Explore inspiring stories of growth, resilience and success in the dynamic world of trade and transaction banking, as told by the team at The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF).

 

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, trade finance professionals play a pivotal role in facilitating international transactions. The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) offers trade and transaction banking qualifications that empower individuals to enhance their careers and move into areas of trade finance that might not have been available to them otherwise.

In this article, we will explore the inspiring career stories of three individuals who used LIBF qualifications to advance their careers in trade finance. From starting fresh in the industry to navigating challenging times, these stories highlight the global nature of LIBF trade and transaction banking qualifications and how they can be instrumental in career growth.

 

Shaping my career trajectory

Lu Wei, an operations manager at China Construction Bank (CCB), discovered her passion for trade finance during an internship at Shanghai Yongzhiheng International Trade Co. “Trade finance is like a language you can use to communicate with others around the world,” she says.

Despite family encouragement to become a financial analyst, Lu Wei followed her heart and pursued a career in trade finance at CCB. Her managers fully supported her growth and urged her to pursue professional certifications. In 2015, she earned the Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS), and in 2017, the Certificate in International Trade and Finance (CITF).

These certifications showcased her expertise and smoothly transitioned her into a full-fledged member of the bank’s staff. Excited about her journey, Lu Wei plans to register for the Certified Supply Chain Finance Professional (CSCF) next year, aiming to further enhance her expertise and excel in her career.

 

Building on my strong foundation – to future-proof my career

Hussain’s journey in trade finance began back in 2006 when he registered for the CDCS while working at HSBC. But life got busy, and he had to put his studies on hold for a while. Fast forward five years to 2012, and Hussain was back on track, diving into the CITF.

The CITF turned out to be a game-changer for Hussain – and he decided to give CDCS another shot too. “The material is so well written – it explains the document-checking process clearly,” he says. In 2013, Hussain excelled in both CITF and CDCS, which greatly boosted his career. HSBC promoted him to manager of the export team, and later in 2016, he joined Habib Bank to lead its entire trade team.

But Hussain’s hunger for knowledge didn’t stop there. Next, he went for the Certificate in Trade Finance Compliance (CTFC). With that, he earned the prestigious Diploma for Qualified Trade Finance Specialists (QTFS) and became the first QTFS holder in Bahrain.

Today, Hussain is the manager of trade finance at Alubaf Arab International Bank. He can’t help but sing praises of his LIBF certifications – they are recognised globally, making him stand out from other trade finance professionals and gave his career a major boost. The future is bright for Hussain, thanks to his hard work and LIBF qualifications.

 

Balancing my life commitments to enable career advancement

In 2009, Amaal began her trade finance journey as an assistant supervisor at Kuwait Finance House. In 2013, the BIBF’s partnership with LIBF proved to be a catalyst for success with the introduction of the CITF and CDCS certifications. Despite a busy schedule, Amaal was determined to excel. “I got home at four, left again at six, and got back at nine. My manager and family encouraged me to take the CITF certificate, and I’m so glad I did,” he says. Six months of dedicated study paid off, and she aced the CITF certification.

In 2014, Amaal went all-in for the CDCS exams, taking her trade finance knowledge to a whole new level. With these skills, she became proficient at spotting discrepancies in trade documentation, which boosted her efficiency greatly.

Her career took off after obtaining the certifications, leading to a deserved promotion as team leader. Eager to keep learning, Amaal plans to pursue LIBF’s CSCF. “It will be the future of trade finance, using technologies like blockchain,” she says.

Amaal’s journey showcases the power of determination, hard work and support. She’s making waves in trade finance, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

 

Empowering futures

Whether starting from scratch, aiming for advancement or navigating unforeseen circumstances, these individuals showcase the global relevance and practicality of LIBF trade and transaction banking qualifications.

Embrace continuous learning with LIBF’s award-winning, globally recognised qualifications to unlock your or your team’s potential and thrive in this rewarding industry.

Together, let’s contribute to the growth and success of the trade finance industry.

https://www.libf.ac.uk/study/professional-qualifications/trade-finance