Managing financial flows in supply chains: how companies can benefit from financial service providers

Demand and supply side of financing physical flows along supply chains have changed considerably in recent years. With global trade, challenging customer requirements and continuous competitive pressure financing needs of corporates have become more complex. The financial crises in 2008/09 resulted in severe changes for the supply side of financing physical flows. New regulations and additional competitors require corporates to rethink the role of financial service providers in supply chains. Based on an overview of corporate financing needs, this research provides insights on the added value of financial service providers to the supply chain.