By: Creamer Media

ECI is the United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) federal export credit agency.

The facility represents an important addition to Gerald Group's global funding platform and its first export credit agency-supported financing backed by ECI.

The financing further diversifies the Gerald Group's funding sources, extends available tenor and supports new metals trade flows across key supply chains linked to growing demand from the energy transition, technology and industrial sectors.

In turn, the transaction reflects ECI's continued commitment to supporting the expansion of the UAE's non-oil export economy in line with the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

Gerald Group CFO Patricia Nikolopoulos says the facility represents an important step in the continued diversification of Gerald Group's funding platform. "Securing our first ECI-backed financing broadens our access to committed liquidity, extends available tenor and further strengthens the resilience of our funding structure.

"We are pleased to partner with ECI and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (which acted as lender to the facility), on a transaction that supports UAE-origin trade flows, while enhancing our ability to provide reliable financing and supply chain solutions to customers and counterparties across global metals markets," Nikolopoulos states.

ECI CEO Raja Al Mazrouei says the agency is also pleased to partner with Gerald Group and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank on this landmark transaction, which reflects the parties' shared commitment to strengthening the UAE's trade finance ecosystem.

"This achievement is also a testament to ECI’s role in advancing the country’s non-oil export agenda, in line with the vision of our wise leadership to diversify and strengthen the national economy. By enabling structured export-backed financing solutions, ECI supports the growth of UAE-origin trade flows and reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for resilient and sustainable trade.

"Partnerships with leading international traders and UAE financial institutions further strengthen our mandate to accelerate export growth and enhance the global visibility of UAE-origin commodities," she explains.

Against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, ongoing supply chain realignment and increased market volatility, the transaction highlights the importance of resilient and diversified trade finance solutions in supporting global commodity flows and sustainable export growth.