20 Minutes With: Marie-Laure Gastellu, Societe Generale

The top takeaways from the discussion include:

• Trade finance in a global context: The discussion begins with an overview of trade finance, emphasising its importance in supporting global commerce by fostering trust and transparency. Issues such as geopolitical tensions, including the emerging trade war between China and the US, are highlighted as factors pushing companies to adapt their supply chains and strategies. This is coupled with an ongoing shift in global trade from goods to services, with services now dominating trade dynamics.
• Sustainability and regulatory frameworks: Sustainable finance is emphasised with challenges in aligning the various regulatory frameworks across regions. The conversation notes that the International Chamber of Commerce's sustainable principles and the EU taxonomy are pivotal in developing a cohesive understanding of sustainability metrics within trade finance.
• Technological transformation: The introduction of digital platforms and artificial intelligence is seen as transformational for the trade finance ecosystem. These technologies are driving efficiency and enabling a better understanding of client trade patterns, although challenges such as interoperability remain. The conversation highlights that despite these challenges, technology is central to the future evolution of trade finance.
• Focus on emerging markets: Emerging markets, particularly Africa, continue to be significant corridors for trade finance activities. The potential for growth in these regions is regarded as promising, aligning with sustainability objectives and energy transition goals in areas like Europe.
• Outlook and future trends: Looking to the future, Marie-Laure expressed optimism about sustainable transactions and the energy transition shaping the trade finance landscape in 2025. The global push towards sustainability coupled with technological advancements is expected to further influence trade dynamics.