How Sayed turned technical expertise into strategic trade finance influence
Sayed already had strong technical expertise in financial messaging and trade risk mitigation. The CTFP helped him connect that knowledge with broader treasury disciplines, advisory work and leadership responsibilities.
Sayed's story
Sayed was already working from a strong technical base, but saw the need to widen his perspective beyond his immediate area of expertise.
"While I had strong technical expertise in financial messaging standards and trade risk mitigation, I needed to connect this with broader treasury disciplines such as liquidity and trade management, FX risk mitigation, and working capital optimisation."
"The CTFP provided a structured and comprehensive foundation in trade finance and treasury best practice, enabling me to translate complex regulatory and financial concepts into actionable insights."
The CTFP gave him a clearer way to organise complex knowledge and apply it more usefully in real banking situations.
That broader perspective helped him contribute beyond execution and take on more advisory responsibility within the bank.
The most significant benefit…has been the strategic elevation of my role within the bank. It has enabled me to move beyond technical execution…into a more consultative and leadership-oriented capacity.
"From a client and correspondent banking perspective, the CTFP credential has strengthened trust and credibility. Customers and partners recognize the certification as a mark of professionalism and global alignment, which is particularly important in a region where trade finance is evolving rapidly to meet international standards."
The CTFP helped Sayed show customers and partners that his expertise was aligned with international expectations.
If Sayed's story feels familiar, the CTFP was built for professionals like you.
If you’ve built strong technical experience in banking, treasury or trade finance, but want a broader framework for connecting that expertise with strategic decision-making, advisory work and global best practice, CTFP can help bring structure and context to the knowledge you already have.
Join 200+ alumni like Sayed in South Asia
Professionals across the region are using CTFP to connect technical expertise with broader trade finance, treasury and leadership responsibilities.
Nayab Hassan
BankerBanking / Mortgage Pakistan
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
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, treasury or trade finance. The programme helps connect that experience with a more structured, globally aligned understanding that can strengthen technical confidence, strategic decision-making, advisory capability and long-term career progression.