Snapshot of our CTFP alumni
| Name | Ian Muriithi |
| Job title | Business Development Manager Trade Finance – Financial Institutions |
| Ian Muriithi’s profile | |
| Based in | Kenya |
| Organisation | Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited |
Ian Muriithi completed the Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) programme to bring structured, rules-based rigour to a role defined by increasing complexity – cross-border transactions, longer-tenor usance LCs, and multi-jurisdictional risk participation structures that demanded more than practical experience alone could provide.
In his responses, he reflects on how the CTFP sharpened his ability to align commercial deal structuring with ICC rules, reduced execution friction, and strengthened his standing with credit committees, correspondent banks, and clients – positioning him as a trusted reference point for trade finance within Co-operative Bank of Kenya and beyond.
What is your role and who do you work for?
I am the Business Development Manager for Trade Finance – Financial Institutions at Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited, based in Kenya.
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?
My motivation was the growing complexity of trade finance and FI transactions in my role – particularly higher-value cross-border deals, longer-tenor usance LCs, and risk participation structures involving multiple jurisdictions. While I had practical experience, I faced challenges in consistently aligning commercial deal structuring with ICC rules, managing document discrepancies, and clearly articulating trade risks to credit committees and correspondent banks.
The CTFP provided an internationally recognised framework that strengthened my understanding of ICC rules and best practices, improved the quality of LC structuring and documentation, reduced execution delays, and enabled more effective engagement with internal stakeholders and international counterparties.
What has been the biggest benefit so far of completing the CTFP?
The biggest benefit has been the ability to structure and execute complex trade finance transactions more efficiently, with clearer risk identification and stronger alignment to ICC rules.
This has translated into faster credit approvals, reduced document discrepancies, and improved execution of longer-tenor usance LC transactions – up to 180-360 days – as well as FI risk participation structures. Applying CTFP principles has enabled me to structure higher-value cross-border deals with clearer allocation of payment, performance, and country risk.
This has strengthened confidence among credit committees, correspondent banks, and clients, directly contributing to smoother deal execution and repeat business.
How has your CTFP certification been received locally by your employer, colleagues, and customers in your country and/or region?
The CTFP has been well received by my employer, colleagues, and customers – both in Kenya and internationally – as a validation of my technical expertise and alignment with ICC trade finance standards. It has enhanced confidence in my ability to structure complex trade and FI transactions, positioning me as a trusted reference for both internal teams and clients.
