How to Apply for Trade Financing
This guide walks you through applying for trade financing as a buyer on Alethium. Financing is provided through our regulated funding partners, and the application takes just a few minutes if you have your information ready.
Before you start
The application has four steps. Have the following information ready before you begin:
- Legal business information — registered business name, entity type, tax ID (e.g. EIN or company registration number), business address, and estimated annual revenue
- Applicant and ownership details — your name, address, email, and details of anyone who owns 25% or more of the business. A personal guarantee from the applicant is typically required as part of the financing agreement.
- Online banking credentials — you'll be asked to securely connect your business bank account
How financing works with Alethium
Alethium partners with regulated financial institutions to provide trade financing to buyers. Our funding partners are responsible for underwriting, credit decisions, and providing capital. Alethium manages the transaction itself — including invoice creation, approval, payment timing, and visibility between buyers and sellers.
Note on the application flow: To complete your financing application, you will be redirected to our current capital partner's website (Slope) to fill in the details. Once you've completed the application there, you'll return to Alethium. This is a temporary step in the process — your credit limit and financing activity will be visible in Alethium once you're approved.
Step-by-step instructions
Enter your business information
Provide your legal business details, including registered business name, entity type, tax ID, business address, and estimated annual revenue. It's important that these details match your official records — especially your tax ID.
Provide applicant and beneficial ownership information
Enter your personal details as the applicant, and identify anyone who owns 25% or more of the business. Financial institutions are required to collect and verify beneficial ownership information as part of standard customer due diligence and anti-money-laundering regulations.
Authorize a credit check
You'll be asked to authorize a standard business credit review. This allows the funding partner to evaluate your business profile and determine an appropriate credit limit. The review is handled securely and used solely for underwriting purposes.
Connect your business bank account
In the final step, you'll connect your business bank account using Plaid, a secure service that links your bank so that funds can be disbursed and repayments processed reliably. You'll need your online banking credentials.
Common questions
Still need help? Our team is happy to walk you through any questions you still have.
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