Fintech and Trade Digitization once again topped the agenda in industry discussions during Q2 2016, primarily within the framework of countering risk, reducing costs, improving working capital, and enhancing compliance and transparency – all key concerns for trade participants in these riskier times. In practice, digitization uptake continued to grow at a rapid rate, embraced by a wider network of users across new trade lanes. In company news, Q2 marked a major milestone in the release of the new and improved CargoDocs DocPrep+, a powerful, integrated document preparation module that enables users to 'fast-track' digitization through simple, manageable chunks. Furthermore, amid increased digital trade uptake in Asia-Pacific, the opening of our Shanghai and Tokyo offices marked a further sign that the region continues to reign as the world's current leader in digital trade – yet it may not be long before others catch up soon!

Industry News & Views

3 Reasons the Nordics are a powerful test bed for fintech innovation: With an estimated 3,750 people gatherIing in Copenhagen to discuss Euro-fintech, here’s 3 reasons why the region may become the next Fintech hotbed (source: Bobsguide). + READ MORE

Bank of Tianjin Reports $121 Million Bill-Related Risk Case: Paper-fraud continues to pose a serious threat to trade and finance in Asia-Pacific and beyond (source: Bloomberg). + READ MORE
 

Building a digital-banking business: McKinsey & Co argue for a future banking landscape rooted in a truly digital-only proposition, which may not be too far off from becoming a reality (source: McKinsey & Co). + READ MORE

Digital disruption and the Shipping industry: Insights on digital disruption in shipping, with end-user empowerment and customer experience at its core (source: LinkedIn). + READ MORE
 

Interview with essDOCS Co-Founder Alexander Goulandris: Our very own Alex Goulandris talks paperless trade and digitization with BBH (source: Brown Brothers Harriman). + READ MORE
 

70 percent of Executives have started Digital Supply Chain Transformation: Facts, figures and insights from a recent study on Supply Chain Digitization (source: Supply Chain Digital). + READ MORE

SWIFT's Digital Trade & Trade Finance information paper: Recent insights and metrics on current trade digitzation intiatives across the globe  (source: SWIFT & Opus Advisory). + READ MORE

Cargill & Wells Fargo in trade digitisation first: Successfully executing the first ever CargoDocs ePresentation ex-USA, used in bulk agri trade (source: Global Trade Review). + READ MORE
 

The Fastest Path to Paperless Trade: Find out why, as of very recently, the path to Paperless Trade has now become faster, easier and simpler than ever before! (source: LinkedIn). + READ MORE

Ukraine's Central Bank allows banks to accept eDocs amid export-import control: Governments & regulatory authorities are increasingly turning words into action in the move towards paperless trade (source: Interfax). + READ MORE

eDocs in Agri at the IGTC: Leading Agribusiness stakeholders reinforce their commitment to investing all efforts in expanding Paperless Trade adoption at the IGTC’s strategy session in London (source: essDOCS). + READ MORE

Fintech Brexistentialism: With the dust now gradually settling, Pascal Bouvier provides an interesting perspective on Brexit's impact (or lack of) across various FinTech disciplines (source: LinkedIn). + READ MORE

The Rise of FinTech in Supply Chains: Greater liquidity and less variability in payment times are but a few of the benefits propelling supply chain digitization globally (source: Harvard Business Review). + READ MORE

essDOCS Company News

essDOCS opens mainland China office, expanding Asia Pacific presence: Shanghai location established to support Chinese customer success and enhance regional knowledge of paperless trade. + READ MORE

essDOCS opens Japan Office: Newly-established Tokyo location to provide a local essDOCS hub, driving further expansion and development of the CargoDocs customer network. + READ MORE
 

DDG Workgroup Meeting held in Beijing: Highlights from from our first Beijing DDG event, attended by over 100 delegates from the leading Miners, Metals Traders, Agri Houses & Banks. + READ MORE

Alexander Goulandris appointed Member of ICC Banking Commission Advisory Board: Representing FinTech, a priority topic for the Banking Commission in 2016 according to ICC leadership. + READ MORE

essDOCS Posidonia 2016 Cocktail Party: Photo highlights from our 1st Posidonia Cocktail Party, recently held in Greece during the world's largest gathering of maritime professionals. + READ MORE

Trade Finance Training alongside ADB in Mongolia: Our consulting work with Asian Development Bank takes us to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to provide onsite Trade Finance Training to local banks and corporates. + READ MORE

Proudly supporting SOS Children’s Villages Greece: Read about our Athens Team's work with SOS Children's Villages Greece, an initiative that supports and empowers the children of those less fortunate. + READ MORE

CargoDocs News

CargoDocs DocPrep+ 2.1 Released: Marking the 2nd phase in rebuilding the key CargoDocs module. + READ MORE

ING Bank goes live with CargoDocs: Using eDocumentary Collection for an inter-regional Agri shipment. + READ MORE

BP incorporates CarogDocs electronic Bill of Lading clause: Into its Voyage Charter Party (BPVOY5). + READ MORE

Bunge completes first CargoDocs end-to-end electronic Agri shipment into China: Marking a major first for paperless trade in APAC. + READ MORE

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ signs on to CargoDocs: Becoming the 29th global trade bank to adopt the solution. + READ MORE

Impala Terminals rolls out eWarehouse documentation with essDOCS: Starting with its Spanish operations. + READ MORE

essDOCS in Numbers