International trade finance companies are prepared to help you move your products through the global market, whether you are new to global trading arena or a seasoned trader. International trade and finance is so complicated for most business owners that outsourcing to international trade finance firms is often the best way to go. Trade finance banks often prefer to do business with people they know.

An international trade finance corporation might provide legal as well as financial advice. International trade finance firms have relationships built with overseas trade finance banks and vendors. They can walk you through various customs issues and money exchange rates. An international trade finance corporation is as important to an importer and exporter as a CFO.

1. Outsource all your global financial trade deals to international trade finance companies

2. Hire an expert on international trade and finance as permanent staff

3. Do your own international trade financing through networking

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for international trade finance firms for countries where you are interested in trading

International trade finance companies often specialize, just like other industries. While you want your trade finance company to understand your industry and keep up-to-date on trends, you also want to find an international trade finance corporation that already does business in the parts of the world that interest you. With the trade finance connections in place, you can begin to move more quickly than having to build those relationships from scratch.

I recommend: Meridian Finance Group has global contacts for all your finance needs in most countries. Export Focus is a good place to look for global trade sources.

Bring your international trade financing specialist on board full-time

If your company is moving more and more to overseas trading and financing, then you might be in a position to hire a professional in financing international trade. When the fees and retainers are more than the annual salary of an in-house specialist, it may be time to increase your staff.

I recommend: Use a recruiting firm for this very specialized position. International Executive Recruitment is an online service you can contact for global results. The Executive Development Group specializes in placement of international trade finance executives.

Build your own network with international trade finance information you find yourself

Join an organization that can put you in contact with international trade finance firms and international trade finance information. Through the connections your meet in professional organizations, you can bypass a lot of red tape as well as finding trade finance companies through direct introductions.

I recommend: The Federation of International Trade Associations has more than 450 members with 450,000 contacts with which you can link. The Institute of International Finance is a global association of financial institutions that, as a member, you can call on for global trade issues affecting your industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even if you plan on building your own network of international trade and finance sources, at least hire a professional international trade financing expert on retainer to look over documents and deals before you sign.