The Hidden Rules of International Trade – Trade Finance Masterclass Session 2

Please note that this course is designed for LSE LAW students ONLY. 

Certificates will be provided to participants who attend all three sessions.

It is mandatory for all participants  to present their valid LSE ID cards upon arrival at each masterclass. Failure to do so will regrettably result in denial of entry.

Discussions about international trade typically focus on negotiations of tariffs and free trade agreements between states, but ignore the daily movement and financing of  goods and services that cross borders every day.  What arrangements support the importation of fruit to our supermarkets? What arrangements support the payment of the multiple suppliers producing components of cars or smart phones?  How are the parties financed when there’s a gap in payment terms?  What about non-payment risk? What law and jurisdiction govern?

Unknown to the majority of qualified lawyers, there is a detailed private law system of rules and practice supporting import / export transactions, including the cross-border provision of services.  This system remains obscure, despite the value of global trade being at an all-time high of nearly $33 trillion in 2024.

This certificate Trade Finance Masterclass Series at LSE Law School is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to: (1) the legal rules and industry practice governing cross border trade and trade finance; (2) the continued challenge transitioning global trade from a paper based system to digital; (3) the risks arising for international trade when deals are impacted by economic sanctions or fraud.

This course is open to students at the LSE studying Law or Law and finance. Students will earn a certificate for attending all sessions, but the course will not count as credit to put towards any degree, nor will it be examinable.

Session 1 – 28 October 2025
The Hidden Rules of International Trade: Legal Rules and Industry Practice

Speaker: Lorna Strong, Associate Programme Director, MSc Law and Finance
Introductions: Professor David Kershaw, LSE Law

Session 2 – 11 November 2025
The Hidden Rules of International Trade: The Drive for Digital Transformation, including a review of fintech and blockchain initiatives and the UK Electronic Trade Documents Act.

Speakers:
Lorna Strong, Associate Programme Director, MSc Law and Finance
Michael Lehotzki, Managing Associate General Counsel, HSBC

Session 3 – 18 November 2025
The Hidden Rules of International Trade: Managing the Risk of Economic Sanctions and Fraud

Speaker: Lorna Strong, Associate Programme Director, MSc Law and Finance

This event operates on a first come first serve basis and a ticket does not guarantee entry so we advise you arrive early to secure your seat.