DCW Monthly: April 2026
The ICC Banking Commission decided not to revise UCP 600 or ISBP 821. The argument: the rules are fine, what&
DCW Articles
The Hidden Risks of Varying a Confirmation's Terms
Exactly what is an issuing bank authorizing or requesting a nominated bank to do when it requests the bank to “add its confirmation” to a credit? Several considerations and questions should be weighed by a would-be confirmer.
DCW Articles
A Corporate View of Trade Finance: Structuring Guarantees and Standbys at the Bid Stage
In project-driven industries, guarantees and standby letters of credit shape bids and contract negotiations early. Nadia Khirddine of AtkinsRéalis offers a corporate perspective on structuring these instruments and working effectively with banks.
DCW Articles
Why We Need UCP Revision and More Purposeful Education
Although ICC has opted not to pursue UCP revision at this time, trade finance consultant Miguel Bustamante explains why he believes both revision and education are needed and are not mutually exclusive.
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DCW Monthly: April 2026
The ICC Banking Commission decided not to revise UCP 600 or ISBP 821. The argument: the rules are fine, what&
DCW Updates
Diverse Views Define UCP Revision Voting
There will be no revision of the UCP 600 rules undertaken by the ICC Banking Commission at this time. Additionally,
DCW Updates
ICC Unveils Two-Year UCP, ISBP Action Plan
Billed as a deliberate shift from rule revision to rule optimisation, the ICC Banking Commission’s 2026-2027 Action Plan – UCP/
DCW Updates
SWIFT Message Reference Guide Cited in NY Case
A recent decision issued by a New York court demonstrates the importance of proper understanding and use of the SWIFT
DCW Updates
UK Supreme Court Decides for UniCredit in Sanctions Case
The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court decision in UniCredit Bank GmbH v. Celestial Aviation Services Ltd.[[1]] was issued 25
DCW Updates
Court Denies CCBC’s Motion, NY Discovery Applies
In White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd. v. China Construction Bank Corp., the New York State Supreme Court denied China Construction
DCW Articles
Force Majeure Defenses against a Beneficiary’s Demand under an Independent Guarantee
Judges at three court levels in China erred in deciding on the force majeure defense invoked by an applicant as the basis for an issuing bank’s filing for an injunction. Saibo Jin explains the case and its broader implications.
DCW Profiles
An Optimistic Outlook Goes a Long Way
Career Spotlights: Michael Evan Avidon How do seasoned trade finance professionals get to where they are? In this Spotlight, we
DCW Articles
DCW Articles
Force Majeure Defenses against a Beneficiary’s Demand under an Independent Guarantee
Judges at three court levels in China erred in deciding on the force majeure defense invoked by an applicant as the basis for an issuing bank’s filing for an injunction. Saibo Jin explains the case and its broader implications.
DCW Articles
Letters of Credit
In the latest installment of this annual survey article series, Carter Klein examines the most significant letter of credit issues emerging from cases decided in 2024.
DCW Articles
Not So Evergreen: Court Limits Duration of Auto-Extension Clause in Letter of Credit
Paul Roder examines why the Court decision in Starr Indemnity is troubling both in its interpretation of the auto-extension clause and the practical effect it may have on the industry.
DCW Articles
The Future of Advanced Technology and Generative AI in Trade Finance Operations
While adoption of Gen AI in trade finance operations is still taking root, its impact and utility will depend on adept human-led implementation.
DCW Updates
DCW Updates
Diverse Views Define UCP Revision Voting
There will be no revision of the UCP 600 rules undertaken by the ICC Banking Commission at this time. Additionally,
DCW Updates
ICC Unveils Two-Year UCP, ISBP Action Plan
Billed as a deliberate shift from rule revision to rule optimisation, the ICC Banking Commission’s 2026-2027 Action Plan – UCP/
DCW Updates
SWIFT Message Reference Guide Cited in NY Case
A recent decision issued by a New York court demonstrates the importance of proper understanding and use of the SWIFT
DCW Updates
UK Supreme Court Decides for UniCredit in Sanctions Case
The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court decision in UniCredit Bank GmbH v. Celestial Aviation Services Ltd.[[1]] was issued 25
DCW Profiles
DCW Profiles
An Optimistic Outlook Goes a Long Way
Career Spotlights: Michael Evan Avidon How do seasoned trade finance professionals get to where they are? In this Spotlight, we
DCW Profiles
Challenges Abound in Legal Realm of Trade Finance
A Conversation with Christine C. Sullivan In our interview series spotlighting the talented people in trade finance, we speak with
DCW Profiles
The Exciting World of Trade Finance
In our interview series spotlighting the talented people in trade finance, we speak with Maria P. Jordan who's a firm believer there’s plenty to be excited about – even for Gen Zers – in the constantly evolving field of trade finance.
DCW Profiles
An Evolving Industry Demands More
As a senior trade services specialist, Zahoor Dattu still applies a healthy dose of professional skepticism to his technical expertise in confronting industry challenges.
DCW LC Statistics
DCW LC Statistics
LC Statistics: 4Q25 US Bank LC Issuance
DCW reports quarterly LC issuance statistics for the top 600 banks headquartered in the US. Numbers are in USD 1,
DCW LC Statistics
Trade Finance Activity of the Top 50 U.S. LC Banks
DCW is beginning a series of visualizations drawn from our long-running U.S. LC statistics dataset. This first chart maps
March 2026
Upgraded DCW LC Statistics + Introducing DCW Data Lab
DCW’s LC Issuance Statistics for U.S. banks have an upgrade and a new look. The updated statistics now
DCW Conference Report
DCW Conference Report
2025 ABA Financial Crimes Enforcement Conference: Executive Summary
The American Bankers Association’s 37th Financial Crimes Enforcement Conference took place in Arlington, Virginia in October 2025, as banks and regulators grappled with AML reform, rising fraud, stablecoins, and the growing impact of AI on financial crime controls.
DCW Conference Report
2025 Americas LC Law Summit: Executive Summary
For the 26th consecutive year, the IIBLP conducted its one-day Americas Letter of Credit Law Summit. Held in New York City on 5 November 2025 and hosted by Baker McKenzie, the program was organized as a hybrid event. This Executive Summary provides an overview of key topics discussed and debated.
DCW Conference Report
2025 Americas Standby & Guarantee Forum: Executive Summary
For the 19th consecutive year, IIBLP conducted its Americas Standby & Guarantee Forum. Held in New York City on 4 November 2025 and hosted by Baker McKenzie, the program was organized as a hybrid event. This Executive Summary provides an overview of key topics discussed and debated.
DCW Conference Report
October 2025 ICC Banking Commission Meeting
The ICC Banking Commission’s quarterly meeting, held via Zoom on 21 October 2025, discussed six draft opinions, the status of Technical Advisory Briefings, a call for comments on the future of UCP and ISBP, and the emergence of stablecoin as relates to ICC rules and digital trade law.
DCW Litigation Digest
DCW Litigation Digest
Ningbo Nanheng Import & Export Co., Ltd v. Shinhan Bank Corp. [2021]
The legal consequences of backdating paper bills of lading under letters of credit and use of surrendered bills of lading emerge from the China case, Ningbo Nanheng Import and Export Co. Ltd. v. Shinhan Bank Co.
DCW Litigation Digest
Petefish Skiles & Co v. Meads-Maes USA Chiren Joint Venture Company [2025]
Case raises important questions and concerns about a URDG guarantee issuer’s obligations and distinguishing an independent bank guarantee from an escrow account arrangement.
DCW Litigation Digest
Luoyang Aviation Construction Co. v. Korea Kookmin Bank [2023]
Case heard by China's Supreme People’s Court deals with questions regarding alleged fraud and the nature of a transferable credit under UCP600 Article 38.
DCW Litigation Digest
ANZ Bank, Manila Branch v. China National Electric Engineering Co., Ltd. & Bank of Jiangsu [2024]
Retrial application dismissed in case involving a dispute over alleged fraud and application the PRC Independent Guarantee Provisions to a standby LC governed by ISP98.
ISP98 Model Forms
ISP98 Model Forms
ISP98 Model SBLC Forms
The ISP98 Model Forms are fillable templates written by bankers and lawyers, and are aligned with ISP98 (ICC Publication No. 590), the most widely used rules for standbys.
ISP98 Model Forms
ISP98 Form 1 - Model SBLC with Payment Demand
ISP98 Model Form 1 is a template for a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) that also incorporates an annexed Form of Payment Demand with Statement.
ISP98 Model Forms
ISP98 Form 2 - Model SBLC Providing for Extension
ISP98 Model Form 2 is a template for a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) providing for extension and incorporating annexed Form of Payment Demand with Alternative Non-Extension Statement.
ISP98 Model Forms
ISP98 Form 3 - Model Standby Providing for Reduction
ISP98 Model Form 3 is a template for a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) providing for Reduction and that also incorporates an annexed Form of Reduction Demand.