Leased SBLC: is it real?
By the Vanguard Verify desk · Published 2026-10-23 · Updated 2026-10-26
Short answer: a genuine SBLC is issued by a bank on behalf of its own client (the applicant), against that client’s credit line or collateral. Offers to “lease” or “rent” an SBLC from an unknown provider for an upfront fee carry a very high risk of advance-fee fraud, and regulators have warned about such schemes for years.
How a real SBLC is issued
- The applicant has a relationship and credit approval with the issuing bank.
- The bank issues the SBLC via SWIFT MT760 to the beneficiary’s bank, under rules such as ISP98 or UCP600.
- The beneficiary’s bank authenticates it.
Warning signs
- Upfront “leasing”, “legal” or “DOA” fees before any instrument is authenticated.
- Instruments promised from “top 25 banks” by a provider with no verifiable registry record.
- Pressure to pay to a personal or unrelated company account.
- A PDF MT760 sent by email before payment.
What to check
- The provider’s company registry record, licence and regulator listing.
- The named issuing bank’s confirmation, through your own bank.
- Who receives the fee and why.
Considering an SBLC provider? Send it to Vanguard Verify before you pay — first check free.
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FAQ
Do banks lease SBLCs?
Banks issue SBLCs for their own clients against credit lines or collateral. Third-party leasing arrangements exist but are rare, and most upfront-fee leasing offers seen online should be treated with extreme caution.
Vanguard Verify is run by Vanguard Trade Capital Goods Wholesalers DWC-LLC, Dubai South, Licence 14282. This answer is general information, not legal or financial advice.