4th Annual Nordic Region Trade & Export Finance Conference

Event Review

A record attendance gathered in Gothenburg, Sweden for the 4th Annual Nordic Region Trade & Export Finance Conference, which brought together leading financial institutions and multinationals to discuss the latest developments in one of Europe's most forward thinking regions.

Over 250 delegates, including representatives from leading multinationals such as ABB, Electrolux, Nokia, Saab, Scania and Volvo were in attendance to discuss financing challenges faced in both the local and international markets, with particular emphasis on the strong growth currently being experienced in thriving regions such as Asia and Africa.

Based on a mixture of case studies, presentation summaries and panel discussions, the programme covered a number of key themes, including changes in attitude for banks and corporates as a result of reduced short-term finance, increased competition between local and international banks, utilising networks to expand presence overseas, supplier financing programmes and their impact on SMEs, the threat posed by Basel III to global trade recovery and the increasing role of export credit agencies.

The conference benefitted from a series of streamed afternoon breakout sessions, which provided the opportunity for delegates to engage in more informal conversations over specific themes and take part in lively and insightful discussions. With such a mixture of different actors in attendance, there were many different viewpoints expressed but perhaps the overriding sentiment that it is both innovation and relationships that hold the key to successful business operations in the region and beyond.

Such relationships were never more on show than during the various networking breaks that took place over the day, while an evening drinks reception provided the chance for additional interaction. Those unable to attend were also provided with the opportunity to view online via The Benche, the online community website provided by SEB, lead sponsors of the conference.

Description

Exporta returns to Gothenburg for its 4th Annual Nordic Region Trade & Export Finance Conference, now a permanent fixture and regular highlight on the conference calendar. 2011's event will build on the success enjoyed in previous events, including last year's gathering, which attracted just under 200 high level delegates from the Nordic region and beyond.

Benefitting from fantastic support from a range of Nordic and European institutions, the conference will delve further into an active and ambitious market, with attendance from a range of blue chip multinational corporations all seeking to hear new and innovative ways to finance their trade and export business, with many currently undertaking ambitious programmes of expansion into emerging markets such as Asia and Africa.

With much to fit into the one-day format, delegates will be able to choose from a range of issues to discuss, including competition between local and international banks, changing corporate attitudes and approaches, effective transaction banking partnerships, insurance and risk mitigation and the role of banks and ECAs in export financing. Furthermore, by streaming the afternoon sessions, the opportunity is provided to cover more issues in greater depth, through detailed case studies, informed discussion and informal networking.

Topics to be discussed will include:

• How institutions are helping to support clients wishing to develop in emerging markets
• Do banks need to provide more when it comes to SME financing to increase the local corporate pool?
• Changing corporate attitudes and approaches within Nordic trade
• Is pricing within the Nordics prohibitive for international banks looking to enter the market?
• Responding to client transaction banking needs through the building of effective partnerships
• Using global financial networks to facilitate Nordic commerce
• Assessing the role of private insurance coverage in assisting Nordic trade
• Providing case studies on alternative corporate financing programmes
• Has there been a balance shift within Nordic export finance?
• Considering the need for innovation within a competitive market

Who should attend?

• Local and international banks
• Multinationals and SMEs
• Indepdendent financiers
• Commodity brokers and traders
• Insurance brokers and underwriters
• Export credit agencies
• Lawyers and consultants
• Solution providers
• Multilaterals
• Market analysts and policy advisors

With networking opportunities once again at the forefront (as with all Exporta conferences), delegates will have the opportunity to extend their business discussions into the evening, with a special reception taking place following the conclusion of the conference.

Event Photos

Brochure

Programme

Chairman: Peter Ling-Vannerus, Global Head of Subsidiary Financing, SEB

08.45 Welcome remarks
Patrik Zekkar, Head of Trade & Supply Chain Finance Sweden, SEB

08.50 Keynote: Are the bad times finally over for the Nordics?
Robert Bergqvist, Chief Economist, SEB
• Considering the new global trade landscape: A permanent change?
• Assessing opportunities for the market to benefit from south-south trade
• Examining the impact of new regulatory measures on the local market
• Is there renewed faith and trust in the virtues of trade finance in a post-crisis world?
• Have lessons been learned or is there still the risk of the same mistakes being repeated?

09.15 What's on the current agenda for the corporate treasurer?
Börje Wigfeldt, Head of Funding, Group Treasury, Scania
• Providing an update on the latest treasury functions within Nordic corporates
• Implementing new technologies, improving process efficiencies and achieving integration
• Reducing financial costs and gaining efficient management of funds across the corporate spectrum
• Challenges faced in finding the right liquidity solutions at the right cost

09.40 Panel discussion: Changing attitudes and approaches within Nordic trade finance
Moderator: Shannon Manders, Deputy Editor, Global Trade Review (GTR)
Carl Nyquist, Vice-President, Senior Advisor Trade Finance, Swedbank
Patrik Zekkar, Head of Trade & Supply Chain Finance Sweden, SEB
Eric Lemmens, Global Head of Trade & Supply Chain, RBS
Alexander Mutter, Head of Trade & Cash Solutions (TCS) Advisory Team, Deutsche Bank
Christophe Baumann, Head of Global Trade Solutions, Nordic Countries, BNP Paribas
• What has the shift in mentality been for both banks and corporates?
• How have these changes manifested themselves?
• Examining ways in which trade finance has been used as a tool to boost working capital
• What is the importance of improving client relationships?
• How are global banks connecting their corporates to new markets?

10.30 Networking break

11.00 Corporate case study: Supplier financing
Christer Söderström, Manager, Customer & Supplier & Trade Finance, Group Treasury, Electrolux
• Providing suppliers with a lower cost source of funding through converting receivables into cash
• Outlining key criteria on the necessary requirements for supplier financing
• Selecting and implementing a sound supply chain finance programme

11.25 Is Basel III threatening global trade recovery?
Mia Stenberg, GTS Product Management, SEB
• What does Basel III mean for trade finance?
• What are the unintended consequences of Basel III for trade finance?
• How can banks in the Nordics overcome the challenges of Basel III?

11.50 Panel discussion: Thinking differently within a challenging environment
Moderator: Niklas Callerström, Global Head of Supply Chain Services, SEB
Christer Söderström, Manager, Customer & Supplier & Trade Finance, Group Treasury, Electrolux
Alexander Mutter, Head of Trade and Cash Solutions (TCS) Advisory Team, Deutsche Bank
Mia Stenberg, GTS Product Management, SEB
• The broader impact of the current regulatory environment on trade banking appetite
• How restrictions on available finance have seen a growth in alternative financing methods
• Do corporates now have to take more responsibility within the supply chain?
• Are these trends likely to continue and if so what does the future hold?

12.40 Lunch

Choose between Stream A and Stream B

Stream A: Building effective transaction banking partnerships – sponsored by BNY Mellon

Chairman: Colin Robertson, Managing Director, Relationship Sales Treasury Services EMEA, BNY Mellon

13.40 Responding to client transaction banking needs
Mauro Bonacina, Vice President, Relationship & Sales Officer, Treasury Services EMEA, BNY Mellon
• Enhancing the customer experience for SMEs
• Streamlining processes and improving transparency across the transaction cycle
• Increasing operational investment to streamline the provision of information and provide greater visibility
• Including other services such as foreign exchange and liquidity management within the solution mix

14.05 Using global financial networks to facilitate Nordic commerce
Borghild Holen, Senior Vice-President & Head of International Division, DnB NOR
• Increasing awareness of Nordic trade and export finance expertise
• Getting information to customers faster
• Supporting outbound and inbound commercial flows at a local level
• Leveraging local relationships to enhance risk management decision making

14.35 Panel discussion: The need for innovation within a competitive market
Moderator: Dominic Broom, Head of Sales & Relationship Management, Treasury Services EMEA, BNY Mellon
Christophe Baumann, Head of Global Trade Solutions, Nordic Countries, BNP Paribas
Carolina Holst, Global Business Manager, SEB
Steve Walshe, Solutions Manager, Misys
Patrik Achtman, Director, Project & Structured Finance, Volvo
• Improved flexibility: Considering client needs and building structures around them
• Assessing the expansion of online communication platforms across the cash and trade sphere
• Considering how banks are moving away from third party service providers to use their own systems
• Continuing attempts to reduce processing times between shipment and presentation of documents
• What are the main challenges faced by those looking to innovate and compete in the Nordic region?

15.25 Networking break

Stream B: The new landscape in Nordic trade

Chairman: Peter Ling-Vannerus, Global Head of Subsidiary Financing, SEB

13.40 Panel discussion: Private insurance market review
Moderator: Fredrik Enderlein, Partner, Brim
Matthew Solley, Divisional Director, Gallagher International
Nicholas Robinson, Political Risks and Trade Credit Underwriter, Marketform Syndicate, Lloyd's
Peter Hedberg, Global Account Manager, Atradius Sweden
• How does the private market complement the Nordic ECAs?
• What additional products/coverage does it offer?
• Does the private market meet the expectation of the banks?
• What effect will Basel III have on the private insurance market offering?
• Claims: A story of stabilisation and recovery?

14.30 Case study: How banks are helping to support clients wishing to develop in emerging markets
Frank Haak, Regional Manager, Transaction Bank Group, BNP Paribas
• What role can banks play in facilitating exports to new global players such as India, Indian sub-continent and Middle East?
• Is there sufficient appetite within the banking sector to meet the requirements of these companies?
• Considering the role of third party providers of financing and risk guarantees

15.00 Case study: Export credit agency (ECA) financing
Marie Aglert, Head of Unit, Mining, Construction & Transport, EKN
• Highlighting key challenges faced by the corporate sector within the current climate
• Creating additional capacity for financing trade flows into and out of emerging markets
• Examining structures and products that can help strengthen and sustain industry growth
• Are corporate needs currently being met in terms of available long-term financing?

15.25 Networking break

Final sessions: Main room

15.50 Case study: Receivables purchasing initiatives
Ana Carasava, Supply Chain Finance Director for Nordics & CEE, RBS
• Generating alternative sources of financing and risk mitigation
• Helping strengthen relationships between vendors, partners and suppliers
• Providing suppliers with a more effective way of managing working capital
• How such programmes assist clients in negotiating purchase terms with suppliers

16.20 The BPO: Streamlining the payment process
David Hennah, Senior Product Manager, Swift
• Removing the potential problems and issues associated with the traditional letter of credit (LC)
• Outlining payment obligations for importing banks based on the presentation of specific electronic data
• Reducing the risk of human error through the presentation of all relevant information
• Providing updates on the progress made in making the BPO an accepted market practice

16.45 Panel discussion: Has there been a balance shift within Nordic export finance?
Moderator: Helén Seemann, Director, Large Corporates, EKN
Topi Vesteri, Executive Vice-President, Finnvera
Sten Winther, Vice President, Structured Products, Group Trade & Export Finance, Danske Bank
Edvard Stang, Director, Giek
Lars Molte Jakobsen, Associate Director, Large Corporates, EKF
Peter Ling-Vannerus, Global Head of Subsidiary Financing, SEB
• What is the future role of banks in long-term export finance in light of increasing capital requirements?
• Considering the changing role of ECAs in products and services offered to support banks and share risks
• How ECAs are compensating for reduced bank appetite for large infrastructure and capital goods projects
• Is the atmosphere between Nordic ECAs and bank lenders one of competition or co-existence?

17.35 Close of conference followed by evening networking reception

Venue

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for the arrangement and payment of their own travel and accommodation. 

Upon registering to attend this event, Exporta will inform you of how to book accommodation at the venue.

Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities including exhibition stands are available for this event.

To become a sponsor, please contact Tom Whitehead, Head of Sponsorship Sales at twhitehead@exportagroup.com.

Exporta's events have a global reputation, renowned for superb networking opportunities and educational presentations by high-profile speakers.

Time after time our events attract the leading companies in our market as sponsors.

See below for a full list of our Event Sponsors, Institutional Partners and Media Partners and click on the logo to visit their web site. 

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