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Payment Instruments

This page explains which payment instruments we accept, the standards we require, and how to submit a draft for fast, clean approval. It applies to all mining, trade, and investment engagements.

1) Confirmed, irrevocable Documentary Letters of Credit (L/C)

  • Rule set: UCP 600 (with ISBP 745 for practices)

  • Availability: at sight / deferred / acceptance / negotiation (stated clearly)

  • Confirmation: available on request

2) Standby Letters of Credit (SBLC) / Demand Guarantees

  • Rule set: URDG 758

  • Nature: independent, payable on demand, documentary compliance only

3) Regulated Escrow

  • Agent: licensed attorneys or regulated trustees

  • Release: objective, documentary conditions; fee waterfalls disclosed

4) Open Account (OA)

  • Only with trade credit insurance (A-rated insurers) or strongly rated counterparties and pre-agreed exposure caps

We’ll advise the optimal instrument mix during Stage 6 – Solution Shaping of our Customer Engagement Procedure.

What we accept
(case-by-case)

Our bank acceptance policy

We accept instruments issued or confirmed by the current Top-30 global banks by total assets (reviewed twice yearly). Issuer acceptance always remains subject to sanctions/AML status and Mezzarion discretion.

All instruments (applies to L/C, SBLC, guarantees):

  • Governing rules named: “This credit is subject to UCP 600.” / “This guarantee is subject to URDG 758.”

  • SWIFT authenticity: issued via authenticated SWIFT (MT700/701 for L/C; MT760 for SBLC/guarantee).
    We do not accept screenshots, PDFs, or “tear sheets” as issuance.

  • Bank verification: issuing (and, if any, confirming) bank on our acceptable list; independent call-back via the bank’s published switchboard for high-value cases.

  • No soft clauses: no conditions dependent on buyer discretion, unprovable events, or “subject to acceptance by…”.

  • Reasonable presentation: typical 21 days after shipment, with a clear place of expiry.

  • Costs allocation: clearly stated (confirmation, discrepancy, courier, etc.).

  • Transferability/assignment: expressly stated if required.

  • Document set: only standard, obtainable documents.

Documentary L/C specifics (UCP 600 + ISBP 745):

  • Availability & place: with issuing or confirming bank; or “any bank by negotiation” (state one).

  • Shipment terms: Incoterms® 2020 stated, latest shipment date, partial shipments (Y/N), transshipment (Y/N).

  • Required docs (typical): commercial invoice, packing list, clean on-board B/L or AWB, certificate of origin, independent inspection certificate, assay/CoA (if applicable), insurance (if CIF/CIP), weight/tally, required permits.

  • Discrepancies: who pays, and how they’re cured.

SBLC / Demand Guarantee (URDG 758) specifics:

  • Demand wording: payable against a simple demand + any stipulated documents; no underlying-contract conditions.

  • Expiry: fixed or conditional; place of expiry shown.

  • Governing law/forum (if stated) should not conflict with URDG mechanics.

Escrow specifics:

  • Agent: licensed/regulated entity in an agreed jurisdiction.

  • Release mechanics: objective, document-based milestones (e.g., original B/L + inspection + invoice).

  • Waterfall: escrow distributes net proceeds + commissions per disclosed schedule once conditions are met.

Mandatory standards (for fast approval)

Instruments we typically decline

  • Revocable L/Cs (must be irrevocable)

  • L/Cs or SBLCs with non-documentary/subjective conditions

  • Credits with impossible timelines or conflicting clauses

  • Unconfirmed L/Cs from non-top-tier banks where risk is material

  • House rules that override UCP/URDG/ISBP

  • Any instrument linked to sanctioned parties/jurisdictions or failed AML checks

Step 1 — Email your draft text (or have your bank share via SWIFT pre-advice):

  • Parties & goods/services

  • Incoterms® 2020 and shipment windows (for trade)

  • Full instrument text (L/C, SBLC, or guarantee), including rules, availability, expiry, place of expiry, and documents required

  • Issuing bank contact (switchboard) and relationship manager

Step 2 — Quickscreen (24–72h):

  • We compare the text to our standards checklist and respond with: accept / accept with edits / cannot accept. Edits are supplied in plain language.

Step 3 — Final text & issuance:

  • Your bank issues the instrument via authenticated SWIFT. Where confirmation is required, we will nominate or accept a confirmer.

How to submit a draft
(fast-track path)

Helpful wording
(copy-ready)

Documentary L/C (front clause):

  • “This irrevocable documentary credit is subject to UCP 600. Available by sight payment with [confirming/issuing bank] at the counters of [place of expiry] against presentation of documents stipulated herein.”

SBLC / Demand Guarantee (front clause):

  • “This independent guarantee is subject to URDG 758. We irrevocably undertake to pay upon first written demand accompanied by [stated documents], without proof or conditions related to the underlying contract.”

No soft clauses:

  • “No non-documentary conditions apply. Any conflict between house terms and UCP 600/URDG 758 is resolved in favour of UCP 600/URDG 758.”

  • Account name-match checks before any payment

  • Bank call-back via published switchboards for high-value instruments

  • SPF/DMARC/DKIM email protections; e-signature audit trails

  • Secure portal for sensitive document exchange; changes to bank coordinates verified independently

Anti-fraud hygiene we follow

Frequently asked questions

*Legal Notice

This page summarises our acceptance standards. Binding terms are contained only in executed agreements and final instrument texts.

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Mezzarion is a mining, trade, and investment company shaping the future by sustainably producing the critical resources that will power tomorrow’s industries.

Beyond extraction, we are committed to building resilient communities and fostering economic growth, ensuring that local expertise in mining, exploration, processing, and trade drives lasting prosperity. Our approach is not just about resources—it’s about redefining Africa’s role in the global value chain and creating a future where wealth is both generated and retained within the regions we operate.

Mezzarion acts solely as an introducing agent under direct mandates. We do not hold client funds or provide regulated financial services. All transactions are subject to strict KYC/AML compliance in line with ICC URDG 758 and UCP 600.

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CONTACT 

E: info@mezzarion.com

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