Executive Manager – Head of Trade Finance Department
Warba Bank
Total years of experience :17 years, 10 Months
-Facilitated the execution of all back-office activities of corporate and retail trade finance transactions efficiently.
-Approved Letters of Credit and Letters of Guarantee within parameters and guidelines set by the Credit Authority.
-Managed Client relationship in respect of trade finance activities.
-Trained the trade finance team and guided them with a view of building up an effective and productive team.
-Verified requests from Credit Administration Department (CAD) to issue, amend and settle Syndicated letters of credit / letters of guarantee as per bank’s policy and procedures.
-Provided technical assistance to facilitate the close of large / complex deals.
Enhanced the used system by identifying the system enhancements for providing premium services for the customers.
-Supervised all day-to-day transactions from origination till authorization.
-Verified and authorized all related trade finance transactions (letters of credit / letters of guarantee / issuance / amendments / settlements) on different applications.
-Fostered to deliver operational excellence, including efficient and quality processing of assigned tasks as per the approved service level agreements.
-Built up and maintained comprehensive knowledge of applicable regulations and international standards surrounding international trade finance operations processing, which may include (UCP 600, ISP 98, URDG 758, URC 522, etc.).
-Participated in department IT projects to test, sign off and review system development scripts and enhancements.
-Provided training and ongoing support to internal stakeholders.
-Managed the system inputting and transactions activities as per bank’s approved procedures.
Processed and administered daily transactions for high net wealth customers, foreign banks, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
-Implemented credit committees' approvals on the core banking systems including loans, letters of credit, letters of guarantee, Overdrafts and foreign currency exchange limits.
-Worked closely with compliance and Risk Management to apply updated rules for Central Bank of Kuwait.
-Reported any systems defects and needs to upgrade the used systems and applications Following up with IT Dep. to get things done.
-Coordinated with all related departments and branches to provide them with technical aspects of trade finance products & procedures.
-Checked shipping documents and raised discrepancies as per the Uniform Customs and Practice 600 and International Standard Banking Practice 745.
-Authorized payment on letters of credit and letters of guarantees.
-Managed to meet multiple deadlines and high volumes in a teamwork environment.
-Suggested automating issuance processes with liaising with IT departments.
-Delivered a high level of service to internal / external customers.
-Received / Handled client’s requests regarding trade execution/liquidation positions.
-Implemented Marketing strategies to attract new potential customers and to cross selling different products to the existing customers.
-Collaborated with related departments for adhering to Central Bank of Kuwait’s requirements.
-Identified opportunities to cross - sell additional products whilst conducting the sales process.
-Prepared loans calculations, limit utilizations reports and past due reports.
-Followed up with the concerned departments to finalize the customer requests timely.
-Received / Handled client’s requests regarding letters of credit and letters of guarantees issuance / amendments.
-Provided the needed support to internal and external customers to resolve issues or attend any inquires.
-Processed letters of credit settlements and needed accounting entries.
-Arranged export schedule with the forwarder to organize the containers flow periodically.
-Prepared all export documentation as per the local regulators.
-Performed monthly data analysis and reports for Business Development
Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS®)
Certificate for Specialist in Demand Guarantees (CSDG®)
Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS®) The London Institute of Banking & Finance
Certificate in International Trade and Finance (CITF®) The London Institute of Banking & Finance
B.A in Finance and Accounting Alexandria University Grade: Good.