Just-in-time financing solution delivers at CITIC Metal
Published: Feb 2025
Harnessing the Power of Technology
Highly Commended Winner
CITIC Metal Co. Ltd.
Photo of Rakesh Patwari, HSBC, Wu Xian Wen, CITIC Metal Co. Ltd., Mandeep Tulseja, HSBC and Pan Jingsu, CITIC Metal Co. Ltd.
Pan Jingsu
Head of Treasury
CITIC Metal Co. Ltd. as the key subsidiary of CITIC Group’s advanced material segment, is a Chinese company that trades and invests in metal and mineral products.
in partnership with
The challenge
As a leading commodity trader and mining investment company in China, CITIC Metal specialises in trading ferrous and non-ferrous metals globally and has world-class mining assets in Brazil, Peru and Africa. With growing volumes and spreading footprints in various regions, a more efficient and competent financing solution was required to address operational burdens and, in the meantime, maintain a smooth procurement workflow. In the era of digital finance technology, the company has collaborated with HSBC and structured multiple trade solutions to sustain the company’s growth and ensure flexibility in working capital liquidity.
The solution
CITIC Metal, based on its unique characteristics, communicated with its bank about the company’s vision and needs to explore digital trade finance solutions.
HSBC launched TradePay in Q423, which is the industry-first, fully digital trade finance solution to offer clients a seamless trade loan drawdown process and streamlined cross-border supplier payments. The solution aligns with the company’s objective of digital transformation. Moreover, the platform utilises data analytics to provide insights into payment patterns and trends, facilitating informed decision-making for CITIC Metal. Meanwhile, the company, integrating its platform usage experience, provides real-time feedback with company suggestions to assist the bank in improving platform functionality. The company has created a key milestone in the financial industry to evolve the traditional norm, bringing new insights to traditional trade finance. This strategic collaboration represents a transformative step for CITIC Metal, traditionally reliant on paper-based and manual processes in trade finance.
Best practice and innovation
The solution integrates with existing supply chain processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing transaction costs. Its robust security measures address the justified and critical concerns in digital finance.
By alleviating routine operational burdens, this digital innovation allows CITIC Metal to concentrate on its strategic priorities, fostering sustainable growth. Previously, in many cases of trade finance, paperwork can take longer to reach its destination than the physical goods. This just-in-time solution also brings harmonisation and sustainability factors including cost, headcount savings and manual intervention reduction. Thus, the solution allows the company to embrace the digital era and strengthens CITIC Metal’s goal of enhancing the brand value and maximising shareholder returns.
TradePay exemplifies innovation and best practices in international trade through its digital platform that streamlines cross-border supplier payments. By leveraging advanced technology, the solution allows CITIC Metal to monitor transactions efficiently and transparently. CITIC Metal engages in frequent cross-border business through the platform that supports multiple funding solutions, enabling seamless global operations and minimises foreign exchange risks.
The joint efforts of CITIC Metal and HSBC bring mutual benefits and synergies to both sides in terms of operational efficiency. For CITIC Metal, TradePay plays a pivotal role as a just-in-time financing tool, reducing the time required for loan processing and ensuring liquidity precisely when needed. For HSBC, this collaboration showcases its technological capabilities, enabling the bank to extend responsive financing solutions while maintaining the highest standards of data security.
Pan Jingsu, Head of Treasury says, “This collaboration represents a significant improvement for conventional commodity trading businesses. We are able to elevate the quality of service we offer to our supply chain partners. It drives industry-wide progress toward greater efficiency as well as promotes eco-friendliness for sustainable growth.”
Overall, the solution not only enhances the efficiency of trade finance but also demonstrates a commitment to innovation by continuously adapting to the evolving needs of businesses like CITIC Metal operating in a globalised economy. The approach of CITIC Metal exemplifies how digital advancement can refine traditional trade practices, setting a benchmark for future developments in trade finance.
Key benefits
Cost savings.
Headcount savings.
Process efficiencies.
Increased automation.
Risk mitigated.
Improved visibility.
Manual intervention reduced.
Increased system connectivity.
Future-proof solution.
Aditya Gahlaut
Managing Director, Co-Head of Global Trade Solutions, Asia Pacific, HSBC
TradePay, our industry-first digital trade finance solution, supports CITIC Metal’s digital-transformation objectives. It replaces manual loan paperwork and enables just-in-time loan drawdowns and supplier payments. TradePay also utilises data analytics to provide real-time visibility and transparency into payment patterns and trends, enabling efficient monitoring of transactions and risks.
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The Adam Smith Awards Asia are the industry benchmark for best practice and innovation in corporate treasury. The 2024 awards attracted 406 nominations. To find out more please visit treasurytoday.com/adam-smith-awards-asia
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