The ‘Alternative’ 2015

As is tradition, the so-called ‘Alternative’ was hosted in London on the occasion of the annual ITFA conference, which this year took place in Dubai, providing a networking opportunity for the London-based colleagues that did not attend the conference. This year the function was organised with special attention to providing a unique networking opportunity to the junior associates of the market to exchange views with their contemporaries; firms attending wholeheartedly embraced this opportunity, and invited many colleagues along who are fresh to the trade finance market.

The event was well attended with ca. 40 institutions present, representing numerous geographies including Australia, Africa, US, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and of course the UK. This is yet again testament to the resilience of trade finance markets, and the close collaboration among market participants even when faced with difficult market conditions. Partnerships across institutions remain fundamentally key against a backdrop of multiple conflicts and an enduring difficult economic environment, and trade finance is a great example of the unifying force at play across geographic and institutional boundaries.

Thank you very much to everyone for attending, and hopefully we will see such great turnout again later in the year at the annual Christmas cocktail.