Sibos Spotlight: Collaboration is key to driving progressive finance
The theme at this year’s Sibos was Progressive Finance for a Changing World. There was a lot of excitement and buzz about this topic as a lot has changed in the industry over the last few years. The energy was very vibrant in Amsterdam – thousands of meetings and events took place throughout the four […]
Standards, solutions and supply chains: How digitisation is fuelling the future of the oil trading industry
Digitally transforming trade finance in the oil industry is a tremendous opportunity, but how does the sector overcome the obstacles and jump on board the opportunities? Here are some industry insights from a recent Energy Trading Week webinar. Oil is the world’s most important source of energy. The oil industry is also a major contributor […]
Trade finance digitisation: Why the focus should be on the journey and not the finish line
When it comes to the digitisation of trade finance, the industry is often fixated on the momentum and when we’ll get to the finish line. While there are obstacles, there are also opportunities for both corporates and banks to get on board the digitisation bandwagon. Here is a summary of the views of industry insiders […]
How Contour is leading digital asset innovation in trade finance
Much of the media’s focus on digital assets is on cryptocurrencies, which have been characterised by intense volatility and crypto exchanges closing and investors losing their funds. But the potential of digital assets goes beyond cryptocurrencies, which is just one aspect of this new asset class. A good place to start is by defining what […]
Cultivating Culture: Here are 3 ways we are doing it
It’s no secret that a strong and positive workplace culture drives company success. How exactly is Contour shaping its culture and what are the key metrics it uses for success? Sarah Rebello, Contour’s Head of People, shares the top 3 ways the fintech is cultivating culture. Two months ago, I joined Contour as our new […]
How Contour is sustaining the future of global trade
Small and medium-sized enterprises make up about 90% of businesses in the world, however, many struggle to access trade finance. When it comes to closing the trade finance gap, banks—specifically those with deep understanding of their local business communities, can be the missing piece of the puzzle. Trade finance is about risk and providing working […]
Banking on Technology: The business case for modernising trade finance
Digitalisation is an almost $2 trillion opportunity in trade finance and banks have a crucial role in this ecosystem. Many global banks, however, are still behind in digitally transforming their trade finance functions. What’s holding the industry back from accelerating its digital agenda? Here are some industry perspectives from a recent International Chamber of Commerce […]
New data points, new opportunities for digital transformation
Data as the new oil or currency is not a new concept, but the pandemic has accelerated the emphasis on data. With more and more of the commodity trading industry transitioning to a digital format, the amount of data has increased. But the crucial questions remain. What data is being captured? What is the source? […]
Ready to digitise trade? 3 considerations for commodities trading firms
Sustainability, supercycles and digitisation. These are some of the megatrends impacting commodities trading today. But against a backdrop of supply chain disruptions, high inflation, the green energy transition and most recently, the Ukraine crisis, is digitisation ready to take commodity trade finance to a new level? In the commodities trading industry, like others, having the […]
Contour celebrates International Women’s Day 2022
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias – a gender equal world that is free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. There is a lot to celebrate, considering the growing number of females founding or leading fintech companies. But in a future-forward industry, more can be done to achieve that reality of equality. Since Contour […]