TF COP 2026 Summit

TF COP 2026 is an industry-leading working summit convened by ITFA to advance practical solutions for closing the SME trade finance gap in emerging markets. Since its launch in 2024, the TF COP coalition has brought together public- and private-sector actors to move from dialogue and ideas towards implementation across local-currency finance, FX risk, blended finance, insurance, digitalisation, legal reform and market infrastructure.

The event combines a strategic morning session setting the direction for the coalition with afternoon hands-on, solution-led workshops focused on initiatives capable of changing access to finance for SMEs. Participation is curated to ensure the strongest combination of expertise, influence and commitment to delivery, and the summit is free to attend, making it accessible to leaders from across the trade finance ecosystem who are positioned to shape, sponsor and deliver solutions.

TF COP 2026 takes place immediately before the ITFA Annual Conference at the same venue in Split, creating an exceptional week for the global trade finance community. The summit matters to trade finance professionals because it moves beyond conventional conference dialogue to focus on building, testing and scaling practical solutions that make SME trade assets more visible, financeable, hedgeable, insurable and investable.

10:40 am to 11:25 am: Industry Associations Update

A moderated discussion with representatives from the five trade association members of TF COP: BAFT, Berne Union, FCI, ICISA and ITFA.

Moderator:

• Deepesh Patel, TTP

Panellists:

• Sean Edwards, ITFA

• Aysen Cetintas, FCI

• Yuichiro Akita, Berne Union

• Daniel de Burca, ICISA

• Tod Burwell, BAFT, joining online

Topics covered

• SME trade finance gap in emerging markets
• Local-currency finance
• FX risk
• Blended finance
• Insurance
• Digitalisation
• Legal reform
• Market infrastructure