Akreditivy

Akreditivy, often referred to as letters of credit, are financial instruments used in international trade and other transactions to provide a guarantee of payment. They are issued by a bank on behalf of a buyer (applicant) to a seller (beneficiary). The bank promises to pay the seller a specified amount of money once the seller presents certain documents that prove they have fulfilled their contractual obligations.

The primary purpose of an akreditiv is to mitigate risk for both parties involved. For the seller, it ensures payment as long as they comply with the terms of the akreditiv, regardless of the buyer's financial standing or willingness to pay at the time of delivery. For the buyer, it ensures that they will only pay once proof of shipment or service provision is furnished, as stipulated in the akreditiv.

The process typically involves the buyer opening an akreditiv with their bank, specifying the terms and conditions, including the required documents and the amount. The issuing bank then forwards the akreditiv to a bank in the seller's country, which informs the seller. Upon shipment of goods or provision of services, the seller presents the required documents to their bank. If the documents conform to the akreditiv's terms, the bank pays the seller and then seeks reimbursement from the issuing bank, which in turn debits the buyer.

Akreditivy are commonly used in situations where trust between buyer and seller is limited, or where the transaction involves significant sums of money and considerable distance. They are a crucial tool for facilitating global commerce and ensuring secure transactions.