THE 'ALTERNATIVE' 2017 by Johanna Wissing - Barclays

As is tradition, the so-called ‘Alternative’ was hosted in London on the occasion of the annual ITFA conference, which this year took place in Edinburgh, providing a networking opportunity for the London-based colleagues who did not attend the conference. This year the function was held on Thursday 7th September at the Bierschenke and was organised with special attention to providing a unique networking opportunity to the junior associates of the market to exchange views with their contemporaries and gain useful information from their senior colleagues; firms attending wholeheartedly embraced this opportunity, and invited many colleagues along who are fresh to the trade finance market.

The event was well attended with circa 80 individuals present, representing numerous geographies including Africa, the Middle East, Europe and of course the UK. This is yet again testament to the resilience of trade finance markets, and the close collaboration among market participants. Partnerships across institutions remain fundamentally key against a backdrop of multiple conflicts and an enduring difficult economic environment, and trade finance is a great example of the unifying force at play across geographic and institutional boundaries.

Firstly, we would like to thank all those who attended the event. A special mention goes to Johanna Wissing and Trevor Hockey for organising this event.

We hope to see such great turnout again later in the year at the ITFA annual Christmas cocktail which will be held at the Victorian Bath House, London on the 11th December 2017. Please save the date!