Ramy Ibrahim didn’t plan on a career in trade finance banking – but when he was placed in QNB Alahli’s Letters of Credit team back in 2007, everything changed. Nearly two decades later, he’s not only a seasoned expert in documentary credits and regulatory compliance, but also the first person to earn the Certified Documentary Credits Expert (CDCE) certification.
In this interview, Ramy shares how an unexpected start in the field led to a lifelong passion. He reflects on what it takes to succeed in trade finance today – from mastering ICC rules to adapting to digitalisation – and offers valuable advice for professionals looking to grow in a fast-evolving industry.
Career journey and background
Hi Ramy, can you tell us about your journey in trade finance and what initially drew you to this field?
My journey in trade finance started back in 2007, right after I completed my accounting studies at Cairo University in Egypt. I joined QNB Alahli (then QMB Egypt) as an executive employee in the Letters of Credit department within the Trade Finance division. Nearly 18 years in the same field – it’s something I am truly passionate about.
Interestingly, I didn’t choose trade finance initially. It was the HR department at my bank that suggested I join – they told me I had the right skills for the role. But once I started, I quickly realised how much I enjoyed it.
I enjoy that trade finance operates based on the published rules of the ICC, which gave the work a structure and clarity that I really appreciated.
I’ve found that being a team player, staying open to feedback, and having a strong drive for learning and development really helped me grow in this field. That foundation has kept me motivated engaged throughout my career.
Can you tell us a bit about your current role and what your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
Currently, I serve as a Trade Finance Manager at QNB Alahli, one of the top five banks in Egypt. I’m responsible for overseeing all tasks, issues, and analysis related to both export and import business.
My role involves reviewing and releasing SWIFT messages, making sure they comply with the standards of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Standard Banking Practice (ISBP). I’m also authorised to issue, amend, cancel, and confirm letters of credit – one of the more technical aspects of the job. In addition, I examine trade documents, implement internal control procedures, and manage how tasks are delegated across the team.
Together, these responsibilities have sharpened my expertise in trade finance operations, leadership, and regulatory compliance – skills that closely align with the ICC’s mission to promote global trade and sustainable business practices.
Achieving the Certified Documentary Credits Expert (CDCE) certification
Before you enrolled in the Certified Documentary Credits Expert (CDCE) certification, did you receive any other training on documentary credits or take any related courses?
Yes, I had completed the Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) certification in 2012. It was an important step in my career, driven by my passion for trade finance and my desire to deepen my expertise in the field.
Pursuing the CDCE was a natural progression from there.
I wanted to challenge myself further and gain a more advanced understanding of documentary credits – especially in areas such as complex trade structures, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
You were the first person to achieve the CDCE certification. What motivated you to pursue this advanced certification, and how did it align with your career goals?
What motivated me most was the chance to become a recognised expert in trade finance – not just within my organisation, but across the industry.
Earning the CDCE with a high score was a proud moment for me. It reflected the effort I put into understanding the complexities of trade finance and my commitment to excellence.
The certification aligned perfectly with my career goals – taking on leadership roles in trade finance and helping shape best practices in the industry.
It’s also allowed me to provide valuable guidance to both my team and our clients, making sure letters of credit are handled efficiently and always in line with UCP 600 and international standards.
The programme really deepened my understanding of documentary credits by building on my practical experience and introducing advanced concepts I hadn’t come across in my day-to-day work.
While I already had a solid foundation in handling letters of credit and trade finance operations, the CDCE gave me a structured and comprehensive framework to grow from.
Were there any specific topics or modules in the CDCE you found particularly valuable?
Every topic in the CDCE programme was presented in a much deeper, more professional, and simplified way.
The modules were incredibly valuable for daily work – 100% relevant and practical. The programme also included real-world case studies from three different banks, which helped bring the concepts to life.
What stood out the most were the live workshops. They were the highlight of the course – clear, engaging, and interactive.
Our highly professional instructor with deep experience in trade finance – Miguel – had presented everything in a very accessible way. It was easy to participate in the open discussion during these workshops.
Certified Documentary Credits Expert (CDCE)
Knowledge sharing and advice for professionals
As an instructor at the Egyptian Banking Institute, what key skills do you emphasise when training professionals in trade finance?
I usually emphasise several key skills that are essential for professionals in trade finance, as these not only enhance technical expertise but also prepare them to navigate the complexities of global trade.
- Attention to detail and accuracy: I train participants to carefully review trade documents and understand international rules such as UCP and ISBP. Precision is critical in this field.
- Problem-solving: Trade finance often involves managing risks like fraud, currency fluctuations, or documentation discrepancies. I focus on helping participants develop the ability to identify and mitigate these risks through practical case studies and real-world scenarios.
- Communication and negotiation skills: These are vital when dealing with clients, banks, and other stakeholders in international transactions. My focus is often on ensuring professionals have communicate clearly and professionally across levels.
- Adaptability and continuous learning: I stress the importance of staying current with global trade practices and regulatory updates. I also motivate them to pursue professional certifications like the CDCS and CDCE to deepen their expertise.
My approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and real case studies to ensure participants gain both understanding and confidence in applying what they learn.
What advice would you give to professionals preparing for certifications like CDCS and CDCE? Are there any study techniques or resources you found particularly helpful?
First, start with the basics before diving into advanced topics. Make sure you have a strong understanding of the fundamentals – such as UCP 600, ISBP 821, and other core elements of trade finance. These are essential building blocks to your knowledge of trade finance.
Second, use a mix of study techniques. Read official materials, especially ICC guidelines and combine with practical exercises like reviewing real letters of credit and trade documents. This helps bridge theory and practice.
Third, take advantage of online resources and study groups. ICC Academy offers excellent training modules that are very helpful.
Finally, practice time management. Both the CDCS and CDCE exams are time-bound, so it’s crucial to train yourself to answer questions under timed conditions. That can make a big difference on exam day.
Read now: ‘Geopolitics, sanctions, and trade finance: Challenges for UCP 600 and documentary credits’
How do you see trade finance evolving in the next few years?
I can answer this in one word: digitalisation. I believe it will be the key force reshaping the trade finance industry in the coming years.
Technologies like blockchain and digital trade platforms are reducing paperwork and enhancing transparency. For example, blockchain enables real-time tracking of transactions, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud and errors. At the same time, AI-powered tools are starting to automate compliance checks and risk assessments, making processes faster, more accurate, and efficient.
On the regulatory front, we’re seeing a growing focus on compliance and sustainability. Regulations around anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) requirements are becoming more critical, and financial institutions must adapt to these evolving expectations.
