Transferable Letters of Credit

A Transferable Letter of Credit is generally used when the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit is not the actual supplier of the goods, but an intermediary (middleman or agent). A Transferable Letter of Credit is a regular Letter of Credit with an additional term that allows a named bank to transfer an amount of the Letter of Credit to one or more of the actual suppliers or any transferee requested by the beneficiary and agreed to by the bank. This transfer is completed at the request of the beneficiary provided that the bank agrees to the transfer.

Key benefits

1. Improves your revenue potential

As an intermediary (middleman or agent), you can generate revenue for co-ordinating the trade transactions between the importer and the exporter

2. Allows you to conduct business on a larger scale

As an intermediary (middleman or agent), you may do business on a larger scale, since the security provided by the Letter of Credit may be transferred to the actual supplier(s) or other parties to the transaction that will receive payment

3. Access to trade finance expertise

Our trade finance experts provide you with structuring, mitigation and financing expertise and up-to-date country and trade risk guidance to support and expedite your trade transactions

Is it for you?

Transferable Letters of Credit may be for you if you:

Act as a purchasing agent in Canada for overseas buyers, in which case you would need to request that the applicant applies for a Transferable Letter of Credit from his/her bank
Source your imports through your agents in other countries, in which case you can apply to CIBC to issue a Transferable Letter of Credit to your foreign agent
Have business contacts in different countries, facilitating 2-way trade transactions between importers and exporters

Please Note:
The above is intended to be only a general description of this product and its features. Certain conditions, restrictions and exceptions may apply. CIBC reserves the right to change or discontinue this product or any of its features at any time. This product and its features shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable agreement governing its use. For more information, please contact our Trade Finance team.

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