Local Protein-beverage Brand Turns Trade Data into Working Capital Fuelling Growth and Overseas Expansion
Background
In recent years, rising health consciousness has fuelled strong demand for functional products such as high-protein and low-sugar beverages. A local protein-beverage startup has been actively expanding its presence in the retail market and experiencing steady growth in orders. Its beverages are sugar-free, fat-free, and lactose-free, catering to the increasing consumer demand for healthier drink options.
As the business grew, its demand for working capital increased. However, large retailers often operate on extended payment terms, so suppliers must wait a considerable period before receiving payment. Many SMEs turn to trade financing to bridge short-term cash flow gaps, but traditional financing applications often requires document preparation and large volumes of paperwork submission.
To help local SMEs simplify and accelerate their financing journey, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and GS1 Hong Kong collaborated to launch a Digital Trade Finance service. By leveraging transaction data, businesses can apply for financing more efficiently, reducing administrative effort while accelerating approval and fund disbursement.
Solution — Digital Trade Finance
When the product was launched, the startup had already obtained GS1 barcodes from GS1 Hong Kong, enabling its products to be listed in major convenience store chains and retail outlets. It then used ezTRADE to exchange electronic orders, invoices and shipment notices with trading partners.
Turn Data into Capital
As order volume increased, the company accumulated authentic transaction data on the ezTRADE platform. These trade data serve as alternative data, enabling banks to assess SME creditworthiness faster and more accurately.
After learning about the Digital Trade Finance service, the company applied for financing through OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) using its transaction data from ezTRADE platform. With the company's consent, the bank could access and review the data directly for credit assessment. As the transaction records reflect the company’s actual trading activities and business performance, it eliminates the need to submit paper invoices. The application was simpler, approval was faster, and financing was released promptly, enabling the company to access funding more efficiently.
Benefits
OCBC Bank (Hong Kong)
- Enhanced risk management and approval efficiency, and provided SMEs with faster, more transparent financing.
SME
- Digitizes the financing process, eliminating the need for manual invoice submissions and enabled faster and more transparent financing services.
- Improves cash flow and supports business expansion and growth.
“We are proud to collaborate with GS1 HK to provide timely and flexible working capital solutions in today’s challenging business environment. SMEs can leverage their own transaction data to gain faster access to quality financial services. For F&B retailers, quick financing turnaround is critical. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity.”
Ms. Ruby Yiu, Head of Emerging Business of OCBC Hong Kong
“OCBC and GS1 HK’s ezTRADE have made trade financing significantly simpler for us. Once retailer purchase orders and transaction documents are available on the ezTRADE platform, OCBC can review them directly and provide financing without the usual manual submission process. This has helped us receive funds much faster, reduce administrative work, and improve cash flow as we grow with major retail partners. The solution is practical, seamless, and well-suited for a fast-growing consumer goods business like ours.”
A local startup protein beverage company
Applied Standard or Solution/Service
About OCBC
Headquartered in Singapore and established in 1932, OCBC is one of the world’s most highly-rated banks (Aa1/AA-). OCBC Hong Kong leverages the city’s role as a gateway between Mainland China and ASEAN, supporting SMEs in cross-border growth. Backed by our One Group approach and regional network, we provide SMEs with all-round financial services, including cross-border financing, trade finance, and cash management solutions. Combining strong local expertise with regional connectivity, we support SMEs in expanding confidently across Asia and beyond.