According to DMCC global Future of Trade research, technology could bridge the current $1.5 trillion trade finance gap, unlocking new opportunities for trade across borders. They examine the impact of blockchain and fintechs on trade as well as reveal business sectors making the most progress in terms of digitalisation.

The report states that 50% of SME funding applications are rejected by banks and that alternative trade finance, powered by fintech and blockchain, is on the rise. For example, the alternative finance market in the APAC region more than doubled between 2015 and 2016 to the total value of US$245.2 billion.