Latest episode
Progressing capabilities in developing countries: ICC Academy and ADB
In this podcast episode, we spoke with Steven Beck, Head of Trade Finance at Asian Development Bank. Listen to this podcast to understand:
- the impact of the pandemic, followed by the Russia-Ukraine crisis on SMEs
- the urgent need to increase access to SME trade finance so as to spur economic growth
- the importance of digitalization to help transform global trade and the supply chain process
And of course, we will also be speaking about ADB and ICC Academy’s collaboration and the importance of continuous professional development for today’s trade finance professionals.
Previous episodes
Common Reporting Standard (CRS): Strategies and best practices
In this podcast episode, we spoke with Xiangyu Wang, Director of Regnology Singapore. The Academy, in partnership with Regnology, had launched the Certificate on Common Reporting Standard (CCRS) that helps financial institutions understand the key elements of the CRS and how to incorporate them as part of a holistic compliance operating model
Listen to this podcast to understand:
- why tax authorities across the globe are adopting the regime?
- What are the strategies and best practices for implementing CRS?
- Why a professional training is important for FIs?
Building capacity through collaboration
In this podcast episode, we spoke with Annette Ssemuwemba, Deputy Executive Director, Enhanced Integrated Framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and one of our trade finance graduates Endris Negus, Monitoring and Evaluation Expert at the Ministry of Trade, Ethiopia.
In 2020, the ICC Academy and the EIF of the World Trade Organization (WTO) partnered with an objective to equip financial institutions with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide trade finance services to SMEs and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of workers in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Listen to this podcast to understand:
- How the pandemic has affected the trade landscape in LDCs?
- Why is trade finance both a priority and a limiting factor for economic diversification?
- Why is upskilling crucial for trade finance professionals in the ever-evolving global trade landscape?
Impact of IFRS-9 on Trade Register: How to use the register data for IFRS9 reporting?
In this episode, Krishnan Ramadurai, Chair of the recently published ICC Trade Register, will provide us with an in-depth understanding of:
-Trade finance exposures i.e., Trade-loans, Guarantees, Letters of Credit (L/C), and the interplay with IFRS-9 accounting treatment
- Impact of macroeconomic scenarios with the pick-up in GDP becoming a key input in IFRS-9 models and driving reversals in ECL charges
- Empirical data that is collected for guarantees to showcase how data can help calibrate ECL models as well as drive ECL calculations
- Understanding the mechanics behind the ECL calculations to help trade finance professionals structure transactions
Stay ahead of the curve: Upskill employees to navigate the new global trade order
In this podcast episode, we spoke with Jens Søgaard Jacobsen, our international trade alumnus and Partner at MBP Solutions. In spite of being in international trade for more than two decades, as well as being in a senior leadership role within the company, Jens decided to enrol into ICC Academy’s Export/Import Certificate to gain in-depth understanding of cross border transactions.
Today 45% of MBP Solutions employees have successfully completed the ICC Academy’s industry validated professional qualification, the Export/Import Certificate.
Listen to this podcast to understand how by providing opportunities for professional development, employers not only invest in their employees, but this also leads to companies strengthening the backbone of the business.
Alumni Stories - Babatunde Agbeleye, Relationship Manager, West Africa
In our latest Trade Insider podcast we spoke to Babatunde Agbeleye, the Relationship Manager, West Africa for Wilben Trade and previously a Trade Finance Specialist for Zenith Bank, where he spent over 15 years.
Babatunde is also a graduate of our Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) programme and we talked to him about his career so far and advice for those still finding their way in trade finance.
Will automation of document examination under documentary credits be the new normal?
In this podcast episode, we discuss ICC’s recently released whitepaper on ‘Automation of Document Examination under Documentary Credits’. The co-chairs of the committee, Uzair Bawany from Traydstream and Merisa Lee Gimpel from Lloyds Bank talk us through their findings on:
- The potential benefits of automation for financial institutions and corporates
- If machines can check documents as well as an experienced document checker
- The regulatory aspects
Impact of cryptocurrencies on international trade
In this podcast episode, our guest speaker Henri Arslanian, Crypto Leader and Partner at PwC, answers some critical questions around cryptocurrencies:
- Can cryptocurrencies ever become ‘the currency of choice’ for international trade?
- Will China’s recent ban on cryptocurrency transactions by financial institutions and payment companies have an impact on international trade?
- What should people involved in international trade look out for in today’s ever evolving global market?
Alumni Stories: Houssam Hoteit, Senior Trade Finance Specialist, Canada
In this episode we spoke to Houssam Hoteit, a graduate of our Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) qualification and a Senior Trade Finance Specialist at the Royal Bank of Canada, about his career path so far. Listen now to learn:
- How Houssam went from an internship at E&Y to a trade finance specialist at Canada’s biggest bank
- His advice for those just starting out in trade finance
- The 3 key traits and skills Houssam looks for when hiring other trade finance professionals (clue, it isn’t just understanding the UCP600)
From unpredictability to adaptability: Future of trade finance
In this podcast episode, our guest speaker Andrea Hauptmann, Senior Global Consultant on Trade Finance at Raiffeisen Bank International and Chair of the ICC Guarantee Task Force talks us through:
- The trade finance landscape (in the backdrop of the pandemic crisis)
- Trends to expect in 2021 and beyond – challenges and solutions.
- Training needs and why keeping up to date with industry validated certifications is crucial now, more than ever.
Sustainable Trade Finance
In this episode, we discuss global sustainability trends in the banking sector including those related to climate change, human rights, and biodiversity. Our special guests include Burcu Senel – Global Head of Propositions, Global Trade and Receivables Finance, HSBC; and Vuong Thanh Long – Executive Vice President, Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV).
ICC Court on Interim Measures for Arbitrators
In this episode, we discuss how arbitrators should approach requests for interim measures within the arbitral process as well as special considerations to be taken in this unique COVID-19 environment. Our special guests include Eduardo Silva Romero, Partner, Dechert LLP; Sophie Nappert, independent arbitrator in London; and Živa Filipič, Managing Counsel, ICC International Court of Arbitration.
Climate Action is Still Everyone's Business
In this episode, we learn from international climate leaders about why climate action is still everyone’s business. Our special guests include Nigel Topping and Gonzalo Munoz, appointed by the UK and Chile to act as official ‘Climate Champions’ for the UN climate talks; Maria Mendiluce, CEO of We Mean Business; and Majda Dabaghi, Director, Inclusive & Green Growth at ICC with a special video message from climate leader Paul Polman.