Invoice Finance

Invoice finance is a type of financing that allows businesses to access cash tied up in their unpaid invoices. This can include both accounts receivable and purchase orders. Businesses can sell their invoices to a third-party lender. That is known as an invoice finance company or factor, in exchange for immediate cash. The lender then assumes the responsibility of collecting payment from the customer.

Types of Invoice Finance

1. Invoice Factoring: Invoice factoring is when a business sells its accounts receivable to a factor at a discount. The factor then collects payment from the customer. It pays the remainder of the invoice amount to the business, minus a fee. Invoice factoring allows businesses to access cash quickly and the factor assumes the risk of non-payment by the customer.

2. Invoice Discounting: Invoice discounting is similar to factoring. But the business retains responsibility for collecting payment from the customer. The lender provides cash to the business in exchange for the right to collect payment on the invoices. This type of invoice finance is typically used by businesses that want to maintain control over the credit and collections process.

Benefits of Invoice Finance

Immediate access to cash: It allows businesses to access cash tied up in unpaid invoices, which can be used to meet immediate financial obligations or invest in growth opportunities.

Flexibility: It can be tailored to the specific needs of a business, with different options available for invoice factoring and invoice discounting.
Improve cash flow: Invoice finance can improve cash flow by providing businesses with cash sooner, rather than waiting for customers to pay their invoices.
Reduce risk: Invoice factoring can transfer the risk of non-payment by the customer to the lender, which can be beneficial for businesses that have a large number of accounts receivable.