External | what does this mean? This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. SMBC joins Contour trade finance network 4 hours ago Source: Contour Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has become the latest institution to join Contour’s global network of banks, corporates and ecosystem partners working together to transform trade finance. Having been a member of Contour’s beta network since last year, transitioning to the full production network signals SMBC’s commitment to digitising trade finance. In doing so, SMBC will be able to provide its customers with a fully digital end-to-end Letter of Credit (LC) settlement process, vastly improving cost and time-saving benefits.