Productopedia

by Derumari

Letter of Credit

Product Description:

Product whereby the bank issues an authenticated undertaking that represents a commitment to pay a beneficiary a specified amount of money against documents presented that comply with the terms and conditions of the letter of credit.

Inherent Risk Rating: High
Risk Indicators:
  • Can be used to make direct or indirect payment to sanctioned target or country
  • Can be used to pay Public Official
  • Concealed source of payment
  • Product being financed requires an export license
  • Can be used to finance goods which could be subject to trade embargoes
  • Product can be used to finance shipment of goods using a vessel with flags of convenience
  • High value or unlimited value payment
  • No jurisdictional restrictions
  • Payments from banks in medium or high risk countries
  • Payments to 3rd Parties
  • Placement of Collateral
  • Transfer through jurisdictions with ineffective sanctions enforcement
Possible mitigation controls:
  • Approval to make 3rd Party Payment
  • Collateral or payment terms and timeframes defined in agreement or contract
  • Documentary Evidence to identity parties and details of transaction
  • Early termination clause
  • Event triggered payment
  • Gifts and entertainment policy
  • Know Your Business
  • Legally binding standard agreement or contract
  • Non-performance related fee arrangement
  • Not easily transferable
  • No transactions prior to CDD
  • On-going Screening
  • Originator and Beneficiary Information
  • Sanctions payment filtering
  • Source of wealth
  • Transactional Due Diligence
Pre-defined as a Higher Risk Product? Yes
image/svg+xml 10. Payment of f ee for service + f unds 5. Provide documents (bills of lading, c ommercial i nvoice, q uality c ertificate) 7. Confirms compliance with documents 1. Purchase contract 2. Applies for L/C 3. Issues L/C 6. Transfer of documents 5. Shipment of goods 8. Payment of f unds 9. Payment for goods IMPORT EXPORT Off - Taker’s Bank Off Taker Importer Issuing Bank Supplier Advising Bank 4. Advises L/C