Why it matters

Even the most profitable trade can strain cash flow.
Importers often pay suppliers long before goods arrive, while exporters wait weeks for payment once goods have shipped.
That gap — between when you pay and when you get paid — is where opportunity can either stall or accelerate.

At Currency Assist, we work with our clients to bridge that gap through smart, compliant Trade Finance and Working Capital solutions — giving your business the liquidity to grow without unnecessary risk.

What is Trade Finance?

Trade finance helps you fund your imports or exports by providing short-term working capital tailored to your payment cycle.
It’s not about taking on long-term debt — it’s about unlocking cash flow so you can keep trading confidently.

Common uses include:

• Paying a foreign supplier before shipment.
• Covering freight, insurance, or customs duties while goods are in transit.
• Funding bulk purchases or seasonal stock.

How it works

1. We assess your trade cycle: payment terms, shipment times, and settlement currencies.
2. We coordinate funding partners that match your structure and security requirements.
3. Funds are released against confirmed orders or invoices.
4. Repayment occurs once your client pays or goods are sold locally.

Our goal is to keep your capital working for you — not locked up in transit.

Working Capital Optimisation

Beyond traditional trade finance, we help clients improve internal liquidity by aligning FX strategy with cash-flow timing.
For example:

• Pairing Forward Cover with supplier financing to protect profit margins.
• Using Market Orders to improve exchange gains while financing is in place.
• Structuring supplier or client invoices in the most cost-efficient currency.

Our team integrates these elements into one simple, predictable plan — so you always know where your money is, and what it’s costing you.

Why Currency Assist

• Integrated FX + Funding insight — our dealers understand both sides of the equation.
• Access to finance partners — including banks and alternative funders who specialise in trade cycles.
• Tailored structures — from single shipments to rolling trade lines.
• Transparent pricing — no hidden charges, no unnecessary intermediaries.
• Compliance peace of mind — every structure built within SARB and SARS guidelines.

Example in action

A Johannesburg importer of electronics needed to prepay $150 000 to a supplier in China, with goods arriving 60 days later.
Currency Assist structured a short-term funding line linked to a Forward Exchange Contract — allowing the client to fix the rate at R18.80/$ and settle immediately.
When the goods landed, the market was at R19.40/$, effectively saving R90 000 and protecting profit margins.

Ready to strengthen your cash flow?

We’ll help you match your funding to your trade cycle — so you can grow your business with confidence and control.

Simply fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we can get a consultant to come back to you.