(24 January 2025 – Global) As supply chain diversification accelerates under the “China Plus One” strategy, the role of primary trade and supply chain finance banks is being reevaluated across global markets.
Recent research from East & Partners shows 55.5% of companies who are planning to shift away from China are reassessing their relationships with trade finance banks. For corporate and commercial bankers, understanding these shifts is critical to staying relevant and capturing opportunities.
Key Findings: What’s Changing?
Review and Reassessment is Significant
Globally, 24.1% of respondents are currently reviewing their primary trade finance banks, with even higher figures in markets like the USA (32.6%) and Hong Kong (30.4%).
This suggests current offerings are not adapting quickly enough to evolving supply chain strategies.
Partial Moves Are Commonplace
18.2% of companies have shifted trade finance partners in part, led by USA (26.1%) and Hong Kong (22.8%).
Why It Matters for Trade & Supply Chain Finance Banks
The evolving nature of trade and supply chain strategies presents both risk and opportunity. Banks that fail to adapt to their clients’ diversification strategies risk losing critical business. On the other hand, institutions that offer agile, data-driven solutions can position themselves as trusted partners.
Client Retention & Acquisition: Companies seeking new trade finance partners—whether partially or entirely—represent a clear opportunity for forward-thinking banks.
Strategic Positioning: Knowing which industries and markets are actively reviewing relationships allows banks to engage proactively and tailor offerings to evolving client needs.
Risk Management: By understanding client behaviour and sentiment across regions, banks can pre-emptively address gaps in their service delivery.
Why Use East On Demand Research?
Understanding these shifts requires precision, speed, and actionable insights—something traditional market reports and individual client conversations cannot deliver. An on-demand research service allows our financial services clients to:
Ask highly specific questions about changing corporate behaviour.
Receive tailored analytics based on markets, industries, or client needs.
Respond to opportunities faster, whether it’s retention or new client acquisition.
By leveraging on-demand insights, banks can ensure they not only retain their key clients but emerge as indispensable partners in the evolving global landscape.
Are you ready to understand the shifts in your market? Start asking the right questions today.