Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Safwaan Belai

Ilford, Esex,RDB

Summary

I am an experienced professional in the banking sector with over 10 years of expertise, particularly in Trade Finance. I am currently working as a Trade services associate at British Arab Commercial bank PLC, I specialise in documentary credit checks, processing trade finance products, and liaising with corporate clients and financial institutions. I possess in-depth knowledge of UCP600, URC522, ISBP 745 and am skilled in various trade finance procedures. I am seeking new opportunities in Trade Finance or KYC/Due diligence roles where I can apply my extensive experience and leadership skills to contribute to the success of a progressive organisation.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Trade Services Associate

British Arab Commercial Bank
05.2019 - Current
  • Conduct first and second check of L/C documentary presentations.
  • Process trade finance products in line with regulatory guidelines.
  • Liaise with corporate clients and financial institutions to offer technical advice and solutions.
  • Perform due diligence on transactions, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
  • Train new employees to ensure they possess the skills. knowledge and behaviours required for success which result in improvement in performance metric.
  • Collaborate with front office, middle office, financial crime teams to ensure all parties are working together in unison.
  • Worked on project to implement SWIFT system within internal banking system.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by resolving complex issues and providing exceptional service at all times.

Trade Finance Officer

Habib Bank Zurich PLC
09.2016 - 04.2019
  • Reviewed and verified documentation for international trade finance transactions, mitigating risk and ensuring compliance
  • Prepared and analysed financial documents to support international trade transactions.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients, leading to increased business opportunities and repeat transactions.
  • Streamlined trade finance processes by implementing efficient workflow systems and reducing turnaround time.
  • Managed complex trade finance portfolios, achieving high levels of customer retention and satisfaction.
  • Supported processing of trade finance transactions, reducing processing time through efficient workflow management.
  • Collaborated with compliance teams to ensure adherence to international trade regulations, reducing risk exposure.

Treasury Back Officer Analyst and Payments Officer

Habib Bank Zurich PLC
09.2014 - 08.2016
  • Foreign exchange deals and Money market processing
  • Settlements and confirmation processing
  • Entering and processing treasury transactions into internal banking system
  • Liaising with counterparts processing all front office treasury activities including handling of any queries arising after deal executions.
  • Processing domestic (Faster payments,BACS and CHAPS) and international payments (Outward remittances) with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Carrying out due diligence checks on customer payment requests
  • Ensuring all payments comply with AML/CTF laws

Education

Bachelor of Science - Accounting With Finance

Birkbeck, University of London
01-2018

Certificate in International Trade Finance (CITF) -

London Institute of Banking & Finance
01-2020

Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) -

London Institute of Banking & Finance
01-2023

Certificate in Trade Finance Compliance (CTFC) -

London Institute of Banking & Finance
01-2023

Skills

  • Anti-Money Laundering
  • Compliance and regulatory adherence
  • Decision Making Aptitude
  • Continuous learning mindset
  • Teamwork and Cooperation
  • Problem-solving capabilities
  • Time management
  • Financial risk management
  • Customer service
  • Preparing reports
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint
  • T24
  • SWIFT

Timeline

Trade Services Associate

British Arab Commercial Bank
05.2019 - Current

Trade Finance Officer

Habib Bank Zurich PLC
09.2016 - 04.2019

Treasury Back Officer Analyst and Payments Officer

Habib Bank Zurich PLC
09.2014 - 08.2016

Bachelor of Science - Accounting With Finance

Birkbeck, University of London

Certificate in International Trade Finance (CITF) -

London Institute of Banking & Finance

Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) -

London Institute of Banking & Finance

Certificate in Trade Finance Compliance (CTFC) -

London Institute of Banking & Finance

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Safwaan Belai