
In the world of international trade finance, there are various instruments used to facilitate transactions. A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is one such instrument that plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth transactions.
A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a document issued by a bank, guaranteeing payment to a beneficiary if a specific condition is met. It's a type of security that provides an added layer of protection to both the buyer and the seller.
SBLCs can be categorized into two types: commercial and standby. Commercial SBLCs are used for regular business transactions, while standby SBLCs are used for specific transactions that require additional security.
The MT760 is a document used to confirm the existence and details of an SBLC. It's a critical document that ensures the authenticity of the SBLC and provides a clear understanding of the transaction to all parties involved.
What Is a Stand By Letter of Credit (SBLC)?

A Stand By Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a payment guarantee provided by a bank to their client. It's often used in local and international trade transactions for buying goods.
It's also known as Standby LC, SBLC, or MT760, and proves the buyer's credit worth and payment strength. This guarantee ensures that the client won't make any payment loss.
The SBLC is a guarantee that needs to be paid upon first demand without any protest or defense. It's used as a "payment of last resort" if the client fails to oblige with the Terms and Conditions of the signed Agreement.
What Is a Provider?
A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) provider is a bank or financial institution that offers SBLCs to its customers. This can include banks like Grand City Investment Limited, which provides SBLC MT760 and other financial instruments.
A Standby Letter of Credit Provider is selected based on their reliability, reputation, and financial backing. This is what sets them apart from other providers.
SBLC providers offer a range of financial instruments, including SBLCs, to support various commercial and financial transactions. They are chosen for their ability to provide reliable and secure financial services.
Standby Letter of Credit Providers are governed by the Uniform Customs and Practice (UCP 600), which was first established in the 1930s by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Take a look at this: Sblc Providers in Usa
Bank Guarantees Overview
A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a payment guarantee provided by a bank to their client. It's a guarantee that needs to be paid upon first demand without any protest or defense.
The applicant, a commercial company, requests their bank for an MT 760 guarantee, but they must have enough cash or credit facility available in their bank account to qualify their request. The bank will debit the applicant's account for the instrument's commission, processing fee, and swift charges.
There are four parties involved in a Standby Letter of Credit: the applicant, the issuing bank, the beneficiary, and the advising bank. The issuing bank issues the SBLC on behalf of their client as per their agreement with them.

A Standby Letter of Credit is a financial instrument that can be used in various transactions, including local and international trade. It's similar to a Documentary Letter of Credit, but it can only be used if the applicant fails to pay.
The process of issuing a Standby Letter of Credit involves several steps, including draft review and opening payment. The draft SWIFT MT760 is created for the applicant and the seller/exporter to review and confirm.
Here are the four parties involved in a Standby Letter of Credit:
Standby Letter of Credit is governed by a set of rules known as Uniform Customs and Practice (UCP 600), which was first created in the 1930s by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
How It Works
A Commercial Standby Letter of Credit is a type of letter of credit that is used to guarantee the payment of a loan or other financial obligation.
It's a powerful tool that can provide financial security and peace of mind for both the borrower and the lender.
The Standby Letter of Credit is issued by a bank or other financial institution and is typically used for commercial transactions, such as financing a business or project.
A Standby Letter of Credit can be used to secure a loan, facilitate international trade, or provide a guarantee for a contractor or supplier.
The bank issuing the Standby Letter of Credit is responsible for ensuring that the funds are available when needed and that the terms of the letter of credit are met.
The bank will typically require collateral or other forms of security to back up the Standby Letter of Credit, to protect against potential losses.
Types of Stand By Letter of Credit
Standby Letters of Credit, or SBLCs, are a crucial tool in international trade. They provide a payment guarantee that ensures the buyer's creditworthiness and payment strength.
There are two main types of SBLCs: Performance SBLC and Financial SBLC.
Performance SBLC ensures that non-financial contractual obligations are met, such as quality standards, delivery schedules, or other performance criteria. If the importer fails to meet these obligations, the bank will compensate the beneficiary, typically the exporter, for any losses incurred.
A Financial SBLC guarantees that financial obligations are fulfilled, ensuring payment is made if the importer doesn't settle the payment for goods or services received. Financial SBLCs can also be issued in favor of the exporter's bank, providing additional security in financial transactions.
Here's a quick summary of the two types of SBLCs:
MT 760 Swift Message Structure
The MT 760 Swift message structure has undergone significant changes over time. The earlier structure had only five mandatory fields, but it created issues in Straight Through Processing and Anti Money Laundering processes.
The new structure is divided into three sections: sequence A, sequence B, and an optional sequence C for local undertaking details. Sequence A contains the general information, including the purpose of the guarantee, which must be populated in Field 22A.
The guarantee number is a mandatory field in sequence B, and it should be put in Field 20, followed by the date of issue. Whether the instrument is a SBLC or a demand guarantee should be indicated in Field 22D.
Field 40C is for the applicable rules, and possible values can be 'URDG' for URDG 758, 'UCPR' for UCP 600, 'ISPR' for ISP 98, or 'NONE' if it's not subject to any of the ICC rules. There's also an option to select 'OTHR' and provide the rule details in a separate narrative field.
The Expiry Type is another mandatory field, which can be fixed with a fixed date, conditional to a specific event, or kept open without any specified date.
Procedure and Process
To initiate the Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) process, you'll need to fill out and return the SBLC application with relevant documents, such as a Pro Forma Invoice and Contract.
A SWIFT MT760 draft of the SBLC will be created for you and your seller/exporter to review and confirm. This draft can be finalized between you and your seller/exporter, and changes are free of cost.
The bank will issue the SBLC within 48 hours of release, and you'll receive a copy via email as it's transmitted by a MT760 SWIFT message to the beneficiary.
Process Work?

The process work for a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a straightforward series of steps. Fill out and return the SBLC application with the necessary documents for your deal.
A SWIFT MT760 draft of the SBLC will be created for you and your seller/exporter to review and confirm. This is a crucial step to ensure everything is in order.
Finalize the draft between you and your seller/exporter, and sign off on the draft – changes are free of cost. This is a collaborative effort to get everything just right.
We issue you a payment invoice for the SBLC, which you arrange to pay. This is the next step in the process.
Once we receive your wire payment, we will release the finalized SBLC to the bank for issuance and delivery. This is a significant milestone in the process.
The bank will issue the SBLC within 48 hours of release. This is a standard timeframe for most banks.

A copy of the SBLC will be emailed to you as it is transmitted by a MT760 SWIFT message to the beneficiary, including the reference number of the SBLC. This is a confirmation that the process is moving forward.
Your seller’s bank will receive and confirm the SBLC transmission soon thereafter. This is an important step in ensuring everything is in order.
Once the seller/exporter has prepared and loaded all goods for shipment, they must send the specified documents for that particular shipment to their own bank. This is the next step in the process.
Their bank will then forward the documents to our bank, and we will email you copies of the presentation and all of the documents that were submitted by the seller/exporter for your review and approval. This is an opportunity for you to review and approve the documents.
Once we have received payment, we cosign the documents to you and overnight them to your freight forwarder or to whomever you wish. This completes the transaction.
Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) can be complex, but it's essential to understand the steps involved. The process typically starts with filling out and returning the SBLC application with relevant documents, such as a Pro Forma Invoice and Contract.
To initiate the process, you'll need to provide a buy and sell agreement, pro-forma offer, or fill out a Deed of Agreement. This is usually done in conjunction with a trade deal. The SBLC request must be submitted to a direct provider or a financial institution, who will review the commercial transaction before giving consent or refusal.
The next step is to finalize the draft of the Standby Letter of Credit, which involves signing off on the draft with your seller/exporter. This is a free-of-cost process. You'll then receive a payment invoice for the SBLC, which you'll need to pay to initiate the issuance process.
Here's a breakdown of the key steps involved in obtaining a Standby Letter of Credit:
Once the documents have been presented, the issuer bank will cosign and deliver them to you, completing the transaction. The Standby Letter of Credit is governed by the Uniform Customs and Practice (UCP 600), which provides guidelines for the issuance and use of SBLCs.
When to Use SLBC

When to use a standby letter of credit (SLBC) is a crucial question for businesses involved in international trade. SLBCs are often used in international trade deals where the terms may be different between parties.
You'll need an SLBC anytime a buyer needs to guarantee payment for goods or services. This is a common scenario in export-import transactions, where the buyer and seller may have different payment terms.
In the context of treasury management, using a standby letter of credit as a guarantee can be beneficial, but it also comes with risks. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
To ensure collateral is properly monitored in transactions, you should take steps to track and verify the collateral's value. This is especially important in high-pressure deal negotiations.
The following scenarios may require the use of an SLBC:
- Export-import transactions with different payment terms
- High-pressure deal negotiations
- Transactions with foreign buyers or sellers
- Transactions where collateral needs to be monitored
In these situations, an SLBC can provide an added layer of security and protection for both parties involved.
International Trade Finance

International Trade Finance is a complex system that involves various payment methods and guarantees to facilitate global trade. LC, Collections, and BG are some of the key methods used.
These methods are essential for ensuring smooth transactions between buyers and sellers across different countries. Incoterms 2020 provides a standardized framework for international trade, helping to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.
Bank Guarantees and Standby Letter of Credit are crucial in international trade, providing security and protection to both parties involved. URDG 758 and ISP 98 outline the rules and regulations for these guarantees.
SWIFT messages are used to communicate and confirm the issuance of these guarantees, ensuring timely and accurate transactions. Clauses and examples of these guarantees are carefully examined to ensure compliance with the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to convert a MT760 to cash?
To convert a MT760 to cash, use a reputable monetization provider to ensure a secure and legitimate transaction. Research and choose a trustworthy provider to avoid scams and ensure a smooth conversion process.
Sources
- https://www.tradefinancenetwork.com/standby-letter-of-credit
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-standby-letter-credit-comprehensive-guide-oscar-wason-qidze
- https://www.bankon.school/blog/updated-mt-760-issuing-demand-guarantees-and-standby-letters-of-credit
- https://www.cttradefinance.com/standby-letter-of-credit-sblc.php
- https://www.bintangharapanb.com/layanan/bank-garansi/apa-itu-standby-letter-of-credit-sblc/
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