Dr. Smita SAntoki is a Faculty, Corporate Trainer & Consultant. Dr. Smita Santoki is a passionate trainer and a consultant in the field of Corporate Communication Skills and in the International Business Management on the following topics for two decades: Export Import Management, Foreign Trade Policies, Shipping, International Marketing and International Diversity Negotiations & Management With a PhD in Marketing Management from the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune; she has also done MBA in International Business from the same University. Has done her Masters in Commerce from Pune University. Has published a few research papers in national and international journals (Scopus Indexed) in the areas of Exports, Social Entrepreneurship etc. As a topper in the PG Course in International Trade, she cracked her first ever campus interview at world’s biggest shipping line P&O Nedllyod; that was later bought over by Maersk Shipping line. She has successfully trained and consulted many SMEs, MSMEs and SHGs in many cities across India. And has trained at companies like Tata Motors, Garware Wall ropes, Thermax, Alfa-Laval, Cosmo Films, Welspun to name a few. She has conducted close to 20 workshops for the Faculty fraternity too. She was with the Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) for the past 10 years. And later worked for the ICFAI Business School (IBS-Pune) from June 2022- October 2023. Her association with the Sakal Group’s International Interdisciplinary Learning Centre for the past decade and counting.

Robert Suomi is an MPhil student of Economics at Cambridge, and holds an MA in International Relations. His interests lie in the field of international affairs, combining elements from both politics and economics.

Astrid has just finished an MSc in International Business Management at University of Bath. Her interests include behavioural economics, human behaviour and its consequences for international political economy. With a BSc in Politics with Economics, her MSc in business and management studies has provided an excellent addition and perspective on world and human affairs. Astrid is starting her career in digital communications in London from September onwards, but continues to write on topics such as cyber security, IPE and the impact of AI and AI assistants on branding and marketing internationally.

Thembinkosi Zungu is the Director of Supply Chain Management at Toks in Mexico City, Mexico, with a strong background in logistics and supply processes. He brings a passion for international trade, entrepreneurship, innovation, cargo management, business analytics, and adapting to the dynamic business landscape.

James joined New Narrative in 2019 and is a Director of New Narrative’s UK division as well as Senior Editor, focusing on financial and professional services. He has 20 years of experience in business-focused publishing and insight, mostly in London. Before joining N/N, James was managing editor at Hong Kong-based consultancy A2 Global Risk, Head of Political Risk at IHS Markit, and Market Insight Editor at De La Rue Plc. His commentaries on current affairs have been cited in media such as CNN, CNBC and the Financial Times. James holds Masters degrees in Philosophy & English Literature from the University of Glasgow and in South Asia Area Studies from SOAS (University of London). He has contributed to several non-fiction books.

Strategy Analyst at Ebury. Providing expert currency analysis so small and mid-sized businesses can effectively navigate international markets.

Paul Redmond is the Corporate Marketing Manager for Smart Currency Business, writing about economic and political events that impact currency markets. He has a diverse background in content and marketing, with experience in editorial positions and brand management. Paul currently serves as the Content Manager at GUAVAPAY and previously held similar roles at Clear Junction and OpenPayd. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Nottingham Trent University and a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Nottingham.

John Marley, based in United Kingdom, is currently a Enterprise Sales at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group). John Marley brings experience from previous roles at forexxtra, Smart Currency Business, Infinity International Limited and Western Union. With a robust skill set that includes FX Hedging, FX Spot, Fixed Income, Bonds, Structured Products and more.

Deepesh Patel is the former Editorial Director of Trade Finance Global (TFG). In this role, Deepesh led efforts in developing TFG’s brand, relationships and strategic direction in key markets, including the UK, US, Singapore and Dubai. Deepesh regularly chairs and speaks at international industry events held by the IFC, EBRD, IMN, WTO, Financial Times and Economist Impact, as well as industry associations including ICC, FCI, ITFA, ICISA and BAFT. Deepesh is the former host of the ‘Trade Finance Talks’ podcast and ‘Trade Finance Talks TV’. He is co-author of ‘Blockchain for Trade: A Reality Check’ with the ICC and the WTO, alongside other industry research. Additionally, Deepesh is a Strategic Advisor for WOA, and works closely with ITFA. He also sits on the Fintech Working Group of the Standardised Trust. Prior to TFG, Deepesh worked at Travelex where he was responsible for the cards business and the Travelex Money app in Europe, NAM, UK, and Brazil. Deepesh is Chair of Governors and co-opted LA Governor of the Wyvern Federation, which has responsibility for five primary schools in South London.

Robert Besseling founded specialist intelligence company EXX Africa in 2015, after pursuing a decade-long career in political risk forecasting at industry-leading firms in the UK and US. In late 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, EXX Africa was rebranded as Pangea-Risk to cover 68 African and Middle East countries. At Pangea-Risk, Robert leads a team of partners, researchers, and contributing analysts to produce commercially relevant and actionable analysis on political, security, and economic risk in Africa and the Middle East. Robert also retains the lead on many consulting projects for blue chip corporations in a wide variety of sectors. Robert is regularly invited to speak at major international conferences on topics such as metals and mining, trade and export finance, and global security matters. He frequently moderates ministerial panels and has interviewed multiple African heads of state and government during his career. Robert makes frequent appearances on televised media, as well as contributions to international print media. He has travelled extensively on the continent and calls Africa his ‘home’.

Gary launched Pound Sterling Live in 2013 and has since expanded the site’s editorial team, data offering and corporate relationships. Previously he worked in the business-to-business publishing industry and has a tertiary education in economics and journalism.

Nick’s experience and expertise includes commodity trading disputes, especially under GAFTA and FOSFA terms and oil trading contracts, cargo claims, disputes under charterparties, bills of lading, general average, MOAs and shipbuilding contracts.

Yüce Uyanik is a former factoring executive. Now, part time instructor at two universities in Istanbul on Foreign Trade, Finance, Accounting, Logistics and Sales Management subjects. An owner of a training consultancy company on Selling, Management and soft skills, Uyanik is also author of two books on Foreign Trade Transactions (2005) and Financing, International Factoring Rules (2002) and several scientific articles on private Law. Uyanik has been a member of the Legal committee of FCI since 2003.

Aurélie Grossemy is Director of International Business Development at Velotrade, the Hong-konguese platform specialised in trade finance. She has a solid transactional experience in receivable finance for the French and international market. She started her career in origination for General Electric Factoring in France where she has developed a compelling technical competence at structuring operations. Then she worked for the trade credit insurer Euler Hermes in the Structured Finance team. She provided strategic solutions on de-risking, capital optimisation and derecognition to banks and corporates on a variety of French or International programs of securitization, Supply Chain Finance and factoring. After spending most of her career in Europe, she entered Fintech world at Velotrade in Hong Kong. Aurélie has a Master’s degree in Business Management from SKEMA Business School

Matt Reed has transactional due diligence experience with both private and public companies reporting under domestic and international accounting standards across various sectors including: consumer and industrial products, healthcare, professional services, and specialty finance. Since joining RedRidge Diligence Services, Matt has performed M&A and lender due diligence for strategic partners operating in the middle market throughout North America as well as Australia and Europe with deal sizes ranging from $1 million to $250 million.

James Esdaile is Managing Director at BPL Global. James has worked at BPL Global for 20 years, building a wealth of experience in numerous industry sectors. He was appointed to the Limited Board in 2004, and to the Group Board in 2006. As Joint Managing Director, James works alongside Sian Aspinall to set the company’s strategic course and ensure the highest levels of service for clients across the entire insurance placing process. Having joined BPL Global in 1997, James was appointed as Managing Director in 2015, charged with consolidating the broker’s position as the leading independent specialist in the CPRI market – by maintaining its reputation for high technical standards, overseeing its geographic and product growth, and developing its corporate structure.

Doreen Fick is a qualified chartered management accountant, which she has supplemented with qualifications in product management and international trade finance. Doreen is a product manager of Bonds, Guarantees and Indemnities for our Corporate and Investment division and is passionate about promoting their trade business. She is part of a dynamic Absa global finance and trade team. Absa is one of the biggest banks in South Africa with nine African subsidiaries and over 42 000 employees. Doreen Fick, with over a decade of experience in product management and development within Corporate and Investment banking, brings a wealth of expertise in trade finance. While much of her career has focused on internal operations, she has recently transitioned to a more outward-facing role, emphasizing external stakeholder engagement and strategic initiatives. Renowned for her problem-solving prowess and ability to drive change, she excels in swiftly identifying and implementing solutions to overcome obstacles. Her skill in aligning external stakeholder needs with internal capabilities has been instrumental in driving organizational growth and enhancing external presence. As a seasoned professional, Doreen is recognized as a fixer within her organization, driven by a fervent passion for driving change and achieving results. With a keen eye for strategic opportunities and a proactive approach to problem-solving, she has the ability to translate high-level objectives into actionable plans and initiatives. Her strong networks and interpersonal skills enable her to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, fostering strong relationships and driving collaborative efforts toward shared goals. Moreover, her mastery in leading and managing various products or business challenges is evidenced by her systematic approach, which begins with identifying root issues, conducting thorough research, consolidating needs and solutions, and implementing effective strategies. In addition to her expertise in trade finance, Doreen has honed her skills in strategic leadership and problem-solving, making her well-equipped to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful change. Her commitment to delivering results, coupled with her ability to adapt to dynamic environments, positions her as a valuable asset to any organization seeking a forward-thinking and solution-oriented professional. With a proven track record of success and a relentless drive for continuous improvement, she is prepared to leverage her skills and experience to contribute positively to the success of any dynamic team.