Gtr Trade Talks

Debate 2: Do ICOs provide a potential new source of finance  or reason for caution?  Viewpoint 1: **Raj Uttamchandani**, Executive Director, **Trade Finance Market** Interest in initial coin offerings (ICOs), the process of using  cryptocurrency to raise money for trade lending, is growing as companieslook for alternative ways to fund supply chains and raise capital. Simplerand faster than traditional cross-border fundraising, removing much of the complexity around different currencies, settlements and payment consolidations, ICOs help provide SMEs and start-ups in particular with greater access to a more diverse pool of potential investors, with blockchain-based screening solutions enabling quick funding and derisking of transactions.  Viewpoint 2: **Kim Kit Ow**, Partner, **Bird & Bird** The unregulated nature of ICOs provide inherent risks,  with concerns over sources of funds and financial crime leading to close monitoring. If the industry is seriously thinking of building ICOs up as a long-term alter