CMA Webinar Series T R E A S U R Y  S E R V I C E S William Hindon Vice President LC 101 +  9AM – 10AM (PST) Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Risks Commercial Insolvency Protracted periods of non-payment Political Wars Insurrections   Boycotts Tariffs   Expropriations   Central Bank’s failure to provide foreign exchange    Governmental subsidies
Rules of the Game International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ICP Pub 556 - Model International Sales Contract ICP Pub 560 / ICC Pub 620 / ICC Pub 616 - INCOTERMS 2000  ICP Pub 623 - A to Z of International Trade  URC 522 - Uniform Rules for Collections  UCP 500 - Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits  URR 525 - Uniform Rules for Reimbursements UCP 500 - Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits ISP 98 - International Standby Practices
Sales Contract Buyer Issuing Bank Formal Agreement Proforma Invoice Purchase Order Exchange of Telexes CONTRACT = OFFER + ACCEPTANCE Seller
Sales Contract Provisions Merchandise Description - Be specific Packing and Marking Requirements  Delivery Instructions - Time and place Price - Itemize goods and seller-supplied non-product services Shipping Terms - Incoterms 2000 Transfer of Ownership Insurance Inspection - By whom and at what cost Warranties - Type and duration Applicable Law - CISG or other Dispute Resolution Procedures  Method of Payment - CIA,  L/C, DC , OA
Incoterms 2000 EXW FCA FAS FOB DAF DES DEQ DDU DDP CFR CIF CPT CIP Dock of Exportation Dock of Importation Transportation  to Dock Transportation  to Buyer Import  Duty Loading onto Vessel Ocean  Freight Marine Insurance Unloading Charges Price/Shipping Terms  Cost - Risk Equation Beneficiary (Seller) Applicant (Buyer)
Methods of Payment Exporter’s  uncertainty increases Cash in Advance Letter of Credit Confirmed Advised Documentary Collections D/P D/A Open Account  Importer’s uncertainty increases
Factors to Consider Buyer’s credit standing  Seller’s ability to fulfill order Law of supply and demand Political risks Amount and Tenor Competition Financing requirement of buyer and seller Cost of bank services Past experience….KYC
Sales Contract Bank Cash in Advance Open Account L/C Collections Bank Signing Shipment Receipt of Documents Receipt of Goods/ Acceptance JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  Seller Buyer
Documentary Collections
Documentary Collection Defined as the process by which a bank known as the Remitting Bank, acting upon the instructions of an exporter, presents document(s) associated with a sales transaction to the importer.  This is done with the assistance of a second bank known as the Collecting Bank.  Documents typically consist of one financial (bill of exchange) and multiple commercial (invoice, bill of lading, etc.) instruments.
Drawer = Exporter = Seller = Beneficiary Drawee = Importer= Applicant = Buyer Payee = Remitting Bank
Draft/Bill of Exchange TO: (TENOR) PAYEE DRAWEE (IMPORTER) EXPORTER DRAWER
Collection Cycle Draft B/L Invoice Instruction Letter (1) (1) (1) (2) (10) Seller (Drawer) Buyer (Drawee) Remitting Bank Sales Contract Collection Document Collecting Bank
Seller’s Risks Buyer unable or unwilling to honor demand Added costs due to non-payment or non-acceptance Demurrage Storage Insurance Return freight Slow pay due to system constraints Mail time Collecting bank procedures
Documentary Letters Of Credit
Documentary Letter of Credit Defined as a written undertaking by a bank (Issuing Bank), acting at the request and on the instructions of its customer (Applicant) to: Make payment to, or to the order of, a third party (Beneficiary); Accept and pay bills of exchange (drafts) drawn by the Beneficiary; or Authorize another bank to effect such payment or to pay, accept, or  negotiate such bills of exchange (drafts) against stipulated document(s), provided that the terms and conditions of the Credit are complied with
Parties Involved Seller Beneficiary Exporter Buyer Applicant Importer
Applicant (Buyer) Issuing Bank Beneficiary (Seller) Sales Contract Beneficiary (Seller) Letter of Credit Applicant (Buyer) Bank Opening  Bank SUBSTITUTES ITS NAME FOR THAT OF “ We the Buyer Obligate to pay Seller.” “ We the Bank Obligate to pay Seller.”
Letter of Credit Application & Security Agreement Applicant (Buyer) Sales Contract Beneficiary (Seller) Letter of Credit Opening  Bank (2) L/C Application and Security Agreement (1) (3)
Issuing Bank Definite Undertaking Honor Without Recourse  Stipulated Documents Drafts, if any Terms and Conditions “ We Hereby  Authorize You to Value on Us”
Advising Bank Functions: Authenticates Scrutinizes* * Optional This is solely an  advice of a  credit issued by  the above named
Advising Bank May also be asked/nominated to: Pay Accept draft(s) - if any Create deferred payment obligation(s) Negotiate Confirm
Confirmed vs. Unconfirmed Implication Constitutes a definite undertaking  of confirming bank  Independent of the issuing bank’s  obligation Purpose Mitigates or eliminates political risk factors Confirmation
Confirming Bank Acts upon request of issuer A second promise Definite undertaking Honor without recourse Stipulated Documents Drafts, if any Terms& Conditions “ We Confirm the  Credit and Thereby  Undertake…”
“Silent” Confirmation Agreement to Negotiate (ATN) Definition :  An undertaking by JPMorgan Chase Bank to negotiate documents and purchase the related drafts and/or documents under a Sight, Time or Deferred Payment L/C (usually on a without full recourse basis) at the request of a JPMorgan Chase Bank customer who is the Beneficiary of such L/C.  Notes :  The bank’s commitment to negotiate is made prior to the negotiation.  ATNs are offered to customers as an alternative if they are unable to obtain an “open” confirmation in their favor. ATNs covering Standby L/Cs are not authorized.
Types of Credit Irrevocable  -  Revocable Straight - Negotiable Sight - Time/Usance - Deferred
Irrevocable  vs . Revocable Revocable: May be amended or cancelled without prior notice to beneficiary Irrevocable: Cannot be amended or cancelled without agreement of all parties
Straight Credit Obligation of the Issuing Bank to pay/accept drafts, or to incur a deferred payment obligation extends only to the beneficiary of the credit.
Negotiable Credit The issuing bank’s obligation extended to a third party;  usually a bank willing to negotiate. Negotiation is usually with recourse unless otherwise agreed.
Sight Letters of Credit Payment effected immediately after presentation of conforming draft(s) and/or document(s) = $$
Time/Usance Letters of Credit Payment made at some specified time  after presentation of conforming draft(s) and/or document(s) + = 2001 $$
Engagement Clauses Available with: Restricted (Named) Nominated Bank Freely Negotiable “Any Bank” = Nominated Bank Available by: Sight Payment Acceptance Deferred Payment Negotiation
Amendment Consent of Parties Establishment Issuer Confirmer Beneficiary Acceptance Partial Acceptance “ We Hereby  Amend Our  Letter of Credit as Follows…”
Special Letter of Credit Assignment of Proceeds Transferable Revolving Installment Red Clause Back-to-Back
Discrepancies Studies show that 60% of all document sets contain one or more discrepancies
Discrepancies Act as impartial arbitrator and “trusted” intermediary Determine whether to accept or refuse the documents Notify presenter immediately if documents are refused Job of the Bank
Most Common Discrepancies 1.   Late Shipment 2. Late Presentation 3. Credit Expired 4. Credit Overdrawn 5. Missing Documents
Implications for Seller Delayed payment   Increased/extended credit exposure Discrepancy costs Higher processing costs Demurrage Opportunity costs Loss of control over transaction
Implications for Buyer Delayed payment Delayed clearance of goods Option to refuse goods Option to negotiate
Discrepancies Correct documents Direct bank to cable for authority to honor Direct bank to send documents on approval basis Request bank to pay under reserve/guarantee Never instruct bank to send documents on collection basis Beneficiary’s options:
Discrepancies Approach Applicant for waiver Give notice Without delay By telecommunication  Stating all discrepancies Advice if documents are being held or returned Issuing Bank’s Options:
Not to Exceed  7 Banking Days    Examine Determine Give Notice Reasonable Time xx 20 1 7 CONFIDENTIAL This Document can not be duplicated, re-transmitted, or circulated without the permission of JPMorganChase - Global Trade Finance Group.
Standby Letters of Credit
Standby Letters of Credit Standby L/C is defined as any Letter of Credit or similar arrangement however named or described which represents an obligation to the beneficiary on the part of the issuer
Standby Letters of Credit 1. To repay money borrowed by or advanced to or for the account of the account party 2. To make payment on account of any indebtedness undertaken by the account party 3. To make payment on account of any default by the account party in the performance of an obligation
OCC Safety and Soundness Criteria Conspicuously state that it is a Letter of Credit or be conspicuously entitled as such Contain a specified expiration date or be a  definite term Be limited in amount Bank is to pay only upon presentation of required documents.  Bank must not determine question of fact or law at issue between account party and beneficiary Bank’s customer should have an unqualified obligation to reimburse the Bank
Standby Letters of Credit Financial To assure payment of such obligations as: -  Promissory Notes - Deferred insurance premiums -  Invoices for open account sales -  Commodity margin requirements on   futures contracts -  Loan by a foreign bank to a corporation’s   overseas subsidiary
Standby Letters of Credit Performance To assure performance under contractual obligations such as: - Bid bonds - Performance bonds - Advance payment bonds - Warranty/Maintenance/Retention bonds
Risk-based Capital Adequacy Conversion Factor  Commercial L/C 20% Performance Standby 50% Financial Standby   100%
Commercial L/C   Standby L/C Primary Bank of Obligation   Primary Primary Payment Mechanism for Underlying Transaction   Secondary Commercial Documents:   Financial Documents: Invoice, Packing List   Statement, Certificate of Origin   Certificate, Inspection Certificates,   Draft Transport Document
COMPARISON

Letter of Credit 101

  • 1.
    CMA Webinar SeriesT R E A S U R Y S E R V I C E S William Hindon Vice President LC 101 + 9AM – 10AM (PST) Tuesday, January 16, 2007
  • 2.
    Risks Commercial InsolvencyProtracted periods of non-payment Political Wars Insurrections Boycotts Tariffs Expropriations Central Bank’s failure to provide foreign exchange Governmental subsidies
  • 3.
    Rules of theGame International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ICP Pub 556 - Model International Sales Contract ICP Pub 560 / ICC Pub 620 / ICC Pub 616 - INCOTERMS 2000 ICP Pub 623 - A to Z of International Trade URC 522 - Uniform Rules for Collections UCP 500 - Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits URR 525 - Uniform Rules for Reimbursements UCP 500 - Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits ISP 98 - International Standby Practices
  • 4.
    Sales Contract BuyerIssuing Bank Formal Agreement Proforma Invoice Purchase Order Exchange of Telexes CONTRACT = OFFER + ACCEPTANCE Seller
  • 5.
    Sales Contract ProvisionsMerchandise Description - Be specific Packing and Marking Requirements Delivery Instructions - Time and place Price - Itemize goods and seller-supplied non-product services Shipping Terms - Incoterms 2000 Transfer of Ownership Insurance Inspection - By whom and at what cost Warranties - Type and duration Applicable Law - CISG or other Dispute Resolution Procedures Method of Payment - CIA, L/C, DC , OA
  • 6.
    Incoterms 2000 EXWFCA FAS FOB DAF DES DEQ DDU DDP CFR CIF CPT CIP Dock of Exportation Dock of Importation Transportation to Dock Transportation to Buyer Import Duty Loading onto Vessel Ocean Freight Marine Insurance Unloading Charges Price/Shipping Terms Cost - Risk Equation Beneficiary (Seller) Applicant (Buyer)
  • 7.
    Methods of PaymentExporter’s uncertainty increases Cash in Advance Letter of Credit Confirmed Advised Documentary Collections D/P D/A Open Account Importer’s uncertainty increases
  • 8.
    Factors to ConsiderBuyer’s credit standing Seller’s ability to fulfill order Law of supply and demand Political risks Amount and Tenor Competition Financing requirement of buyer and seller Cost of bank services Past experience….KYC
  • 9.
    Sales Contract BankCash in Advance Open Account L/C Collections Bank Signing Shipment Receipt of Documents Receipt of Goods/ Acceptance JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL Seller Buyer
  • 10.
  • 11.
    Documentary Collection Definedas the process by which a bank known as the Remitting Bank, acting upon the instructions of an exporter, presents document(s) associated with a sales transaction to the importer. This is done with the assistance of a second bank known as the Collecting Bank. Documents typically consist of one financial (bill of exchange) and multiple commercial (invoice, bill of lading, etc.) instruments.
  • 12.
    Drawer = Exporter= Seller = Beneficiary Drawee = Importer= Applicant = Buyer Payee = Remitting Bank
  • 13.
    Draft/Bill of ExchangeTO: (TENOR) PAYEE DRAWEE (IMPORTER) EXPORTER DRAWER
  • 14.
    Collection Cycle DraftB/L Invoice Instruction Letter (1) (1) (1) (2) (10) Seller (Drawer) Buyer (Drawee) Remitting Bank Sales Contract Collection Document Collecting Bank
  • 15.
    Seller’s Risks Buyerunable or unwilling to honor demand Added costs due to non-payment or non-acceptance Demurrage Storage Insurance Return freight Slow pay due to system constraints Mail time Collecting bank procedures
  • 16.
  • 17.
    Documentary Letter ofCredit Defined as a written undertaking by a bank (Issuing Bank), acting at the request and on the instructions of its customer (Applicant) to: Make payment to, or to the order of, a third party (Beneficiary); Accept and pay bills of exchange (drafts) drawn by the Beneficiary; or Authorize another bank to effect such payment or to pay, accept, or negotiate such bills of exchange (drafts) against stipulated document(s), provided that the terms and conditions of the Credit are complied with
  • 18.
    Parties Involved SellerBeneficiary Exporter Buyer Applicant Importer
  • 19.
    Applicant (Buyer) IssuingBank Beneficiary (Seller) Sales Contract Beneficiary (Seller) Letter of Credit Applicant (Buyer) Bank Opening Bank SUBSTITUTES ITS NAME FOR THAT OF “ We the Buyer Obligate to pay Seller.” “ We the Bank Obligate to pay Seller.”
  • 20.
    Letter of CreditApplication & Security Agreement Applicant (Buyer) Sales Contract Beneficiary (Seller) Letter of Credit Opening Bank (2) L/C Application and Security Agreement (1) (3)
  • 21.
    Issuing Bank DefiniteUndertaking Honor Without Recourse Stipulated Documents Drafts, if any Terms and Conditions “ We Hereby Authorize You to Value on Us”
  • 22.
    Advising Bank Functions:Authenticates Scrutinizes* * Optional This is solely an advice of a credit issued by the above named
  • 23.
    Advising Bank Mayalso be asked/nominated to: Pay Accept draft(s) - if any Create deferred payment obligation(s) Negotiate Confirm
  • 24.
    Confirmed vs. UnconfirmedImplication Constitutes a definite undertaking of confirming bank Independent of the issuing bank’s obligation Purpose Mitigates or eliminates political risk factors Confirmation
  • 25.
    Confirming Bank Actsupon request of issuer A second promise Definite undertaking Honor without recourse Stipulated Documents Drafts, if any Terms& Conditions “ We Confirm the Credit and Thereby Undertake…”
  • 26.
    “Silent” Confirmation Agreementto Negotiate (ATN) Definition : An undertaking by JPMorgan Chase Bank to negotiate documents and purchase the related drafts and/or documents under a Sight, Time or Deferred Payment L/C (usually on a without full recourse basis) at the request of a JPMorgan Chase Bank customer who is the Beneficiary of such L/C. Notes : The bank’s commitment to negotiate is made prior to the negotiation. ATNs are offered to customers as an alternative if they are unable to obtain an “open” confirmation in their favor. ATNs covering Standby L/Cs are not authorized.
  • 27.
    Types of CreditIrrevocable - Revocable Straight - Negotiable Sight - Time/Usance - Deferred
  • 28.
    Irrevocable vs. Revocable Revocable: May be amended or cancelled without prior notice to beneficiary Irrevocable: Cannot be amended or cancelled without agreement of all parties
  • 29.
    Straight Credit Obligationof the Issuing Bank to pay/accept drafts, or to incur a deferred payment obligation extends only to the beneficiary of the credit.
  • 30.
    Negotiable Credit Theissuing bank’s obligation extended to a third party; usually a bank willing to negotiate. Negotiation is usually with recourse unless otherwise agreed.
  • 31.
    Sight Letters ofCredit Payment effected immediately after presentation of conforming draft(s) and/or document(s) = $$
  • 32.
    Time/Usance Letters ofCredit Payment made at some specified time after presentation of conforming draft(s) and/or document(s) + = 2001 $$
  • 33.
    Engagement Clauses Availablewith: Restricted (Named) Nominated Bank Freely Negotiable “Any Bank” = Nominated Bank Available by: Sight Payment Acceptance Deferred Payment Negotiation
  • 34.
    Amendment Consent ofParties Establishment Issuer Confirmer Beneficiary Acceptance Partial Acceptance “ We Hereby Amend Our Letter of Credit as Follows…”
  • 35.
    Special Letter ofCredit Assignment of Proceeds Transferable Revolving Installment Red Clause Back-to-Back
  • 36.
    Discrepancies Studies showthat 60% of all document sets contain one or more discrepancies
  • 37.
    Discrepancies Act asimpartial arbitrator and “trusted” intermediary Determine whether to accept or refuse the documents Notify presenter immediately if documents are refused Job of the Bank
  • 38.
    Most Common Discrepancies1. Late Shipment 2. Late Presentation 3. Credit Expired 4. Credit Overdrawn 5. Missing Documents
  • 39.
    Implications for SellerDelayed payment Increased/extended credit exposure Discrepancy costs Higher processing costs Demurrage Opportunity costs Loss of control over transaction
  • 40.
    Implications for BuyerDelayed payment Delayed clearance of goods Option to refuse goods Option to negotiate
  • 41.
    Discrepancies Correct documentsDirect bank to cable for authority to honor Direct bank to send documents on approval basis Request bank to pay under reserve/guarantee Never instruct bank to send documents on collection basis Beneficiary’s options:
  • 42.
    Discrepancies Approach Applicantfor waiver Give notice Without delay By telecommunication Stating all discrepancies Advice if documents are being held or returned Issuing Bank’s Options:
  • 43.
    Not to Exceed 7 Banking Days Examine Determine Give Notice Reasonable Time xx 20 1 7 CONFIDENTIAL This Document can not be duplicated, re-transmitted, or circulated without the permission of JPMorganChase - Global Trade Finance Group.
  • 44.
  • 45.
    Standby Letters ofCredit Standby L/C is defined as any Letter of Credit or similar arrangement however named or described which represents an obligation to the beneficiary on the part of the issuer
  • 46.
    Standby Letters ofCredit 1. To repay money borrowed by or advanced to or for the account of the account party 2. To make payment on account of any indebtedness undertaken by the account party 3. To make payment on account of any default by the account party in the performance of an obligation
  • 47.
    OCC Safety andSoundness Criteria Conspicuously state that it is a Letter of Credit or be conspicuously entitled as such Contain a specified expiration date or be a definite term Be limited in amount Bank is to pay only upon presentation of required documents. Bank must not determine question of fact or law at issue between account party and beneficiary Bank’s customer should have an unqualified obligation to reimburse the Bank
  • 48.
    Standby Letters ofCredit Financial To assure payment of such obligations as: - Promissory Notes - Deferred insurance premiums - Invoices for open account sales - Commodity margin requirements on futures contracts - Loan by a foreign bank to a corporation’s overseas subsidiary
  • 49.
    Standby Letters ofCredit Performance To assure performance under contractual obligations such as: - Bid bonds - Performance bonds - Advance payment bonds - Warranty/Maintenance/Retention bonds
  • 50.
    Risk-based Capital AdequacyConversion Factor Commercial L/C 20% Performance Standby 50% Financial Standby 100%
  • 51.
    Commercial L/C Standby L/C Primary Bank of Obligation Primary Primary Payment Mechanism for Underlying Transaction Secondary Commercial Documents: Financial Documents: Invoice, Packing List Statement, Certificate of Origin Certificate, Inspection Certificates, Draft Transport Document
  • 52.