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Developing Trade Finance Expertise: Programs and Initiatives Directory

Updated: 4 hours ago

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The trade finance sector faces an unprecedented workforce challenge. As a significant portion of experienced professionals approach retirement, combined with limited new recruitment and the gradual loss of institutional knowledge, finding and training the next generation of trade finance professionals has become critical.


We have extensively explored this expertise crisis from multiple angles, which you can access through our comprehensive resources:



Through extensive conversations with industry stakeholders across banks, organizations, and financial institutions, we discovered another significant challenge: the fragmented landscape of available solutions to this challenge.


While numerous initiatives and resources exist to address the expertise gap, there is no centralized hub where trade finance managers and HR professionals can easily access and evaluate these opportunities.


To bridge this information gap, we have compiled a comprehensive resource directory of initiatives and sources specifically designed to help trade finance managers and bank HR departments identify, hire, and develop emerging talent in the field.


We welcome your input to ensure this resource remains comprehensive. If you know of an initiative or source we should include, please contact us at ezequiel.djeredjian@complidata.io.


Index:



ITFA Martin Ashurst Mentoring Programme 

This global mentorship program pairs emerging professionals with senior trade finance experts for career guidance, networking, and skill development. Launched in 2016, it has grown from 10 UK-based pairs to more than 70 pairs (140+ participants) across 18 countries in 2024, offering mentees access to ITFA resources, events and cross-border industry connections. 

 

Key Benefits: 

  • Expert mentorship - Participants receive personalized guidance from experienced trade finance professionals across various industry sectors. 

  • Structured 4-month programme - Mentees follow a clear roadmap with scheduled meetings and regular check-ins for continuous progress tracking. 

  • Exclusive networking access - Participants gain free entry to ITFA events and opportunities to compete for prestigious industry awards. 

  • Career development support - Mentees learn effective job search strategies and gain clarity on trade finance career opportunities. 

  • Enhanced matching process - Participants benefit from improved mentor-mentee pairing based on expectations and location preferences. 

 

 

ITFA Emerging Leaders Community 

Previously known as “ITFA Young Professionals” its main goal is to make trade finance attractive and accessible as a career choice to existing and aspiring young professionals. 

 

The program’s Chairs and board include representatives from some of the most reputable financial institutions across many regions, ensuring cross-institutional perspectives. 

 

Key Benefits: 

  • Comprehensive career development - Participants access mentoring with ITFA’s annual programme and frequently job opportunities, annual competitions, and structured learning opportunities to advance their trade finance careers across multiple pathways. 

  • Global networking opportunities - Members connect through events in major financial hubs including London, New York, Dubai, Mumbai, Frankfurt, Chicago, and Sydney with industry leaders and peers. 

  • Industry recognition platform - Participants can showcase innovative solutions through the Annual Competition with winners presenting at ITFA conferences and gaining career advancement opportunities. 

  • Specialized knowledge access - Members receive training sessions, educational panels on industry trends, and insights from major industry figures, policymakers, and academics. 

  • Enhanced industry visibility - Participants gain representation in industry events, increased networking opportunities, and access to exclusive ITFA initiatives that boost their professional profile. 


Learn more: ITFA Emerging Leaders 

 

ITFA-Bayes Trade Finance Course 

Currently in its 5th year, the ITFA-Bayes Trade Finance Course is part of both the “Shipping, Trade and Finance MSc” and the “Energy, Trade and Finance MSc” curricula for the master's program. 

The course is currently led by Duarte Pedreira from Crown Agents Bank and brings more than 10 seasoned trade professionals as guest speakers every year. 

 

Key Benefits: 

  • Industry-led academic curriculum - Students receive instruction from experienced practitioners, ensuring real-world relevance within a rigorous MSc framework. 

  • Expert guest speaker network - Students gain insights from quality industry professionals each edition, providing diverse perspectives and current market knowledge from active trade finance practitioners. 

  • Comprehensive trade finance education - Students master essential topics including trade finance products, risk management, digitalization trends, and career pathway guidance in a structured academic setting. 

  • Diverse peer learning environment - Students learn alongside shipping professionals, commodity traders, and recent graduates, fostering cross-industry networking and knowledge exchange. 

  • Dual specialization pathway - Students can pursue trade finance expertise within either Shipping, Trade and Finance MSc or Energy, Trade and Finance MSc programs, allowing sector-specific career focus. 

 



BAFT Career Development and Education Programs 

BAFT offers a suite of programs aimed at developing talent in each stage of their career. Participants receive education specifically designed for their experience level, from entry-level professionals with under 3 years of experience to advanced practitioners seeking specialized knowledge in transaction banking, trade, payments, and risk/compliance. 


BAFT Future Leaders Program 

Launched in 2015, BAFT organized a program to support the identification and development of the next generation of leadership in transaction banking. The BAFT Future Leaders Program demonstrates that a collaborative industry approach to talent recognition and development provides individual, organizational and industry value. 

 

Key Benefits: 

  • Global collaborative project experience – Participants from across the globe work in small teams to solve current industry challenges, guided by BAFT Board members and alumni mentors. 

  • Executive exposure and networking - Members gain access to BAFT's most prestigious conferences, present to prominent industry bankers, and attend exclusive receptions with the Board of Directors. 

  • Comprehensive educational development - Participants receive complimentary access to BAFT Education Certificate programs, thought leadership sessions, and ongoing learning opportunities. 

  • Long-term alumni network access - Graduates join the Future Leaders Council, LinkedIn alumni network, regional receptions, and receive discounted event registration for five years post-graduation. 

  • Industry thought leadership platform - Participants present projects and whitepapers at flagship conferences, positioning themselves as future industry leaders while contributing fresh perspectives to banking challenges. 

 

Learn more: BAFT Future Leaders 

 

BAFT Women in Transaction Banking 

An initiative offering mentorship, workshops, and allyship training to address gender gaps in leadership roles, specifically targeted for those in mid-career level.  

 

Key Benefits: 

  • Gender-focused mentorship and allyship - Participants access cross-organizational mentoring that specifically addresses gender challenges in transaction banking, pairing women with both male and female senior leaders as allies. 

  • Women-centric professional development - Members receive targeted training on career advancement strategies specifically designed for women in banking, including personal branding and leadership skills that address gender-specific workplace dynamics. 

  • Speaker platform for female expertise - Participants can showcase their knowledge through the Women's Speakers Bureau, gaining visibility as female thought leaders and breaking traditional gender barriers in industry representation. 

  • Inclusive networking focused on gender diversity - Members connect in environments specifically designed to support women's advancement, fostering relationships that address the unique challenges women face in transaction banking careers. 

  • Research contribution on gender equity - Participants help drive industry-wide change by contributing to studies and reports that highlight women's contributions and challenges, positioning themselves as advocates for workplace equality and inclusion. 

 

Learn more: BAFT WTB Program 

 

Global Bankers Program 

BAFT has partnered with the University of Washington (UW) Global Bankers Program to offer an executive management program for those in senior roles in the financial services industry.


The program addresses the critical need for leaders who can navigate technological innovation, regulatory changes, and evolving business models while building essential decision-making and leadership capabilities and hands-on problem-solving of industry challenges.


Key Benefits: 

  • Advanced leadership development for career advancement – Participants develop critical leadership attributes and decision-making skills through training in negotiation, influence, and behavioral economics, positioning them for senior roles and career advancement in global banking.

  • Comprehensive problem-solving perspectives – Leaders gain broader analytical capabilities through integrated curriculum covering AI disruption, fintech trends, global supply chain management, and risk assessment.

  • Global networking with future industry leaders – Participants build lasting professional relationships with peers from around the world, joining an extensive alumni community of banking professionals positioned to lead the world's most influential financial institutions.

  • Cross-cultural competency and global market understanding – Leaders develop deeper appreciation for cultural differences while gaining insights into diverse financial markets, from Asian banking perspectives to venture capital strategies.

 


BAFT Education  

BAFT education and training offerings are designed to complement career-specific BAFT programs, and also support professionals and institutions across all levels of transaction banking. From foundational learning to advanced specialization, our programs help build critical skills for today’s global financial environment.

 

BAFT offers on demand certificates, offered both in English and Spanish, and approved for CPD credits by the ABA, LIBF and ICC Academy, and customized training to fit the specific needs of the organization and their employees 

 

Key Benefits: 

  • Progressive skill development pathway - Participants can advance from introductory to advanced levels across specialized areas like transaction banking, trade finance, and cash management, with clear progression from Level I to Level II certifications. 

  • Industry-recognized professional credentials - Participants earn certificates that demonstrate verified expertise in transaction banking specializations, enhancing their credibility and career advancement prospects within the financial services industry. 

  • Flexible multilingual learning options - Participants can access courses in both English and Spanish through the BAFT Education Learning Management System, accommodating diverse learning preferences and schedules. 

  • Specialized expertise in high-demand areas - Participants gain deep knowledge in critical banking functions including foreign exchange, trade risk management, AML/CFT compliance, and correspondent banking relationships that are essential for modern transaction banking roles. 


Learn more: BAFT Education 


ICC Academy 

ICC Academy is the educational and training arm of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) - the institution that has set the gold standard for effective international business for over a century. 


They deliver comprehensive trade finance education through flagship certifications such as the Global Trade Certificate (GTC) and the Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP), alongside a full suite of certifications and courses (e.g., Incoterms® 2020 Certificate, Export/Import Certificate, Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy). 


As part of the ICC,  every programme is built on and kept current with ICC’s globally recognised rules and standards (including Incoterms® rules and UCP 600), giving practitioners authoritative knowledge straight from the source. 

 

Key benefits: 

  • Benchmark certification from rule creators - Participants learn directly from the organisation that created the Incoterms® rules, UCP 600, and other global standards, and earn credentials recognised worldwide. Every certification is internationally accredited and authored by ICC experts.   

  • Global accessibility with flexible learning - Participants can complete certifications and courses 100% online and access content 24/7 from anywhere in the world, joining alumni from over 150 countries. 

  • Expert-authored comprehensive curriculum - Learning pathways that combine introductory and advanced level courses to help fast-track professional's mastery of trade finance topics.  

  • Access to ICC’s global network - Participants ap into ICC's institutional network of 145 million companies across 170+ countries for unparalleled industry knowledge and expertise.



Walbrook Institute London Certificates (formerly LIBF)

The Walbrook Institute London Certificates (formerly LIBF) provides a wide variety of certifications and trains professionals on trade documents, digitization, and risk management. Walbrook Institute provides some of these through their own platform but also in partnerships with other institutions


Key Benefits:

  • Comprehensive trade finance foundation - Participants gain detailed understanding of all aspects of trade finance including products, documents, Incoterms 2020, settlement methods, and supply chain finance in a single qualification.

  • Officially regulated professional credential - Participants earn a Level 3 qualification registered with Ofqual in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), providing recognized industry credibility and the right to use the CITF designation.

  • Flexible assessment with immediate results - Participants can take exams at Pearson VUE test centres or through remote invigilation at home, receiving same-day results for quick career progression.

  • Continuing education credit toward advanced certifications - Participants earn 36 CPD hours that count toward recertification of specialized credentials like CDCS, CSDG, CITF, CSCF, and CITR, supporting ongoing professional development.

  • Professional membership and networking access - Participants become Members of LIBF (MLIBF) during their studies, gaining access to careers support, professional networking events, and industry connections for 12 months.



TradeFinance.training by Gary Collyer and David Meynell

Gary Collyer and David Meynell's online trade finance training platform combines over 70 years of industry expertise to deliver comprehensive education on traditional trade finance products including letters of credit, guarantees, and collections.


As former Senior Technical Adviser to the ICC Banking Commission and chair or co-chair of key industry rules and publications such as UCP 600 and ISBP, Collyer provides authoritative insights alongside Meynell's extensive banking experience to offer practical, rules-based training for both banking professionals and corporate users. Meynell is the current Senior Technical Adviser to the ICC Banking Commission.


Key Benefits:

  • Modular flexibility with targeted learning - Participants purchase only specific 60-90 minute modules they need rather than complete packages, allowing focused training on knowledge gaps at convenient times across multiple devices.

  • Expert-authored content from rule creators - Participants learn from Gary Collyer and David Meynell's 70+ years of experience, including their direct involvement in drafting UCP 600, ISBP, and other ICC rules.

  • Comprehensive assessment and certification system - Participants complete multiple-attempt assessments that mirror actual CDCS and CITF exam formats, earning CPD hours and PDF certificates for professional development.

  • Interactive learning community with expert support - Participants access a Q&A platform where they can ask questions on any trade finance topic and receive direct responses from Gary Collyer or David Meynell for three months post-purchase.



DISCLAIMER: Gary Collyer is Head of Product for TradeSpeed at Complidata



Trade Finance Automation Tools


Have you thought about using Trade Finance automation tools for training junior staff?


Trade finance automation tools (like Tradespeed) can be used to provide hands-on training for junior or less experienced staff through real-world transaction processing while maintaining necessary supervision from line managers.


These platforms allow new employees to examine documents and manage workflows on live transactions while receiving immediate feedback through high-quality discrepancy wordings and automated checks.


This approach ensures junior staff learn proper procedures while contributing to actual business operations, building confidence with various transaction types while gaining exposure to digital trade processes and emerging technologies.


Key benefits:

  • Accelerated learning through automated discrepancy detection - Junior staff learn faster by observing automated checks and ready-to-use discrepancy statements, understanding proper examination techniques through real-time demonstrations.

  • Comprehensive AML compliance training - Trainees gain exposure to expert-designed AML red flags and customizable options, building essential compliance knowledge while working on actual transactions.

  • Multilingual document expertise development - Junior staff develop skills across multiple languages and document formats, preparing them for diverse international trade scenarios they'll encounter in their careers.

  • Explainable decision-making education - Trainees understand the reasoning behind each examination decision through detailed natural language explanations, building critical thinking skills and professional judgment.

  • Guided examination with precision targeting - Junior staff learn efficient document review by following system guidance that highlights specific areas requiring scrutiny, developing focused examination skills with complete transparency of issues and alerts.


Learn more: TradeSpeed


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Train staff 3x faster with TradeSpeed



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Trade Finance Media

Few areas in banking evolve as rapidly and continuously as trade finance. This constant evolution has a direct impact on trade finance operations and broader bank functions. Sanctions, trade wars, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, technology initiatives, and regulatory changes are among the many external factors that can reshape day-to-day trade finance operations.


Staying current with these developments, understanding their potential impact on responsibilities and tasks, and knowing how to respond effectively is crucial for developing junior trade finance talent. Following reputable trade finance media publications is essential to this learning process. Two key publications are:


Global Trade Review (GTR)


Established in 2002, Global Trade Review (GTR) is an independent publishing and events company, offering a one-stop shop of news, events and services for companies and individuals involved in global trade. GTR’s editorial team provides high-quality journalism covering trade, export, commodity and supply chain finance markets, as well as the political risk and trade credit insurance, treasury and fintech sectors.


Editorial Director: Shannon Manders

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Trade Finance Global (TFG)


Trade Finance Global (TFG) operates as both a media platform and fintech company in the trade finance sector. They offer both independent media journalism, research and an education platform spanning transaction banking. TFG’s data-led origination platform, connects companies with innovative trade and receivables finance solutions from over 300 financial institutions.


Deputy Editor: Mahika Ravi Shankar

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Trade Treasury Payments (TTP)


Trade Treasury and Payments (TTP) is a high-quality, totally free media platform in transaction banking, bringing together relevant voices, important leaders, and meaningful conversations with a focus on unbiased, no gatekeeping— high-value insights. TTP is editorially led and globally active, reporting from 50+ industry events each year and maintaining a strong focus on emerging and developing markets.


Editor-in-Chief: Deepesh Patel

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Local Sponsored Meetups

These rather informal gatherings create casual environments for trade finance professionals to connect, share knowledge, and discuss industry trends outside of formal conference settings.


Banks often provide venues and refreshments while industry associations help coordinate speakers and content, fostering community building and professional development through regular, accessible events that complement larger industry conferences.


Key Benefits:

  • Soft skill assessment in natural environments - Participants can observe communication styles, leadership qualities, and interpersonal skills in relaxed settings, providing insights beyond formal interview processes.

  • Regional market intelligence gathering - Participants gain firsthand knowledge of local talent challenges, salary expectations, and skill gaps specific to their geographic market and competitive landscape.

  • Enhanced employer branding opportunities - Sponsoring organizations boost their visibility among passive candidates and establish themselves as thought leaders in the local trade finance community.

  • Cost-effective talent pipeline development - Participants can identify and engage with potential candidates in a low-pressure environment, building relationships that may lead to future recruitment opportunities at lower costs than traditional hiring methods.

  • Cross-institutional networking and collaboration - Participants build relationships across different banks and organizations, fostering potential partnerships, referrals, and collaborative opportunities within the local trade finance ecosystem.



High Schools, University Dropouts, and Trade Fairs

During our webinar "Solving the expertise crisis in Trade Finance Operations," one of the most surprising questions posed to our panel yielded equally surprising answers about recruitment strategies. While it might seem unconventional to find trade finance talent at high school career fairs or among university dropouts, the industry's talent shortage is forcing organizations to get creative with their recruitment approaches.


These non-traditional sources might offer untapped potential, with individuals who may lack formal credentials but possess the curiosity, work ethic, and adaptability that trade finance operations require. As our panelists revealed, passion and trainability often matter more than traditional educational backgrounds.


Key Benefits:

  • Access to high-character candidates with strong work ethic - Organizations can identify individuals who demonstrate curiosity, passion, and cultural fit regardless of their formal educational background or completion status.

  • Cost-effective talent pipeline through internships - Companies can evaluate potential recruits through summer programs and short-term stints, creating low-risk recruitment opportunities where both parties can assess mutual fit.

  • Cohort-based training efficiency - Organizations can recruit multiple non-traditional candidates simultaneously, creating peer support groups that accelerate learning while reducing the training burden on existing staff.

  • Fresh perspectives without industry preconceptions - Non-traditional candidates bring unbiased viewpoints and adaptability, often embracing new processes and technologies more readily than those with established industry experience.

  • Reduced competition for talent acquisition - Organizations gain access to overlooked candidate pools while competitors focus on traditional recruitment channels, potentially discovering high-potential individuals at lower acquisition costs.



On-demand webinar: Solving the Expertise Crisis in Trade Finance Operations




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