Export Finance Australia and Standard Chartered partner to expand finance for Australian exporters
Export Finance Australia (EFA), the Australian Government’s export credit agency, and Standard Chartered, a leading international cross‑border bank, have signed a new trade finance risk participation agreement (RPA) to broaden access to finance for Australian exporters.
Media release
03 March 2026
Export Finance Australia (EFA), the Australian Government’s export credit agency, and Standard Chartered, a leading international cross‑border bank, have signed a new trade finance risk participation agreement (RPA) to broaden access to finance for Australian exporters.
RPAs play an important role in expanding commercial lenders’ ability to back more Australian exporters. They enable EFA to share credit risk with partner banks, including where overseas banks in emerging markets issue letters of credit to support Australian exporters. By taking on part of this risk, EFA helps commercial lenders provide finance for Australian exporters to expand and grow their business into overseas markets.
The agreement with Standard Chartered strengthens this effort and adds to EFA’s growing network of RPA partners. Standard Chartered’s strong presence in emerging markets across Asia and the Middle East aligns closely with Australian export opportunities. In 2024–25, EFA’s existing RPAs supported bank-financed exporting businesses across 245 transactions, facilitating contracts valued at more than $579 million. The new agreement reflects EFA’s commitment to strengthening export competitiveness and supporting the continued growth of trade-driven businesses.
Sonia Kammel, Chief Financial & Operating Officer, Export Finance Australia said “We’re pleased to be partnering with Standard Chartered to strengthen our ability to share risk and make finance more accessible for Australian exporters. This agreement helps give them the support they need to pursue opportunities in global markets.”
“As a super connector bank, we are pleased to offer our network and solutions to facilitate trade for Australian exporters who are increasingly establishing trade relationships in Asia, Middle East and Africa where we have strong on-the-ground presence to help them navigate these markets,” said Sofia Hammoucha, Global Head, Trade and Working Capital at Standard Chartered.
Media contact:
Celine Ng
Celine.ng@sc.com
Standard Chartered
We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
About Export Finance Australia
EFA is Australia’s export credit agency. EFA provides commercial finance for export trade and overseas investment and infrastructure development. From small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporates, foreign governments and infrastructure projects, it helps Australian businesses take on the world. In doing so, EFA’s finance supports Australia’s economic security and regional resilience.
EFA administers the Australian Government’s National Interest Account, which currently includes the Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, the Critical Minerals Facility, the Defence Export Facility and lending for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. EFA also provides support to other Commonwealth entities, including Housing Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
