General Questions

Q1: What is invoice discounting?
Invoice discounting is a financing solution that allows SMEs to present their confirmed invoices to partner banks or financiers and receive early payment at a discounted rate, rather than waiting for buyers’ payment terms (e.g., 30–90 days).

Q2: How does CJO International’s invoice discounting platform work?
Our platform connects sellers (SMEs), buyers (corporates), and financiers (banks/financial institutions) in a secure digital ecosystem. Sellers upload invoices → Buyers confirm → Financiers provide liquidity → Sellers get working capital faster.

Q3: Who can use the platform?

  • Sellers (SMEs): Businesses that need early access to cash flow.

  • Buyers (Corporates): Companies that confirm invoices for suppliers.

  • Financiers (Banks/Institutions): Provide liquidity and earn returns.

For Sellers (SMEs)

Q4: What are the benefits for SMEs?

  • Faster access to working capital.

  • No need for collateral – invoices serve as security.

  • Avoids costly informal borrowing.

  • Improves ability to take on larger contracts.

Q5: What documents do SMEs need to participate?

  • Valid business registration (CAC certificate).

  • Tax Identification Number (TIN).

  • Bank account details.

  • Confirmed invoice(s) from a recognized buyer.

Q6: How quickly will I receive funds once my invoice is confirmed?
Funds are typically disbursed within 3–5 working days after buyer confirmation and financier approval.

For Buyers (Corporates)

Q7: Why should buyers confirm invoices on the platform?

  • Strengthens supplier relationships.

  • Improves supply chain reliability.

  • No impact on buyer’s cash flow or payment cycle.

  • Reduces supplier pressure for early payments.

Q8: Is confirming invoices legally binding for buyers?
Yes. Once confirmed, buyers acknowledge the validity of the invoice and its payment terms. This gives financiers confidence to provide funding.

Q9: Do buyers incur any costs?
No. Buyers do not pay any fees for confirming invoices.

For Financiers (Banks & Institutions)

Q10: What is the benefit for financiers?

  • Access to a structured SME financing channel.

  • Lower risk due to buyer-confirmed invoices.

  • Transparent digital records of transactions.

  • Potential for attractive returns.

Q11: How does the platform reduce lending risks?
Since only buyer-validated invoices are financed, the risk of fraud or default is significantly reduced. Supporting documents (purchase orders, delivery notes, etc.) are also uploaded for verification.

Platform & Services

Q12: Is the platform secure?
Yes. CJO International uses bank-grade encryption, compliance checks, and multi-factor authentication to ensure data and transaction security.

Q13: What other services does CJO International provide?

  • SME Financing Solutions: Short-term loans, trade finance.

  • Financial Advisory & Literacy Support: Training, workshops, and capacity building.

  • Partnership Solutions for Corporates: Tools to strengthen supply chain finance.

Q14: How do I sign up?
Visit our platform and complete the relevant signup form:

  • Seller Sign Up

  • Buyer Sign Up

  • Financier Sign Up

Onboarding & Registration

Q15: How do I register as a seller, buyer, or financier?
You can sign up directly on the CJO International platform. Each user type has its own form requesting relevant documents (business registration, tax ID, licenses, etc.).

Q16: Do I need a minimum turnover to join as a seller?
No fixed turnover is required, but invoices must come from recognized and creditworthy buyers.

Q17: Can international buyers or financiers join the platform?
Yes. The platform supports cross-border transactions, subject to regulatory compliance.

Costs & Fees

Q18: What does it cost SMEs to discount invoices?
SMEs pay a small discounting fee or interest rate, agreed upon with financiers. The rate depends on invoice size, buyer’s creditworthiness, and financing tenor.

Q19: Do financiers or buyers pay platform fees?

  • Buyers: No fees.

  • Financiers: May pay a small transaction or platform access fee depending on service level.

Q20: Are there hidden charges?
No. All costs are clearly displayed before transactions are approved.

Compliance & Risk

Q21: What safeguards are in place against fraud?

  • Buyers must confirm invoices.

  • Sellers upload supporting documents (POs, delivery notes).

  • CJO International applies KYC/AML checks on all parties.

Q22: Is invoice discounting the same as taking a loan?
Not exactly. It’s a form of receivables financing. Sellers are not borrowing with collateral; they’re unlocking the value of already-earned revenue.

Q23: What happens if a buyer delays payment?
The financier has recourse to the buyer, not the seller, since the invoice was buyer-confirmed. This reduces seller liability.

Technical & Platform Use

Q24: Can I download my invoices from the platform?
Yes. Invoices can be downloaded in PDF format for record-keeping and integration with ERP/accounting systems.

Q25: Can multiple users from my company access the platform?
Yes. Businesses can add authorized representatives with role-based permissions.

Q26: What happens if I have technical issues?
You can contact our support team via chat, email, or phone. A dedicated account manager may also be assigned for large corporate clients.

Impact & Benefits

Q27: How does this help SMEs in the long run?

  • Improves cash flow.

  • Builds a track record of good financial behavior.

  • Increases eligibility for future financing.

Q28: How does this benefit buyers?

  • Strengthens supply chain resilience.

  • Improves supplier loyalty and stability.

  • Reduces calls and pressure for early payments.

Q29: How does this benefit financiers?

  • Access to verified SMEs with reduced risk.

  • Transparent digital records.

  • Portfolio diversification in the SME lending space.