Consignment Sale

Consignment in International Trade Consignment in international trade is described as a variation of open account. In this arrangement, payment is sent to the exporter only after the goods have been sold by the foreign distributor to the end customer. The transaction is based on a contractual arrangement. Under a consignment arrangement, the exporter ships the products to the importer while still retaining actual title to the merchandise. The foreign distributor receives, manages, and sells Read more

Letter of Credit

A Letter of Credit (L/C) is identified in the sources as a method of payment used in international trade. It is described as a written obligation and a formal document issued by a bank on behalf of a customer. The fundamental purpose of an L/C is to ensure that the importer makes payment to the exporter once proof of shipment is received. The sources highlight that banks involved in an L/C arrangement act as a Read more

Open Account

An Open Account is identified as a method of payment used in international trade. It is categorized as a form of trade credit. Trade credit, in general, arises when a firm purchases goods from another firm and is not required to pay for them immediately. During the period before payment becomes due, the buyer has a debt outstanding to the supplier. The sources indicate that trade credit can manifest in the form of an open Read more

Mode of Payment in International Trade

International trade transactions between an exporter (seller) and an importer (buyer) are complicated by concerns that one party might not fulfil its obligation to the other. The exporter is typically concerned about receiving payment from the importer. There’s also a risk that the importer’s government could impose exchange controls preventing payment. Conversely, the importer may not trust the exporter to ship the ordered products. Financial managers must be aware of the methods available to ensure Read more

Exchange Risk Management

Foreign exchange risk management is a critical component of any business involved in international transactions. It encompasses the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks that arise from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Due to the increased globalization of business and financial markets, coupled with the growth of international trade and volatility in exchange rates, understanding and managing these risks have become imperative for financial managers. Globalization has brought benefits like better international capital allocation Read more

Foreign Exchange Market

The Foreign Exchange Market (Forex, FX, or currency market) is a market in which currencies are bought and sold. It is distinct from a financial market where currencies are borrowed and lent. The primary purpose of the foreign exchange market is to permit transfers of purchasing power denominated in one currency to another, enabling the trading of one currency for another. This is essential for international trade and investment, allowing, for instance, a U.S. business Read more

International Financial Management

Introduction to International Financial Management International Financial Management is defined as the management of finance in an international business environment. It is essential to study IFM because we are currently living in a highly globalized and integrated world economy. This trend towards globalization and integration is expected to continue due to the ongoing liberalization of international trade and investment, as well as rapid advancements in telecommunications and transportation technologies. Financial managers must fully understand the Read more

Difference Between Hire Purchase and Lease Financing

Lease Financing: A Contract for Use Lease financing is defined as a contractual arrangement where the owner of an asset, known as the lessor, grants another party, the lessee, the right to use that asset for a specified period. In return for this right to use the asset, the lessee makes periodic payments to the lessor, typically referred to as lease rentals. The contract is governed by its specific terms and conditions. The lease term Read more

Lease Financing

Leasing is defined as a contractual arrangement where a party owning an asset, known as the lessor, provides the asset for use to another party, the lessee, for a certain period of time. The consideration for this right to use the asset is typically in the form of periodic payments called lease rentals. Leasing can also involve an initial down payment. Essentially, leasing is a form of renting assets and provides a firm with the Read more

SWAP

A Swap is a type of derivative, which is a product whose value is derived from the value of one or more basic variables called bases. Swaps essentially allow parties to exchange their uncertain stream of cash flows for a more certain one. They are infinitely flexible instruments. Nature and Features Unlike standardized, exchange-traded futures contracts, swaps are typically customized contracts that are traded in the over-the-counter (OTC) market between private parties. They are private Read more