How an SBLC Provider Offers an SBLC to a Business
A genuine Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) provider follows a structured financial and compliance process. Unlike brokers or unlicensed operators, real SBLC issuers are regulated financial institutions that issue SBLCs only after careful evaluation of the client’s creditworthiness, collateral, and business purpose.
Step-by-Step Process: How an SBLC Is Offered to a Business
1. Initial Inquiry
The client approaches the SBLC provider with details such as:
- Required SBLC amount
- Purpose (trade, contract, monetization, tender guarantee)
- Tenor (usually 1 year + 1 day)
- Beneficiary details
2. KYC & Document Collection
The provider collects the required compliance documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Director IDs / Passport copies
- Business license
- Company address verification
- Financial statements (2–3 years)
- Purpose explanation letter
3. AML, Sanctions & Background Screening
The provider screens the client in global databases such as OFAC, EU Sanctions, UN Lists, and Interpol.
4. Financial Strength & Collateral Assessment
An SBLC is a guarantee of payment, so the issuer checks:
- Client's credit ranking
- Net worth & liquidity
- Type and value of collateral
- Risk exposure tolerance
A bank never issues an SBLC without collateral.
5. Issuing a Term Sheet
Once preliminary approvals are complete, the provider issues a Term Sheet containing:
- SBLC face value
- Issuance fee (6–12%)
- Collateral requirements
- SWIFT types (MT799/MT760)
- Timeframes
- Governing law
6. Signing of DOA (Deed of Agreement)
The DOA formalizes:
- Fee structure
- SWIFT process
- Both parties’ responsibilities
- Jurisdiction
- Collateral pledge terms
7. Collateral / Margin Deposit
Valid forms of collateral include:
- Cash margin
- Fixed deposits
- Treasury bills
- Real estate lien
- Corporate assets
8. Optional MT799 Pre-Advice
Some banks send an MT799 before the actual SBLC to confirm readiness and funding capability.
9. SBLC Issuance via SWIFT MT760
The bank sends the official SBLC through SWIFT MT760 to the beneficiary bank. The receiving bank validates and confirms it.
10. SBLC Delivered & Active
The SBLC can now be used for:
- Trade financing
- Supply contract guarantees
- Performance bond substitutes
- Monetization (20–50% LTV)
Parameters to Check Before Accepting a Client's SBLC Application
Before issuing an SBLC, the provider must evaluate the client through detailed legal, financial, compliance, and risk frameworks. These parameters prevent fraud, protect the bank, and ensure the SBLC is issued responsibly.
A. Legal & Compliance Checks
1. Identity Verification
- Company registration authenticity
- Director background check
- Real address verification
2. AML/Sanctions Screening
- OFAC database
- UN Sanctions List
- EU Sanction Frameworks
- Interpol notices
B. Financial Capability Checks
3. Corporate Financials
- Profitability
- Debt load
- Cash flow
- Balance sheet health
4. Net Worth vs SBLC Size
The client's net worth should be at least 20–30% of the requested SBLC value.
5. Collateral Verification
- Proof of ownership
- Updated valuation
- Unencumbered assets
- Risk-adjusted valuation
C. Purpose & Business Evaluation
6. Purpose Legitimacy
Valid purposes:
- Trade financing
- Tender guarantees
- Performance contracts
- Supplier assurance
- Project finance
Invalid / suspicious purposes:
- "Investment programs"
- "Private placement schemes"
- Vague reasons with no documents
D. Risk & Liability Assessment
7. SBLC Repayment Ability
If the SBLC is called, can the client repay or liquidate assets?
8. Total Exposure Review
The provider assesses whether issuing the SBLC fits within internal credit exposure limits.
9. Litigation & Reputation Check
Any history of fraud, defaults, or insolvency is a major red flag.
E. Operational Checks
10. Receiving Bank Capability
The beneficiary’s bank must be:
- SWIFT-enabled
- Capable of receiving MT760
- Regulated in a safe jurisdiction
11. Timeline Commitment
The client must be able to follow the full process (2–6 weeks).
12. Broker Chain Detection
Real providers only deal with:
- Direct clients
- Mandates with evidence
Long broker chains are rejected.
A clear guide on how SBLC providers issue standby letters of credit and verify clients.
Read moreA clear guide on how SBLC providers issue standby letters of credit and verify clients.
Read more