FAQs
What does ACFL Capital do?
ACFL Capital S.A. is a Swiss-based financial platform specializing in trade finance, project finance, and commodity-linked transactions. The firm operates as a principal-led platform, combining active commodity trading with structured financing solutions. ACFL Capital supports large-scale, institutionally bankable transactions through disciplined underwriting, legal structuring, insurance-backed risk mitigation, and milestone-based disbursement.
Is ACFL Capital a bank?
No. ACFL Capital is not a licensed bank, deposit-taking institution, or retail financial intermediary. The firm does not accept public deposits or offer retail investment products. All activities are conducted on a transactional, principal-led basis under Swiss law and applicable international regulations.
Does ACFL Capital charge any upfront or access fees?
No. ACFL Capital does not charge access fees, placement fees, or mandate fees. However, project sponsors and counterparties are responsible for third-party professional costs, such as underwriting, legal structuring, and insurance premiums, which are standard across institutional finance.
What happens if my transaction does not close?
If a transaction does not proceed due to ACFL Capital’s inability to deliver, insurance-related costs are fully refundable, subject to insurer terms. Professional services already rendered—such as completed underwriting or legal drafting—are non-refundable, as they represent executed third-party work. This structure protects sponsors while maintaining institutional diligence standards.
What is the source of ACFL Capital’s funds?
ACFL Capital’s financing capacity is derived from:
- Reinvestment of profits generated from commodities trading
- Revenue generated through trade finance instruments
- Capital recycling across active trading and financing cycles
- Strategic relationships with insurance-backed institutional partners
This model allows ACFL Capital to deploy capital grounded in real economic activity rather than speculative funding sources.
Is equity financing available?
Yes. While ACFL Capital primarily structures debt and structured finance solutions, the firm may also provide preferred equity or hybrid debt-equity structures where appropriate. Equity participation is considered selectively and only where strong alignment exists between capital and project performance.
FAQs
What types of projects does ACFL Capital finance?
ACFL Capital focuses on large-scale, institutionally bankable projects, typically USD 50 million and above, across sectors such as:
- Real estate and multifamily development
- Energy (renewable and conventional)
- Infrastructure and industrial projects
- Commodity-linked and trade-related projects
Smaller projects may be considered if they form part of a larger portfolio or strategic program.
How long does the project finance process take?
The typical timeline from initial submission to first disbursement is 16–20 weeks, assuming timely document submission and sponsor cooperation. Delays most commonly arise from incomplete documentation, extended sponsor-side approvals, or jurisdictional regulatory reviews.
How are funds disbursed?
Funds are disbursed on a milestone-based basis, either through escrow accounts or controlled project accounts. Each tranche release is subject to third-party verification, compliance confirmation, and adherence to the agreed Use of Funds (UoF).
What trade finance instruments does ACFL Capital provide?
ACFL Capital structures and supports trade finance instruments including:
- Letters of Credit (LCs)
- Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs)
- Structured guarantees
- Insured trade finance facilities
All instruments are linked to real underlying trade flows and subject to compliance review.
Does ACFL Capital finance speculative trades?
No. ACFL Capital supports structured, transaction-backed trade finance linked to verifiable commodity flows and contractual obligations. Speculative or undocumented trading activity is not supported.
Does ACFL Capital trade commodities directly?
Yes. ACFL Capital maintains active commodity trading operations across agriculture, energy, and minerals. These activities form the commercial foundation of the firm’s financing capacity and risk discipline.
FAQs
Can ACFL Capital finance third-party commodity transactions?
Yes. ACFL Capital may structure trade finance or financing solutions for third-party commodity transactions, provided they meet compliance, documentation, and risk criteria.
What happens if a client refuses to complete KYC/AML checks?
ACFL Capital maintains a zero-tolerance policy. Failure to complete required compliance checks will result in refusal or termination of engagement, regardless of transaction size or potential profitability.
How do I start working with ACFL Capital?
Engagement begins with an initial inquiry, followed by a preliminary internal review. Qualified sponsors are then invited to submit a Financing Request Letter (FRL) and supporting documentation. Only after successful review does formal onboarding commence.
Does submitting an inquiry guarantee funding?
No. Submitting an inquiry or documentation does not guarantee funding, approval, or execution. All transactions are subject to due diligence, compliance review, legal documentation, and final internal and third-party approvals.
What compliance standards does ACFL Capital follow?
ACFL Capital adheres to robust AML, KYC, sanctions, and ESG frameworks, aligned with:
- Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)
- EU AML Directives
- FATF Recommendations
- International sanctions regimes (OFAC, UN, EU, SECO)
All transactions are reviewed internally and, where required, by independent third parties.
Does ACFL Capital work globally?
Yes. ACFL Capital operates across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, structuring transactions in jurisdictions where regulatory clarity, counterparty strength, and risk mitigation frameworks can be established.