Michelle Knowles is Head of Trade Finance Product Management at Absa Group Limited and has recently also taken on responsibility for the Trade and Working Capital Product Governance, Risk and Innovation function in the business

During her 23 years in the Banking industry, Michelle has spent the major part of her career in Trade Finance at Standard Bank, First National Bank and the ABSA Group.

During this time, she has been involved in training, management of trade online channels and for the past 11 years, her focus has been on Product Management, with an emphasis on the development of a portfolio of new emerging products and management of an existing portfolio’s.

In her current role, she is responsible for defining and executing the Trade Finance Product strategy across the Group’s footprint across Africa, which includes driving innovation and product development and execution for the Trade Finance suite of products. The evolution of Supply Chain Finance products and its ability to address the Trade Finance Gap in Africa has been her focus over the past couple of years.

She has also taken on responsibility for the Product Governance and Risk Management function for the Trade and Working Capital business. The role is responsible for leading the TWC product governance and innovation function across all the presence markets and setting and managing of the overall Trade and Working capital risk strategy and appetite across the business. The role is also responsible for collaboration strategies and leading the innovation process in the business to identify new revenue opportunities or technology trends that aligns to the overall strategy of the business.

Michelle has a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership (UNISA) and has completed the SAFEX Registered Persons examination for Bond, Equity and Futures markets.

In addition, she holds a certificate in Business Psychology and Human Behaviour, completed numerous leadership and trade finance courses, and is currently a member of the Institute of South African Financial Markets.

Expertise In: Trade Finance, Product Management, Supply Chain Finance