London, 10 November, 2010 – A new report from Aite Group provides an overview of the global supply chain finance (SCF) market in terms of what solutions are currently available, what players are involved, and what roles are played by each party. Based on an online September/October 2010 Aite Group survey of 30 pre-selected panelists—corporate treasurers, finance managers, bankers, and solution providers—the report ultimately creates an organized classification of characteristics, roles, and products available in the global supply chain finance market today.

Supply chain finance is currently subject to multiple interpretations. Confusion around the true identity of SCF (and what products, services, and values fall under its umbrella) hinders corporate decision-makers seeking to understand the benefits achievable through a well-planned SCF program. Financial institutions, solution vendors, and business services perceive the business opportunity available through SCF, but lack a clear and uniform vision regarding what it can do for their company. The uncertainty surrounding SCF underlines the need for a clear, holistic understanding for all involved.

“SCF is still perceived as a buyer-centric set of financial instruments (serviced through a technology platform) that ease the working capital of supply chain partners,” says Enrico Camerinelli, senior analyst with Aite Group and author of this report. “In actuality, the solutions made available under the SCF banner cover the wider spectrum of the source-to-pay, plan-to-fulfill, and order-to-cash supply chain management business processes.”

This 44-page Impact Report contains eight figures and 10 tables. Clients of Aite Group's Wholesale Banking service can download the report.