Global Finance is proud to announce the winners of the Best Trade Finance Banks for 2026.

This year’s recipients—Standard Bank, DBS, Banreservas, Raiffeisen Bank International, BBVA, Bank ABC, BNY Mellon, and UniCredit—distinguished themselves by leveraging innovative digital platforms, expanding global and regional connectivity, and developing specialized solutions to navigate increasingly complex trade environments. From supporting key economic corridors in Asia-Pacific to pioneering sustainable finance across Africa and the CEE, these institutions are setting the standard for efficiency, compliance, and client service in the global trade ecosystem.

Best Trade Finance Bank in North America

BNY Mellon

BNY Mellon has earned its recognition as the Best Trade Finance Bank in North America due to its strong trade services portfolio, which is supported by eight global trade centers. This structure provides clients with significant advantages, including high credit ratings, a broad international presence, competitive pricing, and dependable service across trade processing, risk mitigation, and financing.

The bank’s core offerings are specifically designed to enhance efficiency and compliance. For instance, Trade Outsourcing offers full or partial options, enabling banks to reduce operational costs by leveraging BNY’s advanced network and technology. Open Account Automation digitalizes open account trade, streamlining invoice approval and decreasing errors. The FI Distribution Platform is a flexible tool that simplifies investor tracking and the distribution of trade finance. Furthermore, the Trade Network Access Service assists banks in navigating trade finance compliance using BNY’s RMA network, which lowers Know Your Customer (KYC) costs and automates billing.

Strategic moves, such as a partnership with Mizuho Bank, are enhancing international trade connectivity and simplifying compliance without requiring major infrastructure investment. The integration of AI in processing trade loans has also accelerated processing times and mitigated related risks.

By implementing a Platform Operating Model that breaks down operational barriers between custody, trade finance, and payments, BNY has successfully evolved from a traditional custodian into a comprehensive financial services platform. The bank’s extensive reach, serving over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all of the world’s top 100 banks, ensures it underpins a substantial portion of North American trade flows.

To tackle key regional challenges, BNY has also introduced innovative solutions such as its Virtual Account Based Solutions, which simplify the management of multiple physical bank accounts across state and international borders.