Snapshot of our CTFP alumni
| Name | Ratnesh Pandey |
| Job title | Senior Manager |
| Based in | India |
| Organisation | FOREX |
Ratnesh Pandey enrolled in the Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) programme to build a deeper and more structured understanding of trade finance as transaction complexity and regulatory scrutiny continue to increase in India’s banking sector.
In his responses, he highlights gaps in traditional training – particularly around ICC rules, documentary credits, and complex product structuring – and the need for learning that goes beyond operational processes or isolated compliance modules.
He also reflects on the practical impact of the certification, including stronger confidence in advising clients, improved handling of complex foreign exchange and trade transaction, and increased trust from colleagues, senior management, and customers when working on high-value or technically demanding cases.
What is your role and who do you work for?
I am a Senior Manager for a leading public sector bank in India.
What was your motivation for enrolling on the Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) certification? What problems or obstacles did you face that you needed the CTFP certification to help with?
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, particularly as transaction complexity and regulatory scrutiny continue to increase within India’s financial sector.
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.
One of the main challenges I faced was a clear expertise gap in trade finance. Much of the training available locally focused either on basic operational processes or on siloed regulatory modules, which did not provide the comprehensive, practical exposure required to advise clients on global trade solutions, structure complex transactions, or manage compliance effectively.
These gaps were especially evident in the interpretation and application of ICC rules, documentary credit practices, UCP 600, and innovative product structuring tailored to client needs.
In addition, managing digital trade finance tools, complex LC transactions, and evolving regulatory requirements often demanded skills that were not covered through routine on-the-job training. The CTFP curriculum, developed by leading global practitioners, offered structured development across key areas including advanced product knowledge, risk management, client relationship strategies, and legal and compliance frameworks.
In a sector where institutional knowledge is gradually declining due to retirements and a lack of structured learning pathways, the CTFP played a critical role in bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical transaction handling.
It also supported career progression and helped build greater trust among clients and senior management when handling high-value or complex trade and foreign exchange cases.
What has been the biggest benefit so far of completing the CTFP?
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 in a banking and foreign exchange environment.
The programme’s comprehensive curriculum provided both operational and strategic insights into trade finance, strengthening confidence and improving the ability to advise clients on tailored solutions for cross-border transactions and regulatory scenarios.
Following completion of the certification, a deeper understanding of ICC rules, risk management principles, and compliance requirements – especially relevant in the Indian foreign exchange market – has enabled more accurate structuring of trade finance products and more effective mitigation of currency and counterparty risks. This has been reflected in practical outcomes, such as improved negotiation of LC terms with clients and more efficient management of foreign exchange exposures during periods of market volatility.
In addition, the CTFP’s emphasis on global best practice has improved my ability to educate both clients and colleagues on new regulatory requirements and emerging industry trends, directly contributing to stronger departmental performance and increased client confidence.
How has your CTFP certification been received locally by your employer, colleagues, and customers in your country and/or region?
Within the Indian banking context, the CTFP certification has been very positively received by employers, colleagues, and customers, largely due to its reputation as a gold standard in international trade finance education.
At the organisational level, the certification is viewed as a marker of operational excellence and has led to greater trust and delegation of complex foreign exchange and trade finance assignments. Senior management frequently seeks input from CTFP certified professionals on matters relating to policy development, compliance, and process optimisation.
Among colleagues, the recognition associated with the CTFP has established a sense of thought leadership. This has resulted in requests for internal training sessions and collaboration on projects involving cross-currency settlements, international regulatory compliance, and advisory support for structured trade transactions.
From a customer perspective, exporters and corporate clients have demonstrated increased confidence when engaging with CTFP-certified professionals, particularly during discussions on regulatory changes, new product offerings, and hedging strategies.
In several instances, clients have specifically requested CTFP holders to deliver presentations on trade finance digitisation and risk mitigation, reflecting tangible commercial trust and a higher perceived value in client relationships.
