We deal with extremely diverse products, with unique deals each with its own challenges. Additionally, the trade arena is fraught with problems of fraud, missing goods, fake documents and intent to avoid payment.  We are always mindful of an ability to pay and intent to pay, with instruments requiring settlement up to one year later. And as the bank may have responsibility to pay according to the very tight terms of any agreement, risk avoidance is the key as banks remain reluctant to handle even small transactions. This puts unprecedented pressure on bona-fide customers to lodge excessive collateral in escrow, pay large up-front fees, thereby deeply affecting cash flow in the case of small suppliers unfamiliar with a letter of credit process and their ability to complete in international markets.