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Letter of Credit
I need a letter of credit for an international trade transaction, ensuring payment to the exporter upon fulfillment of shipping terms, with a validity period of 90 days and allowing partial shipments.
What is a Letter of Credit?
A Letter of Credit is a bank's written promise to pay a seller on behalf of a buyer, commonly used in Malaysian international trade. It acts as a safety net when businesses don't want to rely solely on a buyer's direct promise to pay, especially for large cross-border transactions.
Under Malaysian banking regulations, these letters serve as both payment guarantee and financing tool. Local banks issue them following Bank Negara Malaysia's guidelines, typically requiring the buyer to deposit funds or show proof of financing before commitment. The letter specifies exact conditions for payment, like shipping documents or quality certificates, protecting both parties throughout the trade.
When should you use a Letter of Credit?
Letters of Credit make the most sense when dealing with new trading partners in Malaysia or across borders, especially for high-value transactions. They're particularly valuable when shipping expensive goods internationally, dealing with unfamiliar suppliers, or entering markets where payment risks run high.
Malaysian businesses often use them for first-time trade relationships, large equipment purchases, or when local regulations require secure payment methods. Bank Negara Malaysia recommends Letters of Credit for transactions exceeding certain thresholds, particularly in industries like manufacturing, commodities trading, and large-scale construction where payment certainty is crucial.
What are the different types of Letter of Credit?
- At Sight LC: Requires immediate payment when the seller presents compliant documents to the bank
- Usance LC: Allows deferred payment, typically 30-180 days after document presentation
- Standby Letter of Credit: Acts as a backup payment guarantee, only used if the buyer defaults
- Letter of Credit Payment: Focuses on specific payment terms and conditions
- LC Letter of Credit: Standard commercial LC for regular trade transactions
Who should typically use a Letter of Credit?
- Issuing Banks: Malaysian commercial banks authorized by Bank Negara Malaysia to issue Letters of Credit and verify document compliance
- Importers/Buyers: Malaysian companies requesting the LC, providing collateral, and agreeing to payment terms
- Exporters/Sellers: Beneficiaries who receive payment after meeting specified conditions and presenting required documents
- Advising Banks: Local banks that verify LC authenticity and assist exporters in their jurisdiction
- Legal Advisors: Help structure LC terms, ensure compliance with Malaysian banking regulations, and resolve disputes
How do you write a Letter of Credit?
- Basic Details: Gather complete company information for both buyer and seller, including registration numbers and banking details
- Transaction Specifics: Document exact product descriptions, quantities, prices, and delivery terms
- Bank Requirements: Check your Malaysian bank's specific LC format and documentation requirements
- Compliance Check: Verify trade restrictions and Bank Negara Malaysia's current foreign exchange rules
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound LC that includes all mandatory elements and meets Malaysian banking standards
- Review Points: Double-check expiry dates, shipping terms, and required documentation before submission
What should be included in a Letter of Credit?
- Issuing Bank Details: Full name, branch, and authorization codes of the Malaysian bank issuing the LC
- Party Information: Complete legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of applicant and beneficiary
- Credit Amount: Specified currency and amount, written in both numbers and words
- Validity Period: Clear expiry date and place for document presentation
- Payment Terms: Detailed conditions and required documents for payment release
- Shipping Details: Specific requirements about goods description, delivery terms, and ports
- Governing Laws: Reference to Malaysian laws and UCP 600 rules
- Authentication: Bank official signatures and stamps as required by Bank Negara Malaysia
What's the difference between a Letter of Credit and a Credit Agreement?
A Letter of Credit is often confused with a Credit Agreement, but they serve distinctly different purposes in Malaysian business and banking. While both involve financial commitments, their structure, parties, and applications differ significantly.
- Payment Guarantee: Letters of Credit are bank-issued guarantees for specific transactions, while Credit Agreements are direct lending arrangements between parties
- Duration: LCs typically cover single transactions with fixed expiry dates; Credit Agreements often establish ongoing lending relationships
- Bank's Role: In LCs, banks act as independent guarantors; in Credit Agreements, they're direct lenders
- Documentation: LCs require specific shipping or performance documents for payment; Credit Agreements focus on repayment terms and collateral
- Legal Framework: LCs follow UCP 600 and Bank Negara Malaysia guidelines; Credit Agreements primarily fall under Malaysian contract law
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