Products & solutions
International solutions for your business
Developing your business overseas can be challenging, and we can help you identify and tailor solutions to address these. We can work with you to establish your business goals and map the best development routes to help you achieve them.
Fees apply. Exclusions may apply. Subject to status and eligibility. A Clydesdale Bank account is required.
The following is a summary of our international solutions. For further information on all our products and services and details of fees and charges, please contact your international manager.
Import letters of credit
This could help you negotiate business abroad
An import letter of credit from Clydesdale Bank gives your supplier more certainty that they will be paid, providing they comply with its terms. This can help you negotiate better credit terms with your supplier. It will also give your supplier the confidence to start production and ship the goods you need straightaway.
Export letters of credit
Receive prompt payment for goods sold overseas
To help make sure you receive payment on time, you can ask your buyer to arrange an export letter of credit advised through Clydesdale Bank. While not guaranteed, this is a safer way to receive payment, provided its terms and conditions are met. With an export letter of credit in place, your overseas buyer’s bank commits to paying you on the buyer’s behalf.
Documentary collections
Secure your international payments
Our documentary collections service allows you to pay – or receive payment – for goods securely. The seller ships the goods and provides documents to their bank requesting they collect payment. The banks in the seller’s and buyer’s countries then work together to make sure the documents are only released when payment has been made or the buyer has promised to pay.
We can help collect payments for your exports using a local agent bank, making it safer than dealing with clients direct.
International guarantees
Supporting your overseas contracts
If your overseas customers require assurance you can deliver or that you have the financial strength to successfully complete a contract, an International guarantee could be the solution. We can issue an International guarantee or bond on your behalf. This may provide your customers with the assurance they need to do business with you.
Trade finance
Enter international markets with confidence
To complement our international guarantees, letters of credit and collections, we can also provide a range of bespoke international trade solutions tailored to your particular business needs. These include import trade finance (import loans), export trade finance (export loans), avalisations and discounting bills to name just a few. Access to this material enables us to construct an international solution to help your business to grow.
International payments
Speed up your international payments
SWIFT makes sending and receiving international payments fast, reliable and secure. Just send written instructions to your Business and Private Banking Centre or through BusinessOnline, and we’ll send payments in any major currency of your choice. Even better, SWIFT payments are received direct in your beneficiaries’ bank accounts. So you can be sure your funds are reaching the correct destination.
Please be aware that because SWIFT payments are linked to foreign exchange and currency rates, this may stop you, either in part of full, benefiting from any favourable changes in the underlying market.
Foreign exchange risk management
Protect the value of your payments
If your business exports or imports goods or services, or makes and accepts payments in foreign currencies, you need to consider protecting yourself against changes in the relevant exchange rate.
Our treasury specialists will work closely with you, providing various treasury services that could reduce your foreign exchange risk. From converting multiple payments and collecting income in different currencies to setting realistic budgets, we offer several risk management services. We also provide ongoing information on exchange rates.
Additionally, we can review your current foreign currency and payment processes and recommend ways to improve and streamline them. Our foreign exchange dealers can also guide you on all aspects of treasury management.
Trading of a speculative nature is strictly prohibited.
Please note that by transacting certain structures within our product offering you may no longer be able to participate in favourable market moves.
You can find impartial information and guidance on money matters on the “MoneyHelper” website.
Clydesdale Bank is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Find out more.