1.03 What is Invoice Discounting/Factoring [IDF]?

Invoice Discounting/Factoring [IDF] is a form of short-term commercial finance. The IDF provider uses your invoices as an asset and secures the money they advance/loan to you against these invoices. Typically, IDF providers require that you sell your entire debtors ledger (also called the ‘book debts’) and also personally guaranteed against any bad debts. IDF contracts are unwieldy and, once signed, are difficult to unwind and cancel. Additionally and depending on the IDF provider, the fees, surcharges and interest payments can make IDF an expensive form of finance. IDF is a long term commitment