Rajesh Sasidharan

Rajesh Sasidharan- | - Overview • Accomplished and proven Banking professional with +20 years international experience in the core banking industry in International Trade Finance • Currently with Habib Bank AG Zurich, Dubai as Senior Manager – Transaction Banking Services (Trade Finance), handling the entire Imports division for the UAE Trade Operations • Possess in-depth expertise in International Trade Products, Supply Chain Finance, Syndicated Loans, Trade Finance compliance and sustainability in Trade and Trade Finance ensuring adherence to international governing rules, standard banking practices and operational instructions. • Evaluated and successfully implemented operational processes and drove changes and reengineered to optimize efficiency within the control framework • Developed and directed teams to deliver the required levels of service and capitalized on opportunities taking into account best practices and standards in the banking industry Professional Experience Habib Bank AG Zurich, Dubai, UAE Senior Manager – Transaction Banking Services (Trade Finance) Reporting to Head of Trade Finance Leading the Imports team with 17 direct reports, serving 8 branches across the UAE Oversaw Zurich branch’s Trade operations centralized in UAE and ensured smooth workflow -) Primary point of contact for branches, relationship managers, and customers to address queries, provide technical input, and update transaction statuses Mainly managing Import LCs (LC issuance to settlement), bank guarantees, Standby LCs, documentary collections and import loans − Planning and controlling transaction operations − Ensuring that established policies and procedures are followed − Focus on process improvement to improve efficiency, change management across trade operations − Guide and train team members on product specifications, and nuances of the trade products − Directing the development, implementation, and use of productive business strategies − Augmenting the bank’s revenue by providing lead to book new customers through known sources − Achieved agreed-upon department goals and objectives and continuously monitored performance against the defined goals and at the same time ensuring all activities were done within the stipulated TATs − Analyze accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports to assess conformance to expected standards − Enhance trade operations by increasing efficiency and facilitating system automation. − Develop and cement long-lasting client relationships − Recruit qualified candidates to build a talent pipeline − Act as back-up for Head of Trade Services in his absence 01/2015 to date Achievements at Habib Bank AG Zurich • Country award from group CEO for outstanding performance for the year 2021 • Project lead for UAE Trade Connect (haifin)- a nationwide platform co-developed by Etisalat (UAE's national telecom provider) and a consortium of banks in UAE – aimed at safeguarding banks from potential risks of double financing and invoice fraud • Collaborated with the Head of Operations and the IT team to implement process improvements, enhancing overall efficiency and turnaround times with zero operational losses, leading to increased customer satisfaction • Joined as Manager in Jan 2015 and got promoted as Senior Manager in Jan 2020 • Contributed to the implementation of Islamic Trade Finance and the development of system modules • Award from President and Country CEO in 2024 for outstanding performance Rajesh Sasidharan | Page 1 of 3 Development Bank of Singapore (DBS), DIFC Branch, Dubai, UAE 11/2013 to 01/2015 Senior Associate – Technology and Operations (Trade Services) Reported to Head of Operations − Handled Trade requirements for large corporates, mostly high value ticket transactions − Executed operational credit, and regulatory checks prior to scanning and recording of transactions in the system − Coordinated with treasury and liquidity management desk at head office in Singapore to manage FX deals / treasury funding − Assessed the operational performance, service quality, of the Operations team − Ensured all operational procedures were strictly adhered to − Responsible for handling performance reviews, compliance and management of daily operations Achievements at DBS • Team player during the migration process of Trade Finance application viz. IMEX from version 5.2 to 6.5 and several Finacle UATs • Trained and developed colleagues to consistently achieve high customer satisfaction feedback Samba Financial Group, Dubai, UAE 04/2011 to 11/2013 Assistant Manager – Operations and Technology Division (Unit Head-Trade Finance) Reported to the Head of Operations and Technology division, led a team of 2 − Scoped and spearheaded entire Trade Operations − Reviewed the department delivery processes to ensure streamlined workflow within the department, reduced turnaround times, enhanced efficiency and cost benefits United Arab Bank, Sharjah, UAE 10/2007 to 04/2011 Officer – Trade Finance and Remittances − Reviewed and scrutinized documents against LCs and authorized transactions in Trade Finance − Ensured compliance with International governing trade rules, service standards, and operational instructions − Acted as the contact point for advisory/discrepancy resolutions for 8 branches /customers − Successfully accomplished Trade Skills Test conducted by the bank Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait, Dubai, UAE 06/2006 to 10/2007 Trade Finance Officer − Composed comprehensive functional reports, verified the documents presented under LCs − Processed Letters of Credit, Demand Guarantee and Documentary Collection transactions in line with operational guidelines Scope International, Chennai, India 05/2002 to 06/2006 Team Leader - Trade Services (Gulf/Singapore/U.S./India Operations) − Determined, reviewed, and monitored the Exports Division Operations and Institutional Banking Group Transactions comprising of Letter of Credit advising/confirmation, vetting and authorizing Demand Guarantee transactions, and Bank-to-Bank Reimbursements along with post disbursal documents management. − Successfully accomplished trade skills aptitude test level I and II, money laundering prevention, and introduction to outserve courses conducted by Standard Chartered Bank, UK. − Received Star of the month award from CEO Rajesh Sasidharan | Page 2 of 3 International Standards International governing trade rules viz. UCP 600, International Standard Banking Practice (ISBP) ICC Pub No. 821, Incoterms 2020, International Standard Demand Guarantee Practice, URR 725, URC 522, ISP 98, URDG 758 Skills / Competencies Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles Trade Finance Compliance Banking Operations Management Business Development Client Relations Syndicate Loans Employee Management Risk Management Quality Control Supply Chain Finance Strategic Planning Compliance and Anti Fraud Trade Finance Products Workflow Management Team Leadership Education Master of Business Administration (MBA) Madras University Bachelor of Bank Management (BBM) Madras University Certificates • Certificate in International Trade Risk (CITR) - London Institute of Banking and Finance • Certificate in Trade Finance Compliance (CTFC) - London Institute of Banking and Finance • Certificate in Sustainability in Trade and Trade Finance – Coastline Solutions, Ireland • Certified Documentary Credit Specialist-CDCS - London Institute of Banking and Finance • Certificate in Advanced Standby Letters of Credits (SBLCs) – ICC Academy • Certificate for Specialists in Demand Guarantees-CSDG - London Institute of Banking and Finance • Certificate in Supply Chain Finance-CSCF - London Institute of Banking and Finance • Diploma in International Trade and Finance - London Institute of Banking and Finance • Certified Blockchain and Supply Chain Professional - Blockchain Council, USA • Certified Trade and Logistics Professional-CTLP - Developed by Dubai Trade, endorsed by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, UK Software skills: hPLUS, IMEX, Finacle, MS Office Language Proficiency: English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rajesh-sasidharan-27152a13 Rajesh Sasidharan | Page 3 of 3