Trade finance is a term that carries slightly different meanings depending on the context. Globally, it refers to any financial product or service that helps businesses manage the payment and risk involved in buying and selling goods, whether across borders or domestically. At its core, trade finance makes it easier for businesses to navigate cash flow challenges caused by factors like cross-border administration, long shipping times, and extended payment terms.
In South Africa, trade finance is more often understood as a solution that provides short-term credit to fund the purchase and sale of goods. This type of finance bridges the gap between paying suppliers and receiving payments from customers, keeping cash flowing without relying entirely on the other party.
Trade finance can cover a range of specific needs:
Import finance – Get stock moving even before it is fully paid for.
Export finance – Protect cash flow while waiting for client payments.
Purchase order finance – Accept large orders without draining your working capital.
Invoice finance – Unlock the capital tied up in unpaid invoices.
For added flexibility, businesses can also explore invoice financing or a revolving line of credit to manage trade-related cash flow efficiently.
Trade finance that puts the wind back in your sails
Trading internationally requires business owners to operate with the dexterity and diplomacy of a conductor. After all, you’re literally orchestrating cross-continential operations, negotiating with suppliers in Shanghai, coordinating freight in Dubai, and chasing down payments from Cape Town. And, when it comes to bridging the gap between an exporter’s desire for prompt payment and an importer’s preference for deferring payment until delivery, harmonious orchestration is a critical skill.
But it’s hard to be a conductor when your hands are bound in red tape. The show must go on, and trade finance is one way to keep the music going, as long as it’s fast enough to keep time with your cash flow rhythm.
Business funding solutions that move at the speed of trade
Need to pay a supplier before goods leave the port, but waiting 90 days for your customer to clear an invoice? That’s an equation you don’t have the time or the capital to balance.
We get it. And we built Bridgement for it.
With our range of flexible business funding solutions, you can:
Secure big orders before your competitor does
Cover long supplier payment terms without sacrificing cash flow
Unlock working capital trapped in transit or slow settlements
Move fast with a convenient, digital application process
No couriers. No collateral. Just clean, modern funding that moves at your pace.
How clients use trade finance
Scenario 1: A big international win. A supplier who wants 70% up front.
You’ve just closed the kind of deal your sales team dreams about, – but your supplier won’t move without a hefty deposit. Bridgement steps in so you don’t have to stall the deal, or your growth.
Scenario 2: Your overseas client is ‘processing payment’
Meanwhile, payroll’s due Friday and your buffer’s looking thin. We help you access capital before the client does, – because your team shouldn’t have to carry the cash flow strain.
Scenario 3: Your goods are floating toward a new market - but so is your liquidity
Expanding into new territory? Bridgement bridges the gap between production and payment so you can scale without slowing down.
Scenario 4: Large domestic transactions with long payment terms
You’ve landed a major local client, but their payment terms are long: 60, maybe 90 days. Meanwhile, your suppliers and staff still need to be paid yesterday. Bridgement bridges the gap, giving you the working capital to deliver without delay and keep your operations running smoothly.
Why businesses back Bridgement
Lightning fast
Apply online in 2 minutes, get funds in your account within hours. No paperwork means you’ll get on with your business in no time.
Unmatched flexibility
Settle early when it suits you and get rewarded with a discount. No prepayment penalties and no cancellation fees.
Full transparency
Always know the exact cost and only pay for what you use. No hidden fees or application charges. No surprises.
Maximum control
You decide how much to draw and when. Access your Bridgement online dashboard 24/7 and request funds instantly.
This is how it works
Funding that fits your flow
01. Get approved online
Submit an online business loan application and get approved within 24 hours. Once approved, manage your business loan facility from your Bridgement dashboard.
02. Withdraw funds
Choose an amount up to your credit limit, select your repayment terms, and accept the quoted finance cost. The funds will be sent to your bank account immediately.
03. Repay over 1 to 24 months
Pay us back over the agreed term or prepay at any stage and get rewarded with a discount to save on your finance costs.
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Join the businesses that we have supported thus far
Capital unlocked
Capital unlocked
R2 billion+
R2bn+
SMEs connected
SMEs connected
50,000+
50k+
Highly rated
Highly rated
4.8/5
4.8/5
Award winning
Award winning
Why choose Bridgement?
Business funding shouldn’t be a maze of delays and uncertainty. While other options leave you hanging or buried in paperwork, Bridgement keeps things quick and clear. Here’s how we compare (and why ambitious businesses across South Africa keep choosing us)
*This example is indicative only. Apply now to get your personalised pricing and terms.
Keep in mind: A single fixed finance cost is charged per withdrawal and you’ll always know the cost before agreeing to anything. The finance cost quoted is your total cost and there are no additional interest, account fees or application charges.
