Snapshot of our CTFP alumni
| Name | Sintayehu Feyissa |
| Job title | Manager – Export, International Banking |
| Sintayehu Feyissa’s profile | |
| Based in | Ethiopia |
| Organisation | Commercial Bank of Ethiopia |
Sintayehu completed the Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) programme to formalise and advance his experience in trade finance – particularly in areas where hands-on experience had left gaps, including import operations, guarantees, and the practical application of ICC rules.
In his responses, he reflects on the value of transitioning from experience-based knowledge to a structured, globally recognised framework, and how the programme has strengthened both his technical confidence and ability to advise clients more effectively – a shift that has not gone unnoticed, with colleagues at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia holding the CTFP in high regard as a benchmark for professional development.
What is your role and who do you work for?
I am a Manager for Export, International Banking at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, based in Ethiopia.
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?
I was given the opportunity to enrol in the CTFP programme through my employer. Prior to this, I was not fully aware of ICC Academy’s structured and internationally recognised training offerings. I enrolled with strong interest and engaged actively throughout.
My motivation was to strengthen my technical knowledge in treasury and trade finance and to acquire a structured, best-practice framework aligned with my increasing responsibilities. While I had hands-on experience in export operations, I lacked formal training from a recognised rule-making institution — particularly in import trade operations, guarantees, and the practical application of trade rules. This limited my confidence when advising customers and contributing to strategic decisions.
The CTFP successfully addressed these gaps, enhanced my professional competence and confidence, supported my career progression, and equipped me with the expertise to operate effectively at a higher professional level.
What has been the biggest benefit so far of completing the CTFP?
The biggest benefit has been the transformation of my practical experience into structured, confident, and strategic experience.
Unlike many certifications, the CTFP stands out for its comprehensive, practice-oriented curriculum – enriched with real-world case studies, checkpoint questions, rigorous assessments, and downloadable resources. Each module progressively deepened my understanding and skill set, enabling me to engage more confidently in trade finance discussions and build stronger client relationships. The online proctored final exam added a meaningful sense of professional achievement and discipline.
The programme significantly deepened my expertise in documentary credits, guarantees, supply chain finance, and digital trade, while broadening my perspective on supply chains, working capital optimisation, and the future of trade finance. As a result, my professional credibility has grown, earning greater recognition and trust in professional engagements.
Overall, the CTFP has enhanced my confidence in handling complex trade finance matters and enabled me to approach operations with a broader vision and a more strategic mindset.
How has your CTFP certification been received locally by your employer, colleagues, and customers in your country and/or region?
As I am currently employed, I have not actively explored the CTFP’s acceptance in the broader market or among customers. That said, I have observed that its recognition within the region is strong. My employer places high value on equipping employees with new skills and continuous learning, and the CTFP is internally recognised as a key capability-building initiative.
My colleagues also hold the CTFP and the other ICC Academy programmes in high regard, viewing them as credible, relevant, and impactful for professional development and performance improvement.
