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In today’s business environment, entrepreneurs operate amid high uncertainty and complexity—especially across fast-evolving markets like those in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Achieving success demands not only calculated decision-making under risk but also effective organizational knowledge management and the ability to handle increasing complexity in business systems.

International business transactions often involve SWIFT messages, especially the MT103 payment instruction. In some circles, these message formats have attracted myths and even fraud schemes – for example, con artists claiming they sent an MT103 and that funds are “downloadable” from a “common account” once the message arrives. To separate fact from fiction, this article […]

Many companies new to international trade often expect or prefer to receive full payment up front. While demanding cash-in-advance eliminates the risk of non-payment, it can also cost you potential business. Overseas buyers may find strict advance payment terms unappealing, especially if competitors are willing to offer more flexible options. To remain competitive, exporters and […]

Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is a European Union initiative to harmonize how electronic euro payments are made across Europe (The objectives and advantages of the Single Euro Payments Area project | European Payments Council). In essence, SEPA enables individuals and businesses to send and receive euro-denominated payments under the same basic conditions, rights, and […]

Introduction Foreign exchange (FX) volatility is a fact of life for companies engaging in international business. Currencies can swing in value due to economic shifts, interest rate changes, geopolitical events, and market sentiment. This volatility means that the cost of importing goods or the revenue from exporting can change significantly from one day to the […]

Background International business can become a legal tightrope when countries enforce their laws beyond their borders. A prime example is the clash between United States sanctions and European Union law. The EU does not recognize the extra-territorial application of foreign laws and views such reach as contrary to international law (Extraterritoriality (Blocking statute) – European […]

Reverse factoring – also known as supply chain finance, supplier financing, or payables finance – is an innovative financing solution that is gaining traction in the business world. In essence, it’s a mechanism that helps resolve a fundamental cash-flow tension between large buying companies and their suppliers. Big buyers often prefer longer payment terms to […]

Modern digitalization unlocks countless opportunities. Yet it also broadens the landscape for cyberattacks, which can affect anyone—from individuals to entire corporations. According to various studies (including reports by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center), cybercriminals continually refine their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities, both technological and human. Below, we’ll explore the most common cyberthreats and offer […

International trade often relies on letters of credit (LCs) as a secure payment mechanism between buyers and sellers. In some cases, banks may choose to confirm an LC – meaning a second bank (the confirming bank) adds its own payment guarantee in addition to the issuing bank’s promise. But what if the confirming bank only […]

In today’s world of abundant information, running a business “by feel” becomes increasingly risky. Making decisions without grounding them in data is like trying to hit a target while blindfolded. For entrepreneurs, statistics and data are not just a box to check—they act as a reliable compass that points the way forward. In this article, […]