Events

2020 Virtual Trade Finance Workshop

Overview
Register
Program
Speakers
FAQ's
Sponsorship
Event Materials

THE NEW YORK & WEST COAST TRADE FINANCE WORKSHOPS ARE NOW VIRTUAL
We have chosen to combine our planned New York Trade Finance Workshop, originally scheduled for June 18-19, and our West Coast Trade Finance Workshop, originally scheduled for July 23-24 into one digital offering, BAFT’s 2020 Virtual Trade Finance Workshop. Feel free to reach out to us directly by emailing [email protected]  with any questions.

This novel approach will be offered in three 4-hour sessions on June 22, 24 and 26. We are working closely with both of BAFT’s Workshop Planning Committees to deliver these programs in unison to maximize the value for attendees and speakers through a unique new online format. This workshop is approved by a variety of accreditation institutions for CPD credits including ACAMS, BAFT, the ICC Academy and the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) with the potential to earn a total of 12 credits for the entire workshop. Please check below for the relevant qualifications and certifications that credits are available for.

The workshops offer a deeper dive into Letters of Credit (LC) related topics, and their smaller size optimizes interactive discussions amongst attendees and speakers. In addition to covering what is new in LC’s, each year the topics change and range from compliance, trade-based money laundering (TBML), technology, SWIFT updates and much more.

Key Virtual Event Features:

  • Access both live and on-demand sessions (available for streaming and download)
  • Message, connect and schedule meetings with fellow attendees and speakers
  • Manage your own session schedule
  • Ask questions to speakers and participate in polls real-time
  • Take notes on sessions and email them to yourself after the session
  • Download speaker and session handouts, supporting documentation and exhibitor flyers

Who Should Attend

Bankers, importers, exporters, brokers, providers/suppliers and others involved in trade operations and LC document preparations who want a deeper dive discussion on trade finance related topics and other current trade industry issues. Those with CDCS® certification should attend to receive CPD credits for recertification.

Click here to show a list of last year’s attendee

Agricultural Bank of China ANZ Banking Group
Arnold & Porter Arvest Bank
Associated Bank ATB Financial
Banco Regional Bank ABC
Bank Leumi Bank Negara Indonesia
Bank of America Bank of China
Bank of Hope Bank of Montreal
Bank of the West Bank Rakyat Indonesia
Banner Bank BBVA
Berkeley Research Group BNP Paribas
Boeing BOK Financial Corp.
CIBC Capital One
CGI Group China Construction Bank
Citibank Citigroup
City National Bank CoBank
Columbia Bank Comerica Bank
Commerce Bank Commerzbank
Covington & Burling Cox Automotive
Desjardins Group Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank East West Bank
Ergon FDIC
Fifth Third Bank First Horizon Bank
Frost Bank Fulton Bank
GBC International Bank HSBC
Huntington National Bank Informa
Intesa Sanpaolo INTRUST Bank
JPMorgan Chase KBC Bank
Kia Motors Korea Development Bank
Llyods Banking Group M&T Bank Corp.
ManchesterCF Manufacturers Bank
Midrex Technologies Morrison & Foerster
Moses & Singer MUFG
National Bank of Canada Novatek Gas & Power
Pelican PNC Bank
Rabobank RBC Financial Group
Republic Bank Santander Bank
Scotiabank Silicon Valley Bank
Societe Generale Spring Labs
Standard Chartered State Bank of India
SVB Financial Group SWIFT
TD Securities The Bank of Nova Scotia
Trade Technologies U.S. Bancorp
U.S. Bank National Association UMB Bank
United Bank for Africa US Dept. of Commerce
US Dept. of Homeland Security US Dept. of Treasury
Webster Bank Wells Fargo
Woori Bank Zions Bancorporation

Click here to show a list of last year’s attendee

Why You Should Attend

  • Earn CPD credits online for recertification from ACAMS, BAFT, the ICC Academy and LIBF from the comfort of your office or home
  • The workshop is spread over three 4-hour sessions so you still have time to work each day while participating in each module
  • You no longer need to worry about traveling or incurring costs for hotel rooms and airfare
  • The online format allows attendees from multiple time zones spread across multiple countries to participate
  • You can network with your colleagues and peers in this online interactive format while observing social distancing guidelines
  • Get the latest updates on trade finance during the pandemic, operating in a contingency environment and processing change as our modules have pivoted to focus on the issues most important to you

Training and Education

Registrants will receive 4, 8 or 12 credits depending on the number of modules they attend with a maximum amount of 12 CPD credits available for attending the entirety of the 2020 Virtual Trade Finance Workshop.

Awarding Institution Qualification or Certification Credits Available
Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) 12 Credits (4 per module)
BAFT Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS®) 12 CPDs (4 per module)
ICC Academy Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) 12 PDCs
The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) Certificate for Specialist in Demand Guarantees (CSDG) 12 CPDs (4 per module)
The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) Certificate in Supply Chain Finance (CSCF) 12 CPDs (4 per module)
The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) Certificate in Trade Finance Compliance (CTFC) 12 CPDs (4 per module)

Register for the 2020 Virtual Trade Finance Workshop:

Full Workshop Corporate Rate:

BAFT is offering a corporate rate discount available for up to 10 individuals to attend the full Virtual Workshop from the same institution Please note all other rates are listed as the cost per individual registration based on the number of days you will attend. Please contact [email protected] to avail the corporate rate for your institution.

Two ways to register:

  • Do you have a BAFT Account? Register online by clicking the button below.
  • Do NOT have a BAFT Account? Click here
Category Registration Fee: Members Registration Fee: Non-Members
1 Day – Individual Rate $400 USD $550 USD
Full Workshop – Individual Rate $750 USD $900 USD
Full Workshop – Corporate Rate
(up to 10 individuals)
$5,000 USD $7,500 USD

*Please Note: Unlike the physical in-person workshops, you can tailor your online workshop experience and register for a single day, a combination of two days or the full three-day workshop. You will be asked to identify the days (modules) that you wish you to attend when registering. Please ensure to check the program prior to registering to confirm which modules you are registering to attend. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Program

June 22, 2019
June 24, 2020
June 26, 2020
June 22, 2019 - Module 1: Trade Finance in the Time of the Pandemic

11:30 AM – 11:40 AM EDT (08:30 AM – 08:40 AM PST)

Welcome & Introduction to Module 1: Trade Finance in the Time of the Pandemic

Stacey Facter
Senior Vice President
Trade Products
BAFT

Kristine Siebel
Chair, BAFT North American Standby Letter of Credit/Guarantee Committee
Vice President & Standby Letter of Credit Officer
Société Générale

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM EDT

OFAC Hot Topics

Confusing times? Hear more from OFAC regarding ship-to-ship transfers, port challenges, and problems with transfer of goods across borders.

Speaker

Leonard Frady
Sanctions Compliance and Evaluation Officer
Office of Foreign Assets Control
U.S. Department of the Treasury

12:30 PM - 01:20 PM EDT

Fireside Chat: Disruption to the Economy of a Mega-Region

The impact of COVID-19 on the various industries that drive and support the Los Angeles economy covering the challenges in the physical supply chain, trade hindrances, documentary process and other obstacles in today’s environment.

Host

Walter J. Mix III
Managing Director
Berkeley Research Group

Guest Speaker

Stephen Cheung
Executive Vice President, LA Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
President, World Trade Center, LA

01:20 PM - 01:30 PM EDT

Digital Coffee Break

01:30 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

Vessel Tracking, Yes or No?

Against a mounting backdrop of vessel sanctions and new guidelines, with OFAC's May 2020 advisory regarding Illicit Shipping and Sanctions Evasion Practices being the latest, the issue of identifying potentially suspicious vessels and the activity they engage in is undoubtedly complex. Therefore, how can you understand maritime best practice in order to adhere to existing regulation whilst managing and growing a successful trade finance business? This session will examine the latest regulatory requirements, how best to implement them in your day to day operations and how to do so quickly, accurately and effectively.

Speaker

Byron McKinney
Associate Director
Product Management, Maritime & Trade
IHS Markit

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM EDT

ICC Rules in the Time of the Pandemic

A session covering the ICC's response to COVID-19 and the various papers and guidance that have been issued to address trade finance and supply chain finance rules and regulations during the pandemic.

Speaker

Donald Smith
President
Global Trade Advisory, Ltd.

02:40 PM - 03:25 PM EDT

Force Majeure

The Risks and Implications

Speaker

Michael Evan Avidon, Esq.
Partner
Moses & Singer LLP

03:25 PM - 03:30 PM EDT

Module 1 Wrap-Up

Ana Isabel Ramirez
Vice President
Trade and Supply Chain Finance Specialist
City National Bank

June 24, 2020 - Module 2: Operating in a Contingency Environment!

11:30 AM - 11:40 AM EDT (08:30 AM - 08:40 AM PST)

Welcome & Introduction to Module 2: Operating in a Contingency Environment!

Yasmin Kermalli, CDCS
Assistant Vice President
Service Center Coordinator
Bank of America

11:40 AM - 12:25 PM EDT

Digital Trade from SWIFT

Learn more about SWIFT’s global initiative to mitigate the infamous paper friction in global trade - leveraging existing technology, and industry collaboration.

Host

John Baranello
Director & Head of Trade Finance Product Management, Americas
Global Transaction Banking
Lloyd’s Bank Corporate Markets

Guest Speaker

David Watson
Head of North America
SWIFT

12:25 PM – 01:40 PM EDT

Digitization Platforms

Demonstrations from a variety of new technology platforms that assist the trade and trade finance industries.

Host

Kristine Siebel
Chair, BAFT North American Standby Letter of Credit/Guarantee Committee
Vice President & Standby Letter of Credit Officer
Société Générale

Demonstrators

essDOCS
Alexander Goulandris
Co-CEO & CRO
essDOCS

Tradelens
Juan-Jose Ruiz
Head of Strategy and Business Development
TradeLens, IBM Industry Platforms

We.Trade
Gilbert Cordier
Product Manager – Digital Trade and Innovation
Société Générale

We.Trade
David McLoughlin
Head of Commercialisation

01:40 PM – 01:50 PM EDT

Digital Coffee Break

01:50 PM – 02:40 PM EDT

Compliance Going Digital

Technological solutions and how banks are partnering with technology for a consistent approach to compliance.

Speakers

Valeria Sica
Managing Director
Global Trade Services Head
Citi

Edward Stoltenberg
Director
AML Risk Management
Citi

02:40 PM – 03:25 PM EDT

The 4 “E’s”

E-Documents, E-Bills of Lading, E-Negotiable Instruments and E-Signatures

Host

Jeremiah Glock, CDCS
Vice President & Trade Advisor
Citi

Guest Speaker

Glenn Ransier
Senior Vice President
Head of Documentary Trade and SBLCs
Wells Fargo Bank

03:25 PM - 03:30 PM EDT

Wrap-Up

Normand Girard, CDCS
Director
Global Trade Operations
BMO Financial Group

June 26, 2020 - Module 3: Processing Change

11:30 AM - 11:40 PM EDT (08:30 AM - 08:40 AM PST)

Welcome & Introduction to Module 3: Processing Change

Francisco Rodriguez, CDCS
Trade Services Consultant
Client Services Consultant – Global Trade Services
Wells Fargo Bank

11:40 AM - 12:40 PM EDT

The Standby Letter of Credit – How an Economic Downturn affects the Standby, what concerns are there in both issuance and drawdowns?

The changes in the issuance process; how do you give notices of non extension; will the LOC be drawn now?

Speakers

Frank Petrassi
Vice President
JPMorgan

Kristine Siebel
Chair, BAFT North American Standby Letter of Credit/Guarantee Committee
Vice President & Standby Letter of Credit Officer
Société Générale

12:40 PM - 01:10 PM EDT

ICC Opinion Updates

A review of finalized ICC Opinions and the discussion at the ICC Banking Commission Meeting in Paris. How are these decisions made?

Speaker

Normand Girard, CDCS
Director
Global Trade Operations
BMO Financial Group

01:10 PM - 01:20 PM EDT

Digital Coffee Break

01:20 PM - 01:50 PM EDT

Document Collections Aval /Protest

Let’s discuss import collections – and what happens when a bank is asked to Aval themselves to a draft or to Protest a Non Payment? What risks are involved?

Speaker

Jeremiah Glock, CDCS
Vice President & Trade Advisor
Citi

01:50 PM - 02:30 PM EDT

Open Account / Supply Chain Finance

A look at the effects COVID-19 has had on the business of Supply Chain Finance, as well as an update of the efforts to provide practitioners guidance by clarifying its common market practices in risk management, documentation, and operational handling.

Speaker

John Baranello
Director & Head of Trade Finance Product Management, Americas
Global Transaction Banking
Lloyd’s Bank Corporate Markets

02:30 PM - 03:25 PM EDT

Open Floor Interactive Q&A

Ask those puzzling questions. Bring all the questions you and your office want asked. This group will provide their insights into your situation, and may give you new ideas to try. Remember these are only individual thoughts – not in any way meant to be recommendations for your situation.

Speaker

Mary Ann McCarty
Vice President
PNC Bank, NA

03:25 PM - 03:30 PM EDT

Wrap-Up

Walter J. Mix III
Managing Director
Berkley Research Group

Register

Registration for this event is closed.

Speakers

June 22, 24 & 26, 2020
June 22, 24 & 26, 2020
Michael Evan Avidon, Esq.
Michael Evan Avidon, Esq.
Partner
Moses & Singer

Michael Evan Avidon is a partner in Moses & Singer LLP, a NYC law firm, where he Co-Chairs its Banking & Finance Practice Group. He is widely recognized for his knowledge of letters of credit (LCs), lending, and secured transactions. Mike’s practice emphasizes: secured and unsecured lending; trade finance; supply chain finance; discounting; LC reimbursement agreements; participation agreements; receivables purchase and payables agreements; electronic contracting; outsourcing and white label agreements; and LC disputes and litigation. His work involves standby, direct pay, and commercial LCs, and demand guarantees. His clients include money center banks and other financial institutions.

John Baranello
John Baranello
Director & Head of Trade Finance Product Management, Americas
Lloyds Banking Group

John Baranello is the North American Head of Trade Finance Product Management at Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets whose responsibilities include the design, creation and implementation of local and global Supply Chain & traditional Trade Finance products, associated training and marketing, and related technical and regulatory compliance. He is the Chair of BAFT’s Supply Chain Finance Committee and former Chair of the New York/Metropolitan Division of the BAFT Documentary Letter of Credit Committee. He has been involved in the review and advisory stages of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP), the International Standard Banking Practices (ISBP 745), International Standby Practices (ISP98), & the Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees (URDG 758) – being the first to commercialize these rules in the United States. Recognized by the FBI for his work in Trade Finance, Mr. Baranello has assumed numerous trade advocacy roles most recently with the Global Supply Chain Finance Forum.

Stephen Cheung
Stephen Cheung
Executive Vice President, LA Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
President, World Trade Center, LA

Mr. Stephen Cheung is the Executive Vice President of LAEDC and the President of World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA). He leads investment attraction to the LA County region on behalf of both LAEDC and WTCLA, and facilitates successful location of new businesses, projects, and deals from both international and U.S. investors into the region. He also supports international trade and international connections for organizations based in LA County. Prior to his current role, Mr. Cheung was the Secretary General of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and was responsible for managing policies and programs related to the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, International Affairs and Global Trade. Concurrently, Mr. Cheung was the Director of International Trade for the Port of Los Angeles – the busiest container port in North America, and was responsible for developing programs to increase trade through the Port of Los Angeles, and facilitate goods movement through the Southern California region.

Gilbert Cordier
Gilbert Cordier
Product Manager - Digital Trade & Innovation
Societe Generale

Mr. Gilbert Cordier is we.trade Product Manager at Societe Generale and responsible for the growth of the we.trade proposition with Societe Generale’s French clients. He has spent the last 2 years engaging directly with clients to understand their needs, with the insights from this being used to inform how the we.trade platform has developed. Mr. Cordier has a strong entrepreneurial mindset, running his own consultancy for 3 years in Brazil and Switzerland, specialising in energy commodities, with customers that included Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy. Previously, he held roles in energy commodities for corporates such as Engie and CA CIB.

Stacey Facter
Stacey Facter
Senior Vice President, Trade Products
BAFT

Stacey Facter has been Senior Vice President for Trade Products at BAFT for the last six years. Ms. Facter is responsible for managing all the Association’s activities related to trade products and serves as the primary subject matter expert for trade issues, overseeing and managing BAFT’s trade councils, committees and working groups and helps members develop guidance tools for the trade industry. Ms. Facter serves as a public spokesperson for the organization to stakeholders, regulators and policy makers on industry matters affecting the international trade finance community and is BAFT’s primary technical resource for trade related education and training.Ms. Facter has more than twenty-five years of experience in international banking, including over twenty years with JP Morgan Chase Bank, covering emerging markets, international trade finance, cash and risk management, and securities collateral management.

Leonard Frady
Leonard Frady
Sanctions Compliance and Evaluation Officer
Office of Foreign Assets Control
U.S. Department of Treasury

Mr. Leonard Frady is a Sanctions Compliance Officer with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in their Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation Division. Previously, Mr. Frady worked as a Senior Bank Examiner and Bank Examiner with the New York State Department of Financial Services, New York State Banking Department, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Also, he has worked as a Senior Enforcement Case Specialist with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on BSA/AML matters, and as a Securities Compliance Examiner with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. In addition, he worked in the BSA/AML/Sanctions Compliance Department of Eagle Bank located in the Washington, DC metro area.

Alexander Goulandris
Alexander Goulandris
Co-CEO & CRO
essDOCS

Mr. Alexander Goulandris started his career as a maritime lawyer with Holman Fenwick & Willan in London, Athens and Hong Kong. He then joined Freehill, Hogan & Mahar in New York, where his clients included many leading ship operators. In 2005, he co-founded essDOCS with the aim of eliminating the significant inefficiencies resulting from the use of paper documentation in shipping and trade. Today, Mr. Goulandris serves as essDOCS Co-CEO & CRO, where he is responsible for the Company’s strategic direction while overseeing all revenue-generating aspects of the business.

Normand Girard, CDCS
Normand Girard, CDCS
Director, Global Trade Operations, BMO Financial Group
Chair, BAFT Commercial Letters of Credit Committee

Normand Girard is Director, Global Trade Operations for BMO. He is responsible for the Bank’s processing of all trade finance products in North America and Europe as well as process oversight in Asia. Mr. Girard has 35 years of experience in Global Trade Operations at BMO. During his career with the Bank, he has covered every role in Import, Export, Standby Letters of Credit and Collections as well as integral operations leadership roles throughout the evolution of BMO’s trade finance business. He has been Chair of the BAFT Southeast Committee from 2011 to 2017. He is a Certified Documentary Credit Specialist and currently Chair of the BAFT National Commercial Letter of Credit Committee since 2017.

Jeremiah Glock, CDCS
Jeremiah Glock, CDCS
Vice President & Trade Advisor
Citi

Jeremiah Glock comes to us with over 50 years of experience in Global Trade Operations, with 25 years at Citi in various positions. For the last 14 years he has been one of Citi’s Global Trade Advisors, assisting with providing guidance in all functions of Letters of Credit (Advising Commercial / Standby L/C’s and Examination of Documents), Import and Export Collections, Reimbursements and Compliance and Potential Risk items. Mr. Glock is CDCS (Certified Documentary Credit Specialist) certified and also represents Citi as the Vice Chair on the Southeast Letter of Credit Committee which includes the Collection Committee.

Yasmin Kermalli, CDCS
Yasmin Kermalli, CDCS
Assistant Vice President
Service Center Coordinator
Bank of America

Ms. Yasmin Kermalli is Assistant Vice President and Service Center Coordinator in Global Trade Operations, Commercial Letters of Credit at Bank of America in Los Angeles. She joined Bank of America 32 years ago, and has been in Trade Finance for over 27 years covering Export and Import letters of credit. Prior to joining Bank of America, Ms. Kermalli was with The HSBC Group as an Office Manager in their Merchant Banking arm in Dubai, UAE. Ms. Kermalli is a Certified Documentary Credit Specialist and Co-Chair of the BAFT West Coast Letter of Credit Committee.

Mary Ann McCarty
Mary Ann McCarty
Vice President
PNC Bank

Ms. Mary Ann McCarty is with PNC Bank and has over 38 years of experience with trade products. She currently manages the Standby Operations for PNC which includes management of all aspects of syndications. Mary Ann’s expertise is with Standby Letters of Credit and is very involved with risk management issues. She is currently an active member of the BAFT National Standby Letter of Credit Committee.

Byron McKinney
Byron McKinney
Associate Director
Product Management, Maritime & Trade
IHS Markit

Mr. Byron McKinney is the product manager for trade finance and compliance solutions at IHS Markit. His focus at IHS Markit is on the automation and simplification of the compliance and workflow process within trade finance. He has over 15 years of experience in trade finance and commodity trading most recently from Accuity, where he led the business team in designing and delivering dual-use goods identification and vessel monitoring for the banking and cargo markets. Previously, he worked at Thomson Reuters in the energy and shipping business with time spent on developing cargo tracking models and price forecasting applications for gas and power.

David McLoughlin
David McLoughlin
Head of Commercialisation
we.trade

Mr. David McLoughlin is Head of Commercialisation at we.trade, the blockchain-based trade finance platform that makes it easier and more reliable for buyers and sellers to trade globally. He is passionate about the benefits that new and emerging technologies bring to businesses and has spear-headed the successful development, launch and on-going marketing of innovative solutions for many organisations – from start-ups to large corporates. Mr. McLoughlin is a business mentor with Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government agency focused on helping Irish businesses deliver new export sales, and in the past has held various roles in organisations that include Vodafone, Fujitsu and Marubeni.

Walter J. Mix III
Walter J. Mix III
Managing Director & Financial Services Practice Group Leader
Berkeley Research Group

Mr. Walter J. Mix III is a Managing Director and heads the Financial Services practice at Berkeley Research Group. He is a former commissioner of the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and also previously served as a banking executive at Union Bank of California. He advises domestic and international bank clients on corporate governance, risk management, strategic planning, and financial advisory assignments. He has significant experience in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and capital planning. He joined BRG from LECG, LLC and before that The Secura Group; serving as managing director in both firms. He serves as chairman of the International Bankers Association of California.

Fiore (Frank) Petrassi
Fiore (Frank) Petrassi
Vice President
J.P. Morgan

Fiore (Frank) Petrassi is Global Product Manager for Standby Letters of Credit and Guarantees with JPMorgan Chase responsible managing and growing the global Standby Letter of Credit and Guarantee offering to the JPMorgan client base for all lines of business. Frank is a long standing member of the BAFT Trade Finance Committee and current Chair of the BAFT National Standby Letter of Credit/Guarantee Committee. He was former Chair of the BAFT North Central Standby Letter of Credit Committee and Co-chair of the IIBLP Government Mandated Letter of Credit Committee.

Ana Isabel Ramirez
Ana Isabel Ramirez
Vice President
Trade and Supply Chain Finance Specialist
City National Bank

Ms. Ana Isabel Ramirez is responsible for managing and supporting the Trade products/services, and Supply Chain Finance Receivables Discounting, and Payables Financing needs of City National Bank’s clients and prospects. Prior to joining City National Bank in November 2018, Ana worked for 20+ years as Trade Services Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo Bank, US Bank, Union Bank of California, and Bank of America where she managed Financial Institutions, Corporate, and Commercial banking clients/prospects in the U.S.A., Canada, and Caribbean. She was responsible for ensuring all client international trade and supply chain finance product needs were successfully delivered.

Glenn Ransier
Glenn Ransier
Senior Vice President Head of Documentary Trade and SBLCs
Wells Fargo Bank

Glenn Ransier is the SVP Head of Documentary Trade and SBLCs with Wells Fargo Bank. He is currently a Technical Advisor assisting the production of official Banking Commission Opinions for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France. He also has delegation experience at the ICC and at the International Organization for Standardization. Mr. Ransier has been an involved member of BAFT for decades and was most recently the Chair of the Oil and Commodity LC Working Group in 2015.

Francisco Rodriguez, CDCS
Francisco Rodriguez, CDCS
Trade Services Consultant
Client Services Consultant – Global Trade Services
Wells Fargo Bank

Mr. Francisco Rodriguez has over thirty-five years of experience working in Global Trade Operations of several major banks. His interaction with custom brokers, document preparation services, freight forwarders, among others has enabled him to help the banks customers in the import, export trading areas, as well as Standby L/C’s Mr. Rodriguez is a current certified documentary credit specialist sanctioned by BAFT. He received his Global Logistics Specialist’s certification from California State Universit –Long Beach. He is the current Chair of BAFT West Coast Regional L/C Committee.

Juan-Jose Ruiz
Juan-Jose Ruiz
Head of Strategy and Business Development, TradeLens
IBM Industry Platforms

Mr. Ruiz is a global strategy and business development executive with experience in the technology, financial services, and media/information industries. He is currently leading Strategy and Business Development at IBM for TradeLens, the industry platform for the digitization of global trade. Prior to IBM he played a number of strategic and operational roles at Thomson Reuters based in Europe, Asia, and the Americas including leading Strategic Alliances globally and developing growth strategies across business units. Mr. Ruiz started his professional career as a software engineer in Spain developing some of the early web-based b2b marketplaces.

Valeria Sica
Valeria Sica
Global Head of Trade Data, Partnerships and Innovation
Citi

Valeria has over 20 years of experience in Trade, based in New York and is currently the Global Trade Services Head for Citi. She is responsible for the product management of all trade services products around the globe for Corporate and Financial Institution’s Citi clients. She works with product managers in the regional teams in Asia, EMEA, NA and Latin America to ensure global consistency and quality delivery to the clients. As Global Trade Services Head she is focusing on key initiatives to drive efficiency into the business like the deployment of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. Valeria is now leading a project that will use Enhanced Analytics to detect red flags, compliance concerns and resolution of sanctions hits in the trade business.

Kristine Siebel
Kristine Siebel
Past Chair BAFT Standby & Guarantee Committee
BAFT

Ms. Kristine Siebel retired in 2022 after 45 years in the Letter of Credit world. At retirement she was a Vice President at Societe Generale in their Trade Finance Group, previously she had been a Senior Credit Officer for Royal Bank of Canada responsible for their Captive Reinsurance Business in New York. Prior to joining RBC, Ms. Siebel was Assistant Vice President and Standby Letter of Credit Risk Officer for JPMorgan Chase Bank in New York. Ms. Siebel began her career in Trade Services with JPMorgan Chase’s predecessor bank Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company. Ms. Siebel has extensive experience in both the issuance and the risk aspects of Standby Letters of Credit. She has been a member of the BAFT North American Standby Letter of Credit Committee since its inception in 1994 and was the Chair of the committee until her retirement. At this time she is also an Honorary Member of BAFT.

Donald Smith
Donald Smith
President
Global Trade Advisory

Donald Smith has over 43 years of experience in letters of credit starting with the UCP 222. He is retired from Citibank New York and is currently President of Global Trade Advisory, a Charlotte NC based consulting firm focused on training in the traditional trade products, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. He has been a member of the US delegation to the ICC Banking Commission since 1998, chaired the ICC’s Uniform Rules for Forfaiting drafting group, co-chaired the International Standard Banking Practices drafting group, was a member of the group which produced the International Standby Practices ISP98. He has been a member of BAFT and its predecessor organizations since 1982, a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and chaired the national Letter of Credit Committee and the Annual Conference several times.

Edward Stoltenberg, ACAMS
Edward Stoltenberg, ACAMS
Director, Trade Working Capital Finance Solutions
Citi

Edward Stoltenberg is a Director for Treasury and Trade Solutions, Global AML Risk, serving as an AML resource to the Trade Business. In his current role, he is responsible for all AML aspects of the Trade AML program, working with stakeholders across the three lines of defense. Mr. Stoltenberg was selected to lead the embedding of machine learning into operations processes to detect Trade Based Money Laundering, and Sanctions red flags. Due to the successes of the before mentioned, Mr. Stoltenberg embarked on several exploratory projects to implement machine learning in areas such as vessel behavior and Military Dual Use goods. Mr. Stoltenberg joined Citi in 2014, leading Citi’s Horizontal AML Risk Assessments, conducting reviews in areas of higher AML risk, including Trade Finance. Prior to his work in financial services, Mr. Stoltenberg served as an Armor/Cavalry Officer in the United States Army.

David Watson
David Watson
Strategic Relationship Director, North America
SWIFT

Mr. David Watson is the Head of North America, responsible for SWIFTs strategic direction and growth in the region. Mr. Watson joined in 2019 and is charged with strengthening the cooperative’s key client relationships and delivering commercial performance across its portfolio of products and services; including SWIFT’s global payments innovation service and its suite of financial crime compliance solutions. Prior to SWIFT, Mr. Watson was the Global Head of Digital Cash Management for Deutsche Bank’s Global Transaction Banking business, responsible for overseeing and driving the strategy and planning for digital business models and client connectivity products for Cash.

FAQ's

What software or platform is this being hosted on?

The 2020 Virtual Trade Finance Workshop will be accessible via the BAFT Events mobile app or online. You will need to download the BAFT Events app ahead of time either at the Google Play or Apple Store. The app will be available prior to the event. You will receive a personalized link from BAFT reminding you to download the event app.

The livestream sessions will be broadcast via Zoom. You need to download Zoom to your device, if you don’t have it installed. Day of the virtual event, make sure you are signed in to BAFT Events and Zoom for a seamless event experience

Why do I need the BAFT Events app?

The BAFT Events app is your gateway to the virtual event. You can access the event via your mobile phone, tablet or on the web. With BAFT Events, you can:

  • Join the live sessions, ask questions, participate in polls
  • See a list of attendees, speakers and their shared information
  • Send messages and connect with attendees and speakers before, during and after the event
  • Access the program and schedule sessions you plan to attend
  • Take notes on sessions and email them to yourself after the session
  • Access any speaker handouts, session and or sponsor flyers
  • Connect with sponsors, solution providers and exhibitors
Do I need to download anything?

Yes, you will need to download the BAFT Events app either via Google Play or the Apple Store ahead of time if you plan to use your mobile device or tablet. The app will be available prior to the event. You will receive a personalized link from BAFT reminding you to download the event app.

If you are planning to join the virtual event via your laptop or desktop computer, you simply need to use the online link sent to you as part of your account confirmation.

How will I login in during the event?

To join the virtual event, simply log in to BAFT Events app from your mobile device or tablet, or go online if using a laptop or desktop computer. Make sure to type the email address you used to register for the event. You can then proceed to My Schedule, choose the session and click on Webinar to join the session.

Will you email me information about logging in and who can help me if I have issues?

Yes, BAFT will send an email to download the BAFT Events app. A reminder will be sent closer to the event dates if you have not downloaded and set up your account yet. You can always contact [email protected] if you have issues downloading or logging in to BAFT Events.

What if I cannot attend the sessions live? Am I able to watch later?

All sessions will be recorded and available on-demand to all registered attendees via the secured pages on the BAFT website. An email will be sent to all attendees once these recordings are available. Please note, you will have access to recordings for the module dates you are registered for. Thus, if you only registered for 1 or 2 modules dates, you will only be able to view these sessions on demand.

Will I still receive CPDs, or CAMS credit?

Yes, the workshop is approved by a variety of accreditation institutions including ACAMS, BAFT, the ICC Academy and the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF). Credits are available for a number of professional qualifications and certifications. Please check the main event overview page for further details.

What if my institution or company doesn’t allow me to access the platform?

Please test ahead of time to ensure you can join the virtual event. The BAFT Events app works best with Internet Explorer (IE) 11, as well as the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. If using a mobile device, IOS 11 or higher and Andriod 7.0 or higher work best.

The webcast for each session is via Zoom. If your device does not have Zoom installed, please make sure you download and sign in to Zoom prior to the virtual event.

To test, sign in to your BAFT Event account then select a session under Agenda or My Schedule and click on the Join Webinar link. BAFT Events works in several devices – computers, tablets and mobile phone. If one device doesn’t work, we suggest you test other devices ahead of time to make sure you can access the sessions.

Will I be able to ask questions?

Yes, you can certainly ask questions via a Q&A dialog box during each session.

Will I be able to speak with the other attendees? Will other attendees be able to see me?

You can connect with attendees before, during and after the event. Simply click the Attendees icon, and you can search, message, exchange contact details and even arrange meeting times with fellow attendees.

No, other attendees will not be able to see you during the sessions. Zoom Webinar is a one-to-many platform. You will be able to see the speakers and panelists, but they will not be able to see you.

Will you go back to in person workshops next year? Or still hold the virtual training?

For the safety of our members, speakers and attendees, we are currently only offering virtual events. As the situation improves, we will re-evaluate the best medium – in-person or virtual, to offer these workshops and other events going forward. Please check the baft.org/events for latest updates on our conference and event offerings.

This year due to COVID-19, BAFT has consolidated our New York and West Coast Trade Finance Workshops into one online event, the 2020 Virtual Trade Finance Workshop, held in a series of 3 modules, June 22, 24 and 26, 2020 from 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM EST.

Attendees will include bankers, importers, exporters, brokers, providers/suppliers and others involved in trade operations and letters of credit documentation.

BAFT is offering exclusive Virtual Trade Finance Workshop sponsorship options based on your company’s marketing, branding and lead generation goals. Below are our featured opportunities and the benefits included with each:

Benefits Virtual Coffee Breaks Contributing Sponsor Supporting Sponsor Mobile App
Marketing/Branding
Dedicated Sponsored Mobile App Splash Page X
Mobile App Sponsored Rotating Banner 5 seconds 10 seconds
Logo featured on event website, registration page and confirmation email X X X X
Recognition as sponsor during event introduction, on event PPT presentation and Mobile App “Featured Sponsors” page X X X X
Logo included on all email and social media promotion pre- and post-event (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc) X X X X
Recognition as sponsor for on-demand recording, live recording and BAFT YouTube page X X X X
Event Registrations
Complementary Registrations 1 2
Discounted Registrations 1
Lead Generation
Attendee List with Name, Company, Title and Email Contact Information X X X X
Mobile App
  • Sponsor featured on all Virtual Trade Finance Workshop marketing materials including:
    • Sponsor logo included on event website, registration page and confirmation email
    • Sponsor recognized as exclusive Mobile App Sponsor during event introduction
    • Sponsor logo included on event PowerPoint presentation
    • Sponsor logo included on all email promotion pre- and post-event
    • Customized digital social media promotion and mentions (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
  • Two (2) complementary registration to the full Virtual Trade Finance Workshop program
  • Sponsored Mobile App Splash page with company branding and messaging on mobile and web-based applications
  • Sponsored rotating banner featured on Mobile App Home page for 10 seconds
  • Recognition as Mobile App Sponsor on Virtual Trade Finance Workshop Mobile App “Featured Sponsors” page with option to link your company profile to a customizable “Sponsor Profile” page
  • Sponsor will receive copy of registration list pre- and post-event that will include name, title, company and contact information
    *Due to GDPR restrictions, BAFT is unable to share registration or attendee lists without a sponsorship agreement in place*
  • Sponsor branded as Mobile App Sponsor for on-demand recording page, live recording and BAFT YouTube page.
    *subject to speaker release agreement approval*
  • Recognition as Mobile App Sponsor on Virtual Trade Finance Workshop Mobile App “Featured Sponsors” page with option to link your company profile to a customizable “Sponsor Profile” page
Supporting Sponsor
  • Sponsor featured as Supporting Sponsor on all Virtual Trade Finance Workshop marketing materials including:
    • Sponsor logo included on event website, registration page and confirmation email
    • Sponsor recognized as Supporting Sponsor during event introduction
    • Sponsor logo included on event PowerPoint presentation
    • Sponsor logo included on all email promotion pre- and post-event
    • Customized digital social media promotion and mentions (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
  • One (1) complementary registration to the full Virtual Trade Finance Workshop program
  • Sponsored rotating banner featured on Mobile App Home page for 5 seconds on mobile and web-based applications
  • Sponsor will receive copy of registration list pre- and post-event that will include name, title, company and contact information
    *Due to GDPR restrictions, BAFT is unable to share registration or attendee lists without a sponsorship agreement in place*
  • Sponsor branded as Supporting Sponsor for on-demand recording page, live recording and BAFT YouTube page
    *subject to speaker release agreement approval*
  • Recognition as Supporter Sponsor on Virtual Trade Finance Workshop Mobile App “Featured Sponsors” page with option to link your company profile to a customizable “Sponsor Profile” page
Contributing Sponsor
  • Sponsor featured as Contributing Sponsor on all Virtual Trade Finance Workshop marketing materials including:
    • Sponsor logo included on event website, registration page and confirmation email
    • Sponsor recognized as Supporting Sponsor during event introduction
    • Sponsor logo included on event PowerPoint presentation
    • Sponsor logo included on all email promotion pre- and post-event
    • Customized digital social media promotion and mentions (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
  • One (1) discounted registration to the full Virtual Trade Finance Workshop
  • Sponsor will receive copy of registration list pre- and post-event that will include name, title, company and contact information
    *Due to GDPR restrictions, BAFT is unable to share registration or attendee lists without a sponsorship agreement in place*
  • Sponsor branded as Contributing Sponsor for on-demand recording page, live recording and BAFT YouTube page
    *subject to speaker release agreement approval*
  • Recognition as Contributing Sponsor on Virtual Trade Finance Workshop Mobile App “Featured Sponsors” page with option to link your company profile to a customizable “Sponsor Profile” page
Virtual Coffee Break Sponsor

Sponsored branding, logo and/or video advertisement displayed for 10 minutes on each day of the three event days during breaks in programming content

  • Sponsor featured as Virtual Coffee Break Sponsor on all Virtual Trade Finance Workshop marketing materials including:
    • Sponsor logo included on event website, registration page and confirmation email
    • Sponsor recognized as Virtual Coffee Break Sponsor during event introduction
    • Sponsor logo included on event PowerPoint presentation
    • Sponsor logo included on all email promotion pre- and post-event
    • Customized digital social media promotion and mentions (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
  • Sponsor will receive copy of registration list pre- and post-event that will include name, title, company and contact information
    *Due to GDPR restrictions, BAFT is unable to share registration or attendee lists without a sponsorship agreement in place*
  • Sponsor branded as Virtual Coffee Break Sponsor for on-demand recording page, live recording and BAFT YouTube page
    *subject to speaker release agreement approval*
  • Recognition as Virtual Coffee Break Sponsor on Virtual Trade Finance Workshop Mobile App “Featured Sponsors” page with option to link your company profile to a customizable “Sponsor Profile” page

** If you would like to learn more about our available virtual sponsorship options, please contact
Matt Kaitz at [email protected] or +1.703.200.9071.**

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