If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Charlie Watson via email cwatson@cerfinancial.co.uk or call on 0207 626 6065.
00356559
PROFILE:
Results-driven banking executive with 17+ years of international leadership across Trade Finance, Working Capital Solutions, and Wholesale Banking. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, delivering innovative client-centric propositions, and leading large teams through transformation and regulatory change. Recognised for expertise in structuring complex trade solutions, managing strategic partnerships, and executing high-profile programs across Europe and emerging markets.
SKILLS:
- International Trade Finance & Open Account Solutions (Guarantees/SBLCs, LCs, Collections, Trade Loans, Receivables Finance, SCF, Commodity Finance).
- Product Development & Proposition Management (concept to market launch).
- Program & Change Management (incl. regulatory-driven initiatives, bank sale transitions).
- Embedded & Sustainable Finance Solutions.
- Strategic Partnerships & Vendor Management (FinTech integration, platforms, ecosystems).
- Senior Leadership & Team Management (up to 27 FTE).
- Risk, Governance & Regulatory Oversight (IBOR, Brexit, ECA programs).
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Delivered 50% YoY revenue growth at the banks through strategic focus on Aircraft Leasing & Pharma clients.
- Achieved +79% PBT growth vs prior year as Head of Wholesale Banking (2023).
- Named Top Talent – ICC “Successors in Trade Program” and consistently ranked among top performers.
- Recognised with Best Sales Person Award and led the banks Armenia to be named Market Leader in Euromoney Cash Management & Trade Finance Surveys (2023–24).
CAREER HISTORY:
December 2024 – October 2025
Banking
Regional Product Head of Propositions, Global Trade Solutions Europe
- Leading product strategy across 18 European markets covering Core Trade, Guarantees, SCF, FI and Receivables Finance.
- Spearheading Embedded Finance solutions (PoS Finance, Integrated Working Capital).
- Managing multilateral trade support programs (IFC, EBRD, EBA) and ECA-backed structures.
- Driving commercialisation of new propositions, including Structured Solutions for Insurance, NBFI Refinance and Bill of Exchange Discounting.
- Lead the collaboration with Payments and Markets teams to create new
- collaborative propositions (Integrated Payment Solutions, Supply Chain Finance Card Settlement, etc).
September 2023 – November 2024
Banking
Head of Wholesale Banking (15 months assignment)
- Directed a team of 27 across Relationship Management, GPS, GTS, and COO functions.
- Achieved record PBT growth (+79% YoY, +85% vs Plan) in 2023.
- Ensured market leadership recognition in Euromoney Cash & Trade Surveys (2023–24).
- Oversaw risk, governance, and strategic planning as RMM, EXCO & ALCO committee member.
- Successfully led transition of Wholesale Banking during the banks Armenia’s sale, maintaining lowest attrition levels and client stability.
September 2018 – September 2023
Banking
Regional Product Head of Core Trade, Guarantees and Open Account Europe
- Delivered product & proposition strategy across 19 European countries.
- Heading the Governance for Europe / piloting the deployment of the new Governance system PMGS (fully automated solution).
- Championed sustainability-linked trade solutions (Green Trade, SCF, Sustainable Trade Instruments).
- Led deployment of digital/FinTech platforms (Contour, C2FO, Komgo, Mitigram, DVS, etc.).
- Managed strategic projects incl. IBOR transition, Brexit client migration, and Pan-European booking model in Paris.
- Increased intra-group LC negotiation rates from 65% → 90% by optimising processes.
- Champion new customer segment driven approach and developed/delivered tailored solutions (Trade as Service solution – Instant Supply Chain Finance; Promissory Note discounting for land purchase in UK).
November 2016 – September 2018
Banking
Senior Regional Product Manager UK Proposition & Core Trade Europe
- Member of UK & Regional Product Governance Committees, streamlining EU governance structures.
- Delivered ~$400m RWA savings through capital efficiency projects.
- Strengthened working relationships with external stakeholders such as Industry Bodies, Regulators and Consultants; lead Bank Delegation Scheme with UK Export Finance (UKEF).
August 2015 – November 2016
Banking
Country Head, Global Trade and Receivables Finance
- Managed portfolio of ~200 clients, achieving 50% revenue growth YoY.
- Full responsibility for the banks strategic development for Trade and Receivables Finance, and delivery of initiatives across Bank's client base with focus on sales, client management, middle office & portfolio risk
- Positioned the banks as a top Trade Finance provider in Ireland across client surveys.
January 2013 – August 2015
Banking
Country Head, Global Trade and Receivables Finance
- Led GTRF business with ~300 clients; delivered top-line growth while managing risk.
- Increased the banks market share for LC business to 35%, highest in Europe region (as per Swift data).
- Organised Trade Academies with IFC, EBRD & Embassies to promote trade finance adoption.
March 2010 – January 2013
Banking
Head of Sales, Trade and Supply Chain
- Designed and executed NTB and NTT client acquisition strategies.
- Develop and implement individual plans for increasing wallet penetration of existing client base (c. 100 clients).
- Expanded client penetration via tailored trade cycle advisory.
March 2008 – March 2010
Banking
Retail Banking roles
- Delivered consistently high-quality service and exceeded sales targets.
- Maintained high-quality client-driven service at Retail Banking to meet clients' needs and to promote the banks reputation.
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
2008: University
Master’s Degree, Management
2004: University
Bachelor’s Degree, Economics
2022
ICC – Sustainability in Trade & Trade Finance
2020 – 2021
ICC – Successors in Trade Program
2015
ICC – Finance of International Trade
2005
EU Commission – Project Cycle Management
LANGUAGES:
- Armenian: Native language
- English: Master or proficient
- Russian: Master or proficient
References Available Upon Request
If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Charlie Watson via email cwatson@cerfinancial.co.uk or call on 0207 626 6065.
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