IMF flags rising global financial risk impacting trade finance

The IMF has warned that global financial stability risks are rising, with potential implications for trade finance and cross-border funding.

In its April 2026 Global Financial Stability Report, the IMF highlighted the impact of geopolitical conflict, inflation pressures and tightening financial conditions on global markets.

The report notes that emerging markets are particularly vulnerable, with capital outflows, currency pressure and higher borrowing costs threatening access to financing.

For trade finance, the warning signals increased risk around liquidity availability, particularly in markets reliant on external funding and commodity imports.

Market participants say the findings reinforce concerns that tighter financial conditions could constrain working capital flows and increase financing costs across global trade.