How a trade finance application audit runs
A clear sequence keeps shipment clocks honest. Here is how an engagement moves from first call to written findings.
Who this process fits
Treasury teams, trade administrators, and project controllers who already have a draft letter of credit, guarantee, or import facility pack — or who need to assemble one before a named bank meeting.
- Scoping call We confirm instrument type, issuing or advising bank, shipment or tender date, and which documents already exist. You receive a short engagement letter with fee, delivery date, and exclusions.
- Secure intake You send the draft application, sale or tender contract extract, commercial invoice, packing list, transport booking or bill of lading if available, and any bank checklist. We acknowledge receipt the same business day.
- Document map Reviewers build a cross-check of names, amounts, dates, Incoterms, ports, and collateral references. Gaps are logged against typical bank query themes, not against a software scorecard.
- Findings memo You receive a written memo organised by severity: items likely to block lodgement, items likely to draw questions, and optional tidy-ups. Each item cites the page or clause reviewed.
- Clarification call We walk through corrections with your team so drafts can be updated before the bank appointment. Extra rounds after major pack changes are scoped separately.
What we do not do
We do not submit applications to banks on your behalf, negotiate facility pricing, or certify legal opinions. Counsel and your relationship manager remain responsible for lodgement.
Next step
If your sailing or tender date is already on the calendar, bring the draft pack and we will tell you whether a full audit or a narrower wording check fits.