San Francisco – May 17, 2010 – Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ), has teamed with China Systems USA & Canada Inc. (China Systems), to offer its international banking customers the latest in automated trade finance technologies. Umpqua's International Banking Division recently completed the installation of an integrated system that automates and audits the complete cycle of trade finance transactions. Additionally, the bank has released its Umpqua Online Trade Services, which provide expanded trade finance functionality for Umpqua Bank customers, including 24-hour online access to letters of credit and outgoing documentary collection services.
The addition of these technologies enables Umpqua Bank to offer heightened flexibility, automation and integration options to businesses engaged in international trade. The systems ensure that Umpqua customers have access to the easy, consistent and rapid exchange of internal and external trade finance data, backed by the highest levels of security and accountability.
“International trade is increasingly important for small- to mid-size businesses, yet it also presents a number of obstacles in respect to securing and managing finances for these businesses,” said Anthony Oriti, senior vice president and managing director for Umpqua Bank’s International Banking Division. “By partnering with China Systems, we are able to deploy the leading trade finance technology solution and ensure that Umpqua customers have access to high-quality, secure international banking services when and where they need them.”
CSEximbills:
CS Eximbills is an integrated system that automates and audits the complete cycle of trade finance transactions, in real time and in accordance with UCP (Uniform Customs and Practice) standards. This system seamlessly interfaces with SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) and covers all the standard processing requirements for: import/export letters of credit, standby letters of credit, documentary and clean collections, shipping guarantees, international payments, and trade finance loans. The tool is highly flexible and is the only integrated package that can be tailored to the rapidly changing business and regulatory environment.
“Umpqua Bank is a leader in the community banking industry and known for innovation, and we are delighted to add them to our list of financial services customers across the globe,” said Pedro Ramos, deputy managing director for China Systems. “Our systems offer a highly flexible solution that scales with a business’ growth. We see China Systems and our best of class solutions as an ideal partner for Umpqua Bank and look forward to working with them as they serve businesses competing in the international trade industry.”
Umpqua Online Trade Services:
Based on Customer Enterprise, this service provides extensive trade finance functions for Umpqua Bank customers around the clock, seven days a week. Umpqua clients using Umpqua Online Trade Services can expect accurate and fast same day application and issuance of their letters of credit. Principal functions include the ability to input, authorize, release, re-issue, update, and amend letters of credit, export letters of credit, guarantees, payments and collections. Umpqua Online Trade Services also offers up-to-date reporting on issued and outstanding letters of credit and allows customers to view historical transactions as well as to send and receive trade finance transactions with minimal effort, maximum speed, and ultimate security.
About China Systems
China Systems is the global market-leading trade services solutions provider. Its flagship product Eximbills™ is an established global standard installed by many international banks to meet their trade services processing requirements.
From its initial Wang-based design, Eximbills has evolved through PC LAN, AS/400 and client server platforms into the thin-client version today. Eximbills provides support for traditional trade, open account, supply chain finance and payments operations.
Founded in 1983, China Systems has offices throughout Europe, USA, Asia and the Middle East. With more than 150 customers worldwide, China Systems has a growing loyal, international customer base. For more information, visit http://www.chinasystems.com.
About Umpqua Bank:
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation and has 174 locations between San Francisco and Seattle; along the Oregon and Northern California Coast; and in both Central California and Central Oregon.
Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for the past four years in a row on FORTUNE magazine's list of the country's "100 Best Companies To Work For."
Umpqua Holdings also owns a retail brokerage subsidiary, Umpqua Investments Inc., which offers services through Umpqua Bank stores and in dedicated offices throughout Oregon. Umpqua's Private Bank Division serves high net worth individuals and non-profits providing customized financial solutions and offerings. Umpqua Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Portland, Ore. For more information, visit http://www.umpquabank.com.
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