How MD Tarequl strengthened his trade finance judgement with CTFP — and how you can too
Much of MD Tarequl’s trade finance knowledge was built on the job. CTFP helped him add a more structured, globally recognised framework for assessing risk, advising clients and making confident decisions.
MD Tarequl’s story
MD Tarequl had built valuable trade finance knowledge on the job, but recognised that practical experience can sometimes leave gaps.
Much of my knowledge was developed through on-the-job experience, which, whilst valuable, can be ad hoc and sometimes inconsistent. The CTFP offered a globally recognised, standardised curriculum from the ICC, which sets key rules for trade finance.
The biggest benefit of obtaining the CTFP so far, has been a significant enhancement in my ability to independently assess and mitigate complex risks in trade transactions, leading to more confident and swift decision-making.
The CTFP helped him connect key areas so he could assess complex trade risks more independently and make faster, more confident decisions.
The CTFP helped shift his role from processing transactions to advising more strategically on trade finance and risk.
In essence, the CTFP has helped me move from being primarily a processor of trade transactions to becoming a strategic adviser and a more effective risk manager in trade finance.
In Bangladesh’s competitive banking sector, a globally recognised certification such as the CTFP helps distinguish an individual. It strengthens my credibility when negotiating with correspondent banks or advising clients on complex trade structures.
The certification strengthened MD Tarequl's credibility with other banks and with his clients in Bangladesh.
If MD Tarequl's story feels familiar, the CTFP was built for professional like you.
If you’ve built your trade finance knowledge on the job, but want a more structured and globally recognised framework that connects traditional documentary credits, open account, supply chain finance and risk management, CTFP can help bring structure and global context to the experience you already have.
Join 200+ alumni like MD Tarequl in South Asia
Professionals across the region are using the CTFP to strengthen the experience they have already built.
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 trade finance. The programme helps connect that experience with a more structured, globally aligned understanding that can strengthen day-to-day decision-making, risk assessment, credibility and long-term career progression.