Everything you need to know about Letters of Credit: A comprehensive guide to Documentary Credits

A comprehensive guide to Documentary Credits

Trade Finance Global / Introduction to Letters of Credit | 2024 Guide / Everything you need to know about Letters of Credit: A comprehensive guide to Documentary Credits

TFG & BAFT Letter of Credit Guide

In the ever-evolving world of global trade, the role of traditional documentary trade instruments like Letters of Credit (LCs), also known as Documentary Credits, becomes increasingly pivotal. As we navigate through complex macroeconomic terrains and geopolitical uncertainties, LCs provide the industry with security and trust in international transactions.

This guide is crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of LCs, from their historical origins to their modern-day application. It aims to demystify the technicalities of LCs, offering insights into their operational framework, legal underpinnings, and practical usage in trade finance.

Whether you are a seasoned finance professional or new to trade finance, TFG and BAFT hope that this guide will help you navigate the international trade world.

TFG and BAFT are thrilled to launch this LC guide at the BAFT 2024 International Trade and Payments Conference in Washington D.C. We want to thank David Meynell and Pradeep Taneja for their help in writing this guide, and the BAFT Letter of Credit Working Group for providing their expertise and guidance during the process.

Why create this guide?

Recognising the need to demystify this essential trade finance instrument, TFG and BAFT have come together to craft a guide that not only clarifies the basics of Letters of Credit but also breaks down further intricacies of when to use certain documents. 

The aim is to broaden the understanding and use of this tool, removing barriers and fostering a more inclusive global trade environment.

The guide is the result of a collaborative effort, drawing on the insights and experiences of industry veterans. 

What’s in this guide?

  • Documentary credits (Letters of Credit) definition & purpose
  • Why use a documentary credit: Risk mitigation & benefits
  • Parties involved
  • Types of credit
  • Rules, practice, and law
  • Financial crime, fraud, and sanctions
  • Ensuring credit-compliant presentations of documents
  • Handling document discrepancies
  • Dispute resolution
  • Digitalisation and the future

Download our free Letters of Credit guide by filling in the form below: 


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Download our Letters of Credit guide


Letters of Credit Hub

1 | Introduction to the Letter of Credit
2 | Types of Credit
3 | UCP 600 and the Letter of Credit
4 |  UCP 600 – Ultimate Guide
5 | Benefits of Letters of Credit
6 | Handling Document Discrepancies
7 | Restricted Letters of Credit
8 | Letters of Credit vs Bank Guarantees
9 | Standby Letters of Credit
10 | Sight Letters of Credit
11 | eUCP Explained
12 | URC 522 and eURC
13 | SWIFT Messaging Types
14 | Research
15 | BAFT & TFG Guide
16 | Parties Involved
17 | Letters of Credit Rules
18 | ISBP 821
19 | Financial Crime, Fraud and Sanctions
20 | Presentation of Documents
21 | Dispute Resolution
22 | Digitalisation and the Future

About the Author

Deepesh Patel is Editorial Director at Trade Finance Global (TFG). In this role, Deepesh leads efforts in developing TFG’s brand, relationships and strategic direction in key markets, including the UK, US, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong.

Deepesh regularly chairs and speaks at international industry events with the WTO, BCR, Excred, TXF, The Economist and Reuters, as well as industry associations including ICC, FCI, ITFA, ICISA and BAFT.

Deepesh is the host of the ‘Trade Finance Talks’ podcast and ‘Trade Finance Talks TV’. He is co-author of ‘Blockchain for Trade: A Reality Check’ with the ICC and the WTO, alongside other industry research.

In addition to his work at TFG, Deepesh is a Strategic Advisor for WOA, and works closely with ITFA. He also sits on the Fintech Working Group of the Standardised Trust.

Prior to TFG, Deepesh worked at Travelex where he was responsible for the cards business and the Travelex Money app in Europe, NAM, UK and Brazil. Deepesh is Chair of Governors and co-opted LA Governor of the Wyvern Federation, which has responsibility for 5 primary schools in South London.

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