TRADE FINANCE - Recently launched package combines trade and debtor finance - Sasfin records healthy

JOY ORLEK
SPECIALIST FINANCIAL services provider Sasfin has launched an innovative package for small and medium sized business that combines trade and debtor finance.
The company, which has established a reputation for its flexible, customised solutions, sees a place in the market for a facility that encompasses the full cash flow cycle from the purchasing or importing of stock or raw material to the financing of local or export credit sales.
“Our funding facilities cater for growing businesses and are ideal for manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, exporters and some service orientated organisations,” says GM business finance, Joe Rivkind.
“The assets of a business are matched to its borrowing needs by leveraging its debtors, stock, plant and equipment and growth prospects, which results in greater borrowing power.”
This allows business entrepreneurs to weather seasonal ups and downs and to act on growth opportunities. “In short it allows them to trade more effectively and successfully in national and international markets,” says assistant GM business finance, Maurice van Bergen.
“Sasfin Bank has developed a number of products like import and local trade finance, invoiced discounting, factoring and plant and equipment finance, and brought them under the umbrella of its Business Banking division. This helps the SME to grow and use the equity in the business while still maintaining ownership and control.”
It’s all about working closely with the client, says Rivkind.
“We have the ability to structure facilities to suit the client’s needs. We are a much more flexible operation than the banks who would never get involved in structured facilities to the same extent we do.”
Sasfin sees itself as a complementary service to the banks rather than a competitor.
Its facilities range from a minimum of R1m to a maximum of R30-R40m.