BTFG was founded in February of 1993 as a partnership and later evolved into a Limited Liability Corporation, chartered in Illinois. Joseph T. Barrett is the President and CEO of both BTFG and its sister company, Barrett Financial Corp.

BTFG was originally created to be a domestic leasing company, focused on small ticket equipment to local businesses. While leasing is still a large aspect of our business (though the size and structures of leases have advanced to include a much larger expanse); Barrett Trade and Finance Group has now expanded beyond the borders of the United States. After recognizing the need for international financing options to facilitate U.S. manufacturers’ sales, BTFG turned its concentration to the foreign markets.

An existing customer who needed to finance an equipment purchase for his factory in Mexico started BTFG on the path to cross-border financing. This loan request brought into focus the overwhelming need for financing overseas and the inherent difficulties in accomplishing cross-border transactions.

For more information, see our BTFG Company Handout.