Berne Union Yearbook 2024: A milestone edition for 90 years of trade innovation

London, Dec. 2024 – The Berne Union proudly unveils the Yearbook 2024, the anticipated publication celebrating 90 years of fostering global trade and investment. In this edition, we reflect on the Berne Union’s legacy of resilience and cooperation while setting our sights on the horizon and examining the evolving edge of the export credit and investment insurance industry.

Since its inception in 1934, the Berne Union has grown into a global leader in export credit and investment insurance, with 86 member institutions across 68 countries collectively supporting over $3 trillion in trade annually. The Yearbook 2024 marks this extraordinary milestone by presenting a comprehensive view of the state of our industry, enriched by insights from key stakeholders and industry experts.

Exploring Synergies in Factoring and Credit Insurance: Insights from FCI

This edition of the Berne Union Yearbook 2024 features a compelling article by Betül Kurtulus, FCI Regional Director for CEE, SEE, and ME, titled The Symbiotic Relationship Between Factoring and Insurance. In her article, Betül examines the critical interplay between factoring and credit insurance, emphasizing how these complementary financial tools provide businesses with enhanced security and confidence to expand in global markets.

Drawing on FCI’s global statistics, she highlights that non-recourse factoring with credit protection constitutes over 56% of market share among FCI members, underscoring the growing demand for guaranteed sales and secured receivables. Betul also delves into the challenges facing the industry, such as regulatory hurdles, limited credit information, and economic pressures, while showcasing innovative solutions, such as Eximbank funding models, that enhance trade finance. Her insights provide a nuanced understanding of the current state of the factoring industry and its vital role in driving growth and stability in international trade.

Examining trade from every angle

Our contributors dive into important industry topics, beginning with perspectives from the Berne Union’s leadership, including incoming Berne Union President Yuichiro Akita, outgoing President Maëlia Dufour, Berne Union Secretariat, and the leaders of BU Committees.

We share insights about important developments in geopolitics and economics in Macro Trends (Yoel Sano of BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, on US foreign policy and international geopolitics; Dr Nick Redman of Oxford Analytica on global energy shift; Prof Edward Altman of NYU Stern School of Business on forecasting credit cycles) and delve deeper into important markets in our Regional Focus section. This Yearbook features in-depth coverage and analysis of our industry’s efforts to support green energy, decarbonisation, and net-zero emissions in our Energy Sector Transition section. In Claims and Risk, we provide a deeper understanding of how export credit agencies and insurers are addressing the evolving risk landscape. Market View offers a panoramic analysis from diverse voices of regional and sectoral trade dynamics, supported by the perspectives of BU members and industry leaders. Finally, we share the bespoke insights of our own team of analysts.

The STRIDE framework

This year’s Yearbook introduces incoming BU President Mr Akita’s “STRIDE” framework: Sustainability Through Resilience, Innovation, and Diversity for Empowerment. We aim to embrace a forward-thinking agenda, emphasising the need for deep collaboration across our diverse membership base and unprecedented adaptability in confronting climate change, geopolitical shifts, digitalisation, and technological risk—all key areas covered extensively within the publication.

Beyond topical articles, the Yearbook 2024 serves as a practical resource with statistical overviews, a comprehensive member directory, and expert commentary on global trade trends. It underscores our role as a collaborative platform, enabling members and readers to better understand and respond to complex challenges.

Join the conversation

As the Berne Union celebrates its 90th anniversary, the Yearbook 2024 stands as a tribute to its enduring impact and a roadmap for the decade ahead. This edition is a must-read for trade professionals, policymakers, and financial institutions navigating an increasingly dynamic world.

To explore the Yearbook 2024 and learn more about the Berne Union’s vision for the future, visit Berne Union website.