SCF

SCF is an acronym with multiple meanings, depending on context. Two widely used meanings are in science and in finance: self-consistent field methods in quantum chemistry, and supply chain finance solutions in corporate finance.

Self-consistent field methods are iterative procedures used to solve the electronic structure problem in quantum chemistry and solid-state physics. Starting from a guess for orbitals or electron density, they build an effective one-electron Hamiltonian (Fock for Hartree-Fock; Kohn-Sham for DFT), solve for updated orbitals, and repeat until convergence of energy or density. Canonical examples include Hartree-Fock theory and Kohn-Sham density functional theory, both relying on an SCF cycle to reach a self-consistent solution. Convergence can be sensitive to basis sets, initial guesses, and system characteristics, and correlation effects beyond mean-field are treated with additional techniques.

Supply chain finance describes financing arrangements that improve corporate liquidity by enabling earlier payment to suppliers on approved invoices. Typically, a bank or fintech funds the supplier’s receivable, while the buyer pays the financing partner at the original due date. Common forms include reverse factoring and supplier financing programs. Benefits include reduced supplier risk, shorter cash conversion cycles, and improved working capital for buyers and suppliers, but they require data transparency, strong onboarding, and careful risk management.

Other uses of the acronym SCF exist in various domains and organizations; context is required to determine the intended meaning.