Anand Agarwal

Seasoned Trade Finance professional with over 16 years of experience in international trade operations across banking and commodity trading organizations. Seeking to leverage expertise in Letters of Credit, SBLCs, documentary collections, and cross-border trade transactions while applying strong knowledge of UCP 600, ISBP, and global compliance standards to enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory adherence, and support seamless execution of international trade with a strong focus on risk management and client service excellence.

Trade Finance Executive - Trade Finance Operations - MAR INT FZCO - Dubai, UAE

(2026-01)

Key Result Areas

• Administer end-to-end trade finance operations for oil commodity trading transactions, including Letters of Credit (LCs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs) & open account trades.
• Execute critical LC lifecycle activities like issuance, advising, amendments, negotiation, discounting & settlement while ensuring compliance with UCP 600, ISBP & Incoterms regulations.
• Liaise with international banks, commodity traders, legal & operation teams to facilitate seamless execution of trade transactions & payments.
• Conduct comprehensive review, preparation, and verification of trade documentation, ensuring 100% LC compliance with error-free transactions.
• Enforce adherence to sanctions screening protocols, KYC standards, and internal regulatory compliance frameworks across all trade finance activities.
• Evaluate country risk exposure and bank limit utilization, ensuring alignment with approved credit risk policies and exposure thresholds.

Assistant Vice President - Trade Finance Operations - HDFC BANK LIMITED - Mumbai, India

(2025-04 - 2025-11)

• Directed a team of 17 professionals responsible for daily execution of complex trade finance operational processes.
• Oversaw a comprehensive portfolio of trade finance products, including import LC issuance, document scrutiny (import/export), LC advising, acceptance, payments, discounting (pre and post-acceptance), liquidation/repayment financing, and end-to-end bank guarantee management.
• Conducted periodic transaction audits and quality assurance reviews to maintain operational accuracy, regulatory compliance & audit readiness.

Senior Analyst - Global Trade Finance Operations (EMEA Region) - TRAFIGURA GLOBAL SERVICES PVT LTD - Mumbai, India

(2023-07 - 2025-04)

• Performed detailed preparation and examination of export and import trade documentation, ensuring strict compliance with LC terms, UCP 600, ISBP guidelines, and international trade regulations.
• Conducted thorough regulatory and compliance validations prior to transaction processing to ensure alignment with internal risk frameworks and global regulatory standards.
• Structured & finalized Letters of Credit (LCs) in coordination with counterparties, ensuring consistency with contractual terms & trade agreements
• Assessed commercial contracts against trader recaps, internal credit policies & corporate risk guidelines to ensure secure and compliant trade execution.
• Verified & approved cargo loadings & discharges, ensuring fulfillment of contractual obligations while minimizing the company's exposure to risk.
• Facilitated timely cargo-related payment processing while strategically maintaining optimal cash positioning across banking partners.
• Executed discounting of sales receivables while ensuring bank lines were maintained at optimal levels.
• Compiled and delivered weekly Mark-to-Market (MTM) exposure reports to senior management, providing analytical insights into financial exposure and trade performance.
• Evaluated potential transactional risks and recommended mitigation strategies to protect financial stability and operational integrity.

Manager - Trade Finance Operations (EMEA Region) - CREDIT AGRICOLE CIB SERVICES PVT LTD - Mumbai, India

(2021-08 - 2023-07)

• Directed a team of 14 professionals responsible for daily execution of trade finance transactions, ensuring operational accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Orchestrated the successful migration of trade finance operations to India for multiple European markets including France, Spain, Germany & Italy.
• Managed import and export documentary collections, including compliance checks and vessel tracking.
• Addressed and resolved queries from country-specific middle offices, maintaining effective communication and ensuring timely issue resolution.
• Delivered product and system training programs for team members, including specialized sessions on UCP 600 regulations, strengthening team expertise and operational capability.
• Monitored transaction volumes across all supported EMEA countries, ensuring SLA-compliant execution, backed by SOD and EOD reporting.
• Presented quarterly Key Risk Indicator (KRI) and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports to stakeholders, highlighting operational performance and risk metrics.
• Conducted periodic audit reviews of processed transactions, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and readiness for internal and external audits.

Assistant Manager - Global Trade Finance Operations - BNP PARIBAS - Mumbai, India

(2017-12 - 2021-08)

• Scrutinized Import, Export, and Confirmed Letter of Credit (LC) documentation, ensuring compliance with UCP 600 and ISBP 821 international trade guidelines.
• Executed compliance and vigilance screening procedures, including vessel tracking and regulatory verification, for all trade finance transactions.
• Addressed client inquiries and discrepancy clarifications, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.
• Processed a wide range of trade finance transactions in accordance with client-specific Standard Operating Procedures & service delivery expectations.
• Supervised transaction workflow queues, ensuring all activities were completed within defined Turnaround Time (TAT) standards.

Senior Associate - Trade Finance Operations - WIPRO LIMITED - Mumbai, India

(2016-05 - 2017-12)

Client: FirstRand Bank (Client Location)

• Performed in-depth review & scrutinized of Import and Export trade documents, ensuring strict adherence to LC terms, UCP 600 & ISBP 821 standards.
• Effectively communicated discrepancies to presenters, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Resolved customer queries promptly by providing clear and actionable guidance.
• Implemented compliance verification and sanctions screening procedures, including vessel tracking, while processing trade transactions in line with client-defined SOPs.
• Coordinated with clients to resolve transaction discrepancies and operational queries, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Maintained oversight of transaction queues, ensuring completion of activities within the established Turnaround Time (TAT) framework.

Deputy Manager - Trade Finance Operations - KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK - Mumbai, India

(2012-12 - 2015-12)

• Administered trade finance operations, supporting import and export transactions while ensuring compliance with banking regulations, internal procedures, and UCP600/ISBP 821 guidelines.
• Managed issuance of Letters of Credit, import bill payments & documentary collections, maintaining accuracy & adherence to operational standards.
• Conducted audits and ensured compliance with KYC and AML policies, coordinating effectively with internal and external auditors.

Assistant Manager - Foreign Exchange - THOMAS COOK INDIA LTD. - Mumbai, India

(2009-12 - 2012-12)

• Facilitated foreign exchange operations, managing currency transactions while ensuring compliance with RBI regulations, internal policies, and operational guidelines.
• Managed cash counter operations & handled retail, wholesale, and corporate forex business, ensuring accurate & efficient transaction processing.
• Ensured adherence to KYC and AML policies, conducted audits, and prepared MIS reports, achieving satisfactory audit outcomes.

MBA - Finance - Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai (2012 - 2015)

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) - University of Mumbai (2006 - 2009)