User:Dthiara/Northstar Trade Finance

Northstar Trade Finance

Northstar Trade Finance Inc. is an export focused organization that supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by offering financing to creditworthy foreign buyers of eligible goods and services. The company supports a public–private partnership model and currently transacts with exporters in Canada, the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia. Most of Northstar’s work has been done between exporters in Canada and the U.S. and buyers in developing countries, mostly in Latin America. More recently, the company has expanded to Europe and Australia.

History
In August 1994, Northstar began with only one bank shareholder (Bank of Montreal), Mr. Scott Shepherd, and the Provincial Government of British Columbia. The company's early success prompted other Canadian banks to join in their mission. The first of these banks was Royal Bank of Canada who joined as a shareholder and partner in August 1997. HSBC Bank Canada joined Northstar in December 1998, National Bank of Canada in November 1999 and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in December 2000.

Operations
Northstar began its operations in Canada, expanding to the United States soon thereafter. Overtime, Northstar took its business overseas to the U.K., starting up its subsidiary, Sovereign Star Trade Finance Limited in 2004. In June 2009, Northstar introduced its newest subsidiary Northstar Europe S.A.. Most recently, Northstar has taken its first steps into the Australian market hoping to continue the expansion of their success.

Product
Northstar offers term financing for amounts of US$100,000 up to a maximum of US$10,000,000 in some exceptional cases. Terms can range from 2 to 5 years with monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual payments. The company deals in various currencies including CAD, USD, and EUR.

Partners
As a global entity, Northstar has developed partnerships with many leading public and private financial corporations, export credit agencies (ECAs) and insurers including: Export Development Canada (EDC), U.S. Ex-Im Bank, Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD), Australian Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC), Euler Hermes, Office du Ducroire-Luxembourg (ODL), Société Nationale de Crédit et d’Investissement (SNCI), Coface, Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN), and Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK).