Decisions that shape public institutions

Exporters in the region face gaps in trade finance and risk cover, and small, open economies are particularly exposed to them. Member states wanted an independent view on whether a regional institution would add value.

Working with Afreximbank, our experts analysed the market for trade and investment finance and outlined options for the mandate, products, governance and set-up of a regional institution. The study also considered how a regional institution could work alongside existing financial institutions.

The region received an independent evidence base for its decision. The study was presented to the region’s trade and economic development ministers.

The ministry wanted to know how to make its public finance scheme more relevant for companies investing abroad. Investment insurance has to keep pace with changing investment patterns and risks.

Our experts compared peer schemes and developed a diagnostic analysis with recommendations. The analysis looked at the scheme’s design, use and position compared with other countries.

The ministry received recommendations for the further development of the scheme. The review provides a basis for the ministry’s decisions on the scheme.

The public financial institution wanted a strategy that links its direction, resources and results. This meant translating strategic priorities into objectives and measures across the organisation.

Our experts supported the analytics and the development of the strategy framework with the leadership team. The work combined analysis with structured sessions to agree priorities.

The company has a strategy framework that connects direction and execution. The framework helps the leadership track progress towards its goals.

The country aims to grow non-oil exports, and exporters need access to finance and risk cover. Policymakers wanted to understand which institutional set-up would best serve these needs.

Our experts analysed market demand and assessed institutional options against international practice. The assessment also looked at support options for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The client received a structured assessment of its options. The assessment highlights the trade-offs between the different options.

The agency set out to define its strategy in a changing trade environment. Shifts in global trade and in customer needs called for a fresh look at the agency’s direction.

Our experts supported management in preparing and facilitating the strategy process. The process involved management in structured discussions on priorities and options.

The agency completed its strategy process. The agency has a basis for setting its priorities for the coming years.

The government wanted to make exports a stronger engine of growth. This required a shared view across ministries and agencies on priorities and responsibilities.

Our experts supported the analysis, the results framework and the action plan. The work drew on consultations with public institutions and the private sector to set priorities and measurable targets.

The strategy and action plan were finalised with the government. The results framework gives the government a way to track implementation over time.

The bank wanted to add guarantees to its toolkit to mobilise more private capital. Guarantees can make projects viable for investors who would otherwise stay away.

Our experts analysed demand, compared peer programmes and supported the strategy and product development. The analysis drew on the experience of other multilateral and national institutions.

The bank received an evidence-based basis for its guarantee programme. The work supports the bank in developing its guarantee offer.

Exporters, especially small and medium-sized companies, needed support to invest in export capacity. Access to investment finance is often a bottleneck for growing exporters.

Our experts supported the design of the new guarantee and its roll-out. The design drew on international practice and was tailored to the national market.

The agency received a product design for its decision-making. The work helped to prepare the product for its introduction to the market.

A member country of Afreximbank set out to establish its own export credit agency. The new agency needed a clear mandate, a sound business model and products that meet exporters’ needs.

Working with Afreximbank, our experts provided the market analysis, the strategic framework, the target operating model, financial instruments and the business plan of the new agency. The work drew on international practice and was tailored to the country’s market and institutional context.

The founders received a business plan grounded in market evidence and international practice. The business plan provides a roadmap for setting up the agency.

Shifting geopolitics and trade patterns raise new questions for export credit agencies. Export credit agencies need to understand how these changes may affect their role and business models.

Our experts conducted interviews and analysed the megatrends export credit agencies are likely to face. The work was carried out together with UK Export Finance staff, who co-authored the findings.

The findings were published as a Bayes Business School white paper and in Global Policy. The paper contributes to the international debate on the future role of export credit agencies.

Exporters lacked access to de-risking tools, and a new unit needed products, processes and skills. Building such a unit from scratch requires both technical know-how and sound institutional foundations.

Our experts supported product development, underwriting, risk management and training. Training combined international practice with hands-on exercises tailored to the local context.

The unit received a blueprint for its business and a trained team. The unit is better prepared to offer de-risking solutions to exporters.

The client wanted a clear view of how peers organise market windows under the applicable international and European rules. Market windows operate on commercial terms and raise questions of design and compliance.

Our experts compared peer models drawing on interviews and legal and regulatory sources. The analysis covered the design, governance and funding of the different models.

The client received an evidence base for its own strategic choices. The comparison clarifies the options available within the regulatory framework.

The institution wanted to generate new strategic options for the coming years. Changes in global trade and in client needs called for fresh thinking.

Our experts designed and facilitated a forward-looking retreat with the leadership team. The format combined a structured look at trends with interactive sessions.

The leadership team aligned on next steps for its strategy. The outcomes of the retreat provided input for the wider strategy process.

The government wanted to learn what works in other countries. Export and development finance institutions are adapting their policies to support the climate transition.

Our experts compared the policies and products of a range of institutions. The analysis covered climate policies, financial products and approaches to measuring impact.

The government received a comparative evidence base for its policy work. The findings help the government place its own approach within international practice.

Climate action and ESG have become strategic priorities for export credit agencies. Agencies are looking for the best way to embed these topics in their organisations.

Our experts reviewed how European peers organise these functions. The review covered organisational structures, responsibilities and cooperation across teams.

The agency received a peer-based view for its organisational planning. The comparison helps the agency weigh different organisational options.

The fund was preparing to take on a broader mandate to support exporters. This required changes to its strategy, organisation and products.

Working with Afreximbank, our experts reviewed the fund’s strategy, operating model, risk management and products. The review compared the fund with international practice for export finance institutions.

The fund received recommendations to support its broader mandate. The recommendations set out priorities for strengthening the fund’s operations.

Products create impact when teams understand customer needs and can explain the solutions with confidence. Clear product design and confident communication go hand in hand.

Our experts supported product development and ran a practical workshop for the teams. The workshop combined product knowledge with practical exercises on customer conversations.

The teams are better equipped to explain the company’s products. The workshop gave teams practical tools they can use in their daily work.

The COVID-19 crisis put exporters under pressure, and the agency wanted to sharpen its strategic direction. Like many export credit agencies, it had to respond quickly while keeping its longer-term goals in view.

Our experts assessed the agency’s strategy and products against European peers. The assessment considered how peers adapted their products and strategies during the crisis.

The agency received a peer-based view for its strategy and product range. The findings support the agency in reviewing its strategic direction.

The government wanted a coherent strategy built on innovation. Policies across ministries needed to be aligned around common priorities.

Our expert worked with the ministry and stakeholders on the strategy, results framework and action plan. The process brought together public institutions, businesses and other stakeholders.

The government received a strategy with a results framework and action plan. The action plan sets out responsibilities for putting the strategy into practice.

The agency wanted evidence on how competitive its offer is for exporters and banks. Competitiveness depends not only on pricing but also on products, processes and service.

Our experts compared competitiveness factors with peer agencies and developed recommendations. The assessment drew on interviews and a review of peer practices.

The agency received evidence and recommendations for its competitive position. The findings highlight where the agency’s offer can be strengthened.

Infrastructure projects often face bankability challenges. Export credit agencies are looking for new ways to help mobilise finance for these projects.

Our experts analysed approaches of different financiers and identified good practices. The study drew on desk research and the experience of public and private financiers.

The agency received a view of where it can add value. The findings can inform the agency’s product development and partnerships.

The agency wanted to understand how peers design their mandates, products and governance. Comparable information on peer agencies is often hard to find.

Our experts compared peer agencies across direction, execution and results. The benchmark used a consistent framework so that agencies could be compared on a like-for-like basis.

The agency received a structured international comparison. The comparison helps the agency position itself among its peers.

The government is seeking to diversify its exports. It needed a clear picture of which sectors and products offer realistic potential in international markets.

Our experts analysed export potential, value chains and the support system for exporters. The work combined trade data analysis with consultations with public and private stakeholders.

The government received evidence and recommendations for export diversification. The findings give policymakers a basis for prioritising sectors and improving support for exporters.

The agency wanted faster decisions with clear accountability. Complex approval steps can slow down support for exporters.

Our experts developed proposals for transaction pathways and decision rights. The proposals took account of risk management, governance and the needs of customers.

The agency received a blueprint for its transaction process. It provides a basis for streamlining the agency’s processes.

The government wanted to strengthen its exporters’ role in international infrastructure projects. Development finance instruments can help exporters take part in projects in emerging markets.

Our experts analysed how other European countries use development finance for infrastructure. The analysis covered the design, governance and use of the relevant instruments.

The government received options for its policy. The comparison highlights approaches the government can consider for its own instruments.

The agency wanted to understand how its set-up translates into results. It wanted to see where resources and processes make the biggest difference for its customers.

Our experts compared the agency with peers and developed recommendations. The analysis looked at organisation, processes and resources alongside the results achieved.

The agency received a results-oriented view of its priorities. Management can use the findings to focus improvement efforts where they matter most.