Khalil Zarka

Trade Finance Deputy Head 

At “Credit Libanais SAL

• Spearhead operations related to Documentary Credit Section, Documentary Collections, Local and International Demand Guarantees, including pre-export financing such as Structured Commodity Finance Services.

• Work across various aspects of trade finance services encompassing Import/Export Letter Of Credits, Inward/Outward Documentary Collections, Local/International Demand Guarantees.

• Coordinate and controls activities related to the issuance of Import L/Cs and the advise of Export L/Cs to ensure alignment with the latest UCP version (UCP 600 and ISBP 745).

• Manage the issue of SBLCs and International Demand Guarantees as per the applicable rules and laws using the knowledge of URDG 758, ISP98, and UCP 600.

• Coordinates the generation of structured commodity finance services in collaboration with the financial institution department.

• Cater to transactions related to the Local Guarantees which are governed by the applicable local laws.

• Discuss and Resolve discrepancies with the import and export senior Documentary Checkers.

• Draft and communicate correspondence across the globe based on the business and operational requirements. Enhance operational efficiency and service quality by implementing various process improvement initiatives.

• Follow up with the IT department for incorporating new parameters/maintaining or modifying existing parameters based on the operational and statutory requirements.

• Function as a point of contact for the bank's clients and concerned branch employees to solve and discuss any technical problems.

• Focus on the introduction of upgrades on the FTI system (Finastra) and other trade related systems (such as FCC Fusion Corporate Channels) and conduct UAT before implementation

• Influence the development of key new products service initiative in order to identify product gaps or new service opportunities and anticipate client needs.

• Manage Audit control reconciliation control Ops risk reporting and other control mechanisms within the team. Monitor customer trade transactions, settlements and report any exceptions to concerned units.

• Review department delivery processes with a view to ensure smooth workflow within the department, reduce turnaround times and achieve efficiency and cost benefits.

• Prepare and present various status reports to the senior management and other stakeholders to enable effective decision-making