

60%

Improvement in Liquidity

3 New

Supplier Contracts

7-10 Days

Issuance Timelinex`

Client Profile

A mid-sized import-export firm based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in importing commodities like machinery and agricultural products. They partner with major suppliers in Asia, China, and Africa, but faced severe financial constraints in expanding their trade operations.

The Challenge

Core Problem

The company needed Letters of Credit (LCs) to fulfill supplier contracts, but traditional banks required 100% cash collateral. This effectively froze their working capital, leaving them unable to operate flexibly.

They explored various banking options, but all demanded full collateralization or charged exorbitant fees, making scaling impossible.

The Consequences

Multiple missed trade opportunities

Limited ability to bid for large contracts

Delayed project timelines

Inability to scale operations

The Solution

Express Trade Finance (ETF) stepped in as a facilitator, connecting the client with reputable third-party providers capable of issuing LCs using their own collateral. Our structured facilitation process ensured transparency, compliance, and swift execution.

Specific Pain Point

ETF Solution

Working capital locked due to bank collateral requirements
ETF facilitated LC issuance via third-party providers without client collateral
Delays in supplier commitments & missed deadlines
Streamlined facilitation process enabled instrument issuance within 7-10 business days

Why They Chose ETF?

The client chose Express Trade Finance for its strong network of trusted issuers, efficient documentation process, and ability to provide collateral-backed instruments through third parties in a fully compliant manner.

The Results

The facilitation by Express Trade Finance delivered measurable impact within the first quarter of collaboration. By leveraging third-party collateral, the client successfully expanded their business without tying up their own capital.

$1 million in Letters of Credit issued without using the client’s own collateral

60% improvement in liquidity and working capital efficiency

3 new supplier contracts secured within 45 days

Enabled consistent trade growth without reliance on traditional banking restrictions

45
Days to Success

From initial consultation to securing 3 major new supplier contracts.

Need Letters of Credit Without Collateral Requirements?

Express Trade Finance can help you unlock working capital and secure the trade finance instruments you need to grow—just like we did for this Dubai-based firm.