How Ratnesh built the trade finance credibility clients and employers value—and how you can too
As a forex professional in banking, Ratnesh wanted a deeper understanding of trade finance. CTFP helped him strengthen the expertise and credibility he brought to clients, employers and complex transactions.
Ratnesh's story
Ratnesh’s role in forex gave him exposure to trade finance, but also showed him where deeper knowledge could add value
As a foreign exchange dealer working in a bank, my motivation for enrolling in the Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) certification stemmed from the need to develop a holistic and advanced understanding of trade finance.
The most significant benefit of completing the CTFP has been the enhancement of professional credibility and technical expertise, particularly when managing complex trade finance transactions.
As his work became more connected to complex trade activity, Ratnesh saw the value of being able to speak with greater technical authority.
The CTFP gave Ratnesh a recognised signal of capability — not just internally, but in the eyes of clients and employers.
The CTFP is widely recognised as a gold standard in the industry, offering professional credibility and signalling advanced skill sets to both clients and employers.
Clients have specifically requested CTFP holders for presentations on trade finance digitisation and risk mitigation, reflecting tangible commercial trust and a higher perceived value in customer relationships.
Over time, that credibility translated into more visible opportunities to contribute where clients needed trusted trade finance expertise.
If Ratnesh's story feels familiar, you’re exactly who the CTFP was designed for.
If you work in banking, forex or trade finance and want a more holistic, globally recognised understanding of complex trade finance transactions, CTFP can help bring structure, credibility and global context to the experience you already have.
Join 200+ alumni like Ratnesh in South Asia
Professionals across the region are using CTFP to strengthen their technical expertise, professional credibility and confidence in complex trade finance roles.
Raghuveer Mulagaleti
JobAccounting / Finance India
Niladri Kumar
Trade Finance AdvisorBanking / Mortgage India
Sayed Muhammad Abdullahel Quafi
SAVP & Deputy Head of International DivisionAccounting / Finance Bangladesh
Muhammad furqan najeeb Muhammad
Head trade southBanking / Mortgage Pakistan
Imam Uddin Ahmad
BankerBanking / Mortgage Bangladesh
VINU VIJAYAN N V
Senior ManagerBanking / Mortgage India
Sumil Bishnoi
Global Trade Finance Head PNBBanking / Mortgage India
saurabh kushwaha
bankingBanking / Mortgage India
How CTFP alumni in South Asia say the certification helped them
95%
say the CTFP increased their confidence on the job90%
say the CTFP increased their credibility and that others have more confidence in their skills75%
say the CTFP increased their visibility with recruiters and employers60%
say the CTFP helped qualify them for new projects or responsibilities55%
say the CTFP increased their sense of job security
A few questions you might have
The Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) is an online certification from ICC Academy, the online learning arm of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that helps experienced trade finance professionals build a more structured and globally aligned understanding of trade finance, connecting day-to-day experience with internationally recognised best practices.
The CTFP is an advanced programme for senior trade finance and treasury professionals who want a more structured and globally aligned understanding of the field. Target roles include:
- Heads of trade, FI
- Senior corporate banking relationship managers
- Trade finance specialists within transaction banking functions
- Senior corporate treasury officers
- Legal and compliance officers within banks
It is recommended that you have 5 years of trade finance experience before enrolling on the CTFP. If you are interested in a more foundational trade finance certification, please consider the Global Trade Certificate (GTC).
Qualifications such as CDCS and CSDG focus on specialised areas of trade finance, particularly documentary credits and demand guarantees. CTFP takes a broader approach—helping professionals build a more structured and globally aligned understanding across the wider trade finance landscape.
Professionals who already hold CDCS or CSDG can build on their existing expertise through discounted access to selected core CTFP modules. Full details are available here.
Yes. The CTFP is recognised by banks and financial institutions globally, and is accredited by the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) and the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF).
You can learn more about the CTFP here or download the full programme guide here.
Yes. Many professionals take CTFP after already building hands-on experience in banking, forex or trade finance. The programme helps connect that experience with a more structured, globally aligned understanding that can strengthen technical credibility, client confidence and long-term career progression.