Taranjeet Singh Sabharwal

• Strategically managed queues and end-to-end operations for Payments/Liquidation teams across diverse Trade Finance products, including Bank-to-Bank Reimbursements, Loans, Commercial LC Payments, Discounting of Import and Export LCs, Import/Export Collections, Supply Chain Finance (SCF), and Open Account transactions, optimizing resource allocation and turnaround time.
• Led a high-performing team that consistently exceeded performance targets, ensuring timely completion of BAU deliverables, client payments, and critical reporting requirements.
• Conducted daily huddles and workflow reviews to enhance collaboration, resolve issues proactively, and improve process accuracy, significantly reducing operational errors and rework.
• Acted as the key liaison for all technology-related issues, partnering with Technology teams to identify root causes, implement sustainable fixes and enhance system stability. Additionally led system enhancement and UAT testing initiatives, serving as the key operations representative during the successful migration from the legacy to the new application platform.
• Analysed exceptions and implemented corrective measures to strengthen process accuracy, operational efficiency, and control robustness.
• Spearheaded cross-functional initiatives with Technology to identify and close operational efficiency gaps, contributing to the design and deployment of automated solutions.
• Partnered with cross-functional teams to automate manual processes and improve Straight-Through Processing (STP), enhancing data accuracy, control robustness, and turnaround time.
• Reinforced internal controls and ensured strict adherence to regulatory, audit, and internal risk standards, maintaining zero operational lapses.
• Enhanced client experience by prioritizing and expediting high-value transactions for premium clients, maintaining zero client complaints, Red Events, or Data Breach incidents.
• Standardized and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline processes and align with evolving policy and compliance requirements.
• Championed staff engagement and capability development initiatives, fostering motivation, retention, and professional growth within the team.
• Maintained consistent adherence to compliance, governance, and operational control frameworks, safeguarding financial integrity and minimizing risk exposure.
• Well-versed in UCP 600, ISP 98, URDG 758, URR 725, URC 522, and International Standard Banking Practice (ISBP), ensuring alignment with global trade finance and banking standards. Also familiar with SWIFT message formats and ISO standards, including the latest MT to MX migration changes.

• Supported the Team Manager in achieving key deliverables, assignments, and reporting deadlines, ensuring timely completion of operational objectives and enhanced team performance.
• Facilitated and led regular team meetings to strengthen communication, streamline workflows, and proactively address process bottlenecks.
• Acted as the primary checker for the issuance and amendment of Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs) and Counter Guarantees, consistently meeting SLAs with high accuracy and compliance standards.
• Specialized in handling diverse SBLC products, including Protective and Evergreen, for both domestic and international clients, demonstrating deep expertise in complex trade finance instruments.
• Reviewed client requests for SBLC issuance, identifying and resolving workability issues to ensure adherence to application terms and minimize discrepancies.
• Collaborated closely with Relationship Managers (RMs) and clients to resolve technical and documentation-related concerns, ensuring seamless processing and strong client relationships.
• Conducted detailed text vetting of SBLCs, Bank Guarantees, Counter Guarantees, and payment instructions in compliance with ISP 98, UCP 600, and URDG 758.
• Trained and mentored new team members on text vetting, LC processing, and compliance requirements, strengthening team capability and operational accuracy.
• Processed payments to issuing banks, ensuring proper FATCA compliance for US-sourced clients in accordance with international tax regulations.
• Resolved complex queries from clients, banks, and financial institutions (FIs) through prompt and precise communication, enhancing service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Prepared and analysed MIS, ad-hoc, and reconciliation reports, providing management with actionable insights into performance and process efficiency.
• Maintained strict adherence to the firm’s compliance policies, operational procedures, and internal controls, mitigating risk and ensuring process integrity.
• Earned multiple recognitions, including Galaxy of Thanks and Star Awards, from clients and senior management for outstanding performance and commitment to excellence.

• Applied in-depth expertise in ISP 98 to process Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs) with precision and efficiency, ensuring accurate execution of complex international transactions.
• Served as checker and releaser for SBLC issuances and amendments, supporting beneficiaries in the USA and international markets, ensuring timely and seamless cross-border payment processing.
• Verified and released advice for incoming SBLCs, including confirmations, from issuing banks to beneficiaries worldwide, maintaining accuracy and compliance with defined turnaround times.
• Managed and prioritized high-volume transactions, ensuring prompt resolution with all required credit and compliance approvals, thereby minimizing delays and optimizing operational efficiency.
• Collaborated with applicants and issuing banks to resolve application and LC discrepancies, facilitating the issuance or advising of clean LCs and amendments while improving client satisfaction.
• Ensured regulatory and documentary compliance through detailed vetting of SBLCs, Bank Guarantees, and payment instructions in line with ISP 98, UCP 600, and URDG 758 guidelines.
• Applied UCP 600 and Incoterms in advising and processing Export Letters of Credit, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with international trade practices.
• Verified and released Export LC advices and confirmations from issuing banks for global beneficiaries, ensuring timely, accurate, and error-free notifications.
• Updated and maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reinforce operational efficiency, standardization, and compliance.
• Conducted training sessions for new hires on trade finance operations, product handling, and compliance protocols, strengthening team capability and domain knowledge.
• Followed up with applicants and issuing banks to resolve workability issues and ensure issuance/advice of clean LCs and amendments free of discrepancies.
• Received multiple Spot Awards for exceptional contributions to operational goals, accuracy, and client satisfaction.

• Processed and advised Export Letters of Credit (LCs) on behalf of Citibank client, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution to support seamless international payments.
• Applied in-depth knowledge of UCP 600 and Incoterm to all LC operations, maintaining adherence to international trade standards and minimizing transaction errors.
• Managed both confirmed and unconfirmed Commercial LCs and their amendments, providing clients with precise and prompt guidance.
• Trained and mentored new team members on LC processing, amendments, and confirmations, enhancing overall team competency and operational efficiency.
• Recognized with multiple Spot Awards for exceptional contributions, demonstrating consistent dedication to team performance and organizational goals.