Making trade finance better. Access the top minds of the industry.

Our story

Trade Services Update (TSU) is an independent voice of the trade services industry. TSU was first published under the name L/C Monitor in 1999 as a legal financial journal covering practical aspects of payment instruments in international trade. In June 2000 LC Monitor acquired ‘LC Update’ from Thompson Publishing Group. In 2008 TSU data base was created incorporating all the articles previously published in the L/C Monitor and updated regularly with each new issue of the TSU journal.

The TSU journal is electronic and free to all registered readers. The searchable data base is made available to registered subscribers. Sun Tzu said, "For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill." Much skill is required in handling letters of credit and other payment instruments used in international trade. The existing Incoterms, UCP, URC, URDG, ISP, ISBP, publications from ICC provide rules and guidelines but still there are many unanswered questions. When rules are updated new problems arise and clarification and education is required.

Now more than ever timely information is needed to succeed and prevent problems before they occur. Trade Services Update is the only journal and searchable online database in the world devoted to the topic of Trade Services. Our purpose is to share knowledge gained from practical experience. Our Editors are comprised of top professionals from around the globe who handle documentary credits, standby letters of credit, bank guarantees, documentary collections, and surrounding legal issues on a daily basis and feel the pulse of the trading world.

By reading the publication you will learn from their experience, case studies and creative problem solving techniques. We hope that you will benefit from our services and will excel at resolving problems before they arise.