As the hype around blockchain technology ebbs, real-world applications are coming to life, particularly in trade finance. Joy Macknight examines market initiatives, lessons learned and the role that blockchain could play in driving the digitalisation and growth of global trade. 

Technology is revolutionising trade finance while facilitating lending to small businesses by tech giants such as PayPal, Amazon and Alibaba. But is this enough to fill the $1500bn global trade finance gap? Stefania Palma investigates.

China’s recently declared support for globalisation has given fresh hope to Latin America, which could benefit from its established trade links with the eastern giant in the form of greater investment in infrastructure, lower tariffs and higher value exports. Silvia Pavoni reports.

The way goods and services are traded internationally is changing, fuelled by the globalisation and digitalisation of supply and distribution chains. Are free-trade deals still fit for purpose in a hyperconnected world? Joy Macknight investigates. 

Asset managers are showing greater interest in providing much-needed financial support for global trade, as greater digitisation opens up the market to these new players. Joy Macknight reports. 

Trade finance is emerging as a key part of the Latin American banking business model and is bound to be a hot topic on the agenda at this year's Felaban annual meeting being held in Colombia in November. Ahead of this, The Banker speaks to experts about the challenges and opportunities that this growing business line is creating in the Latin American market.

With heavy state involvement and the occasional scandal, China’s trade finance sector may not be perfect. But significant change is under way as government policies facilitate growth and diversification in the country’s industry and financial sector. 

Over the past decade, the International Finance Corporation's short-term finance programme has facilitated billions of dollars of trade finance, and the programme's Americas head, Antonio Alves, is confident about its continued success.