These factors have boosted the demand from exporters and their financiers for the protection of export credits. There is no such thing as a typical export credit agency or investment insurer. They come in all shapes and sizes. Their status vary. Some are government departments and some are private companies.
Many members write much of their business on government account.
This means underwriting the repayment risks on individual buyers and, often, their banks as well as a whole range of political risks. This often includes underwriting the risks on the viability of the projects themselves, as well as a wide range of other commercial and political risks. This is a very important area, but one which is frequently overlooked. The risks covered by the ECAs in this area embrace a wide range of political factors and, here again, it is vital that information on current legislation, etc., on onward investment in the host country is readily accessible to the ECAs. The ECAs do not provide access to untied finance.