Berne Union Spring Meeting 2026 in Astana highlights trade finance trends and a new MOU with UNDP

On 12 May, 200+ delegates from 90 organisations in the global export finance industry gathered for Berne Union’s Spring Meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The meeting, themed “Crossroads”, highlighted the challenges that export credit agencies (ECAs) and investment insurers face amid significant changes in global trade and finance.

The Berne Union also announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and shared cross-border trade data for 2025.

Record trade support amid shifting dynamics

The Berne Union data revealed a record USD 3.7 trillion in cross-border trade during 2025, a 12% increase from 2024. 

This growth came from an increase in short-term (ST) credit, which made up 90% of the new trade support in terms of value.

Additionally, medium- and long-term (MLT) business set new records with USD 231 billion in new cover, marking a third consecutive year of strong growth, particularly in mega-transactions involving large-scale projects such as cruise ships, nuclear energy developments, and offshore wind farms.

The industry witnessed diversification beyond core product lines. New untied programmes, domestic credit support from ECAs, contract and performance risk cover, multilateral support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and significant risk transfer (SRT) activities by private insurers all contributed to a record year for trade support.

Political risk insurance (PRI) coverage dropped by 19% compared to last year, falling to USD 35 billion. This decline happened despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and greater concerns about political risks.

Claims figures surged to a record USD 11.1 billion, up 17% from the previous year, driven largely by sanction-related claims involving Russian entities and a significant expropriation claim. 

Medium- and long-term claims linked to sovereign distress continued but at a reduced rate. Short-term claims increased materially by 12% to USD 2.5 billion, though the short-term claims ratio remained below pre-pandemic levels.

These complex claim dynamics reflect the challenging environment in which ECAs and insurers operate, balancing risk mitigation with the need to support trade flows.

Innovation and digital transformation in trade finance

The Berne Union members implemented 71 digital innovations in 2025, enhancing client access to bespoke platforms, digital products, and AI-powered chatbots. Automation and the integration of large-language models (LLMs) have optimised business processes and accelerated information retrieval, making trade support smarter and more efficient.

These technological advances are enabling more sophisticated transactions, including the blending of cross-border and domestic financing to unlock major projects. The industry’s embrace of innovation is critical to meeting the challenges of a fragmented and complex global trade environment.

Quotes from leadership

Berne Union President, Yuichiro Akita, said, “From the Silk Road to today, Kazakhstan has long stood at the crossroads of global trade, investment and ideas and it is a fitting place to reflect that we, too, are at a crossroads: In the post-pandemic period, we have seen a pronounced shift in medium and long-term finance toward advanced economies, driven by policy prioritisation around green recovery, energy transition and defence, alongside mounting pressures in many developing markets.” 

“This reflects a new landscape in which export credit agencies are becoming more strategic and, as a result, more selective. With growing national security considerations likely to reinforce these trends, the question is no-longer simply where capital flows, but how each of us defines our purpose and our path within this changing environment.” 

“The exchange of ideas and perspectives through the meetings this week provide a valuable background in which we can start to do exactly that.” 

Allen Chaizhunussov, Chairman of the Board of the Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan, said, “The agency systematically integrates innovative approaches into the system of stimulating non-primary exports, including the introduction of ESG principles into underwriting processes.” 

“Holding such a significant forum in Astana confirms Kazakhstan’s status as a key regional financial hub. It is expected that the event will have a positive impact on the perception of the country’s investment climate by the OECD member States, whose representatives form the basis of the Berne Union.” 

Berne Union and UNDP partners

The Berne Union and UNDP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the role of trade and investment insurance in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Developing countries face an estimated annual financing gap of USD 4.3 trillion to achieve the SDGs, compounded by fiscal pressures and declining official development assistance.

The partnership focuses on several key initiatives. This includes strengthening the role of ECAs and investment insurers in sustainable development by supporting foreign direct investment through guarantees and risk-transfer solutions.

It also includes developing joint analytical and programmatic initiatives to mobilise guarantees, reinsurance, and blended finance in priority sectors such as clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable supply chains.

Exploring regional and country-level initiatives to improve enabling environments for sustainable trade and investment is another goal. Lastly, the partnership would promote knowledge-sharing and best practices in sustainability governance and impact reporting.

Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, said, “Export credit agencies and political risk insurers play a significant role in shaping global trade and investment flows.”

He added, “Through this partnership, we aim to better align risk-sharing instruments with national development priorities and the 2030 Agenda, helping unlock sustainable investment at scale.” 

The Berne Union is expanding its membership, with new applications from Lloyd’s credit specialty underwriters like Africa Specialty Risks, Canopius, and Chaucer. The African Development Bank and MSIG USA have also joined as Observer members, enhancing the association’s global presence.