CHISOM EKAETTE OKORO
Summary
Certified Trade Finance Professional with over 4 years of specialized experience in banking operations. Proven expertise in end-to-end processing of trade payments and transactions, including Letters of Credit and Foreign Documentary Bills. Adept at driving operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing client satisfaction. Skilled in managing complex financial documents and fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. Committed to continual process optimization and proficient in multiple finance management systems. An ideal fit for high-stakes financial roles that demand precision, integrity, and efficiency.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Trade and Payment Specialist
Rand Merchant Bank
07.2024 - Current
- Direct the end-to-end processing of domestic, cross-border payments and transactions involving Letters of Credit, Foreign Documentary Bills for Collection, and Local and Foreign Guarantees
- Ensure accuracy and compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
- Maintain strict adherence to audit requirements and regulatory guidelines, significantly reducing potential risk areas by providing informed recommendations for both bank and customer operations.
- Spearhead initiatives for the ongoing evaluation and optimization of transaction processes to boost efficiency and turnaround times
- Increase client satisfaction and retention rates through outstanding service and effective communication.
- Actively support the Markets and Coverage sales teams by participating in client-site product sales and identifying cross-selling opportunities that align with customer needs and business goals.
- Manage daily filing and diarizing of transactions, ensuring organizational effectiveness and readiness for audits.
- Provide critical support to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), assisting with additional duties as required.
Letters Of Credit Officer, Trade Operations
PROVIDUS BANK
Lagos Nigeria
02.2022 - 06.2024
- Processed import letters of credit issuance (MT700) on SWIFT in accordance with UCP600, regulatory guidelines, and within TAT
- Examined and verified shipping documents received from offshore banks
- Issued confirmed, unconfirmed, deferred, and sight import LCs in line with international best practices and regulations
- Processed import letters of credit issuance (MT700) on swift in accordance with UCP600, regulatory guidelines, and within TAT
- Processed funds movements (MT202, MT200) for customers' LC payments
- Timely processing of LC amendments, extensions, and payments
- Handled LC discrepancies and communicated with clients for resolution
- Processed Line LCs, LC refinancing, and ensured offshore bank instructions are acknowledged and processed
- Authorized payments (MT799) upon presentation of complying documents
- Processed L/C enhancements (MT707) within stipulated timelines
- Provided timely responses to customers' queries and advised on best business processes
- Advised customers of their FX bidding position upon request
- Settled trade finance products in line with internal policies, swift procedures, and relevant ICC rules
- Closed unutilized LC balances
- Liaised with Treasury for currency conversion as required
Invisibles/Cross-border Remittance,Trade Ops
PROVIDUSBANK
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Processed MT103 payments on SWIFT
- Reviewed and processed customer’s application on TRMS portal
- Ensured the correct scheduling is maintained in line with customers’ request
- Ensure that CBN DTR reports are rendered in an efficient and timely manner
- Maintained a tidy workplace irrespective of the high volume of transaction processing
- Monitored and liaised with Compliance to ensure Sanction screening was checked daily to avoid fraudulent transactions and financial loss.
- Payment of tuition and upkeep requests to the beneficiaries in line with the regulatory limit and internal policies
- Processed Bloomberg subscription and other subscription payments as per customers’ request
- Process amendment (MT199) on SWIFT as may be required
Import Form M and Paar Officer
PROVIDUSBANK
09.2020 - 03.2022
- Activated form M through CBN single window.
- Ensured documentation for form M processing is in place
- Requested for an extension to CBN for expired form M already extended by the bank
- Monitored import items to comply with the updated 41-item list and prohibition regulations.
- Processed form M amendment and cancellations
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by obtaining required approvals.
- Processed form M for oil import applications (CB), ensuring all documentation is in place
- Reviewed if a Depot licence and stamping are used to certify quality utilized as well as balances.
- Reviewed applications on the NMDPR (previously DPR) portal.
- DTR reports rendition form M
- Processed pre-arrival assessment report (PAAR) on the single window
- Coordinated with Nigerian Customs for amending HS codes aligned with client specifications.
- Coordinated proper documentation for import items and secured Customs approval.
Trade Officer: Bills For Collection
PROVIDUSBANK
11.2020 - 06.2021
- Monitored, controlled, and collected exchange control documents
- Processed import Bills for Collection (BFC) and document filing in compliance with policies, regulations, and best practices
- Executed BFC payment processes accurately and within timelines
- Initiated MT202 BFC payments upon acceptance of bill of exchange by the drawee
- Notified customers and documented acceptance of BFC documents
- Notified Drawers bank of receipt and acceptance/non-compliance of documents (MT412, MT422, MT410)
- Traced BFC payments in case of non-receipt by the beneficiary
Export Support Officer
PROVIDUSBANK
11.2020 - 06.2021
- Reviewed form Export Declaration (NXP) on TRMS portal
- Certified NXP repartition to CBN
- Rendered Daily Transaction Report (DTR) of export proceeds utilization to CBN
- Opened and Maintained NXP files
- Notifed CBN of non-repatriation of Export proceeds
Education
B. A - Philosophy
UNIVERSITY OF UYO
01.2018
Skills
- Experienced in working within and leading teams towards common financial goals
- Ability to process complex information and present it clearly and concisely
- Proficient in identifying problems and implementing effective solutions
- Working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams
- Organizational skills and decision-making skills
- Technical aptitude and proficiency in system documentation and working knowledge of ICC rules
- Customer support, communication and intrapersonal skills
- Time management and collaboration
Certification
- CERTIFIED TRADE FINANCE PROFESSIONAL (CTFP)- International Chamber of Commerce, 2023
- CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING IN ISBP821- ICC Nigeria, 2023
- DIPLOMA IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT, HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT- BEM-Powered Business/Entrepreneurship School (Affiliated to the International Project Management Academy, Oakland, California, USA), 2018
- CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING IN COMPUTER APPLICATION AND MAINTENANCE- Patriotism International, 2013
Achievements and Awards
- Speaker/Excellent Delivery Award by FITC
- Best Graduating Student, Philosophy 2018 set
- Best graduating Student, FGGC Calabar
Hobbies and Interests
- Learning and Development
- Traveling
References
Available Upon Request
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Trade and Payment Specialist
Rand Merchant Bank
07.2024 - Current
Invisibles/Cross-border Remittance,Trade Ops
PROVIDUSBANK
03.2022 - 03.2023
Letters Of Credit Officer, Trade Operations
PROVIDUS BANK
02.2022 - 06.2024
Trade Officer: Bills For Collection
PROVIDUSBANK
11.2020 - 06.2021
Export Support Officer
PROVIDUSBANK
11.2020 - 06.2021
Import Form M and Paar Officer
PROVIDUSBANK
09.2020 - 03.2022
B. A - Philosophy
UNIVERSITY OF UYO