East & Partners is a leading global banking research and advisory firm providing the financial services industry with independent, market wide research, analysis and customer insights across institutional, corporate and small business banking segments worldwide.

Their new in-depth review of the Australian Trade Finance Market identifies the critical importance for the country of trade with China, a relationship which observers note has come under recent significant political pressure.

Within the Australian trade environment, the research shows that when comparing open account vs documentary credits, AU Institutional and Corporate are much greater users of open account than SMEs; a clear opportunity exists to support SMEs more effectively in the open account arena.

Looking at key drivers of Trade Finance needs, the requirement for liquidity support is the highest concern for SMEs, whilst Supply Chain Management is the biggest issue for Institutions.

This suggests a clear opportunity for open account providers to support Institutions with Supply Chain Management solutions and help SMEs with their cash needs.

For further information on East & Partners and its analytical insights, contact Danny Flatt at daniel.f@eastandpartners.com