Trade Finance Staff in the Age of AI – Career Pivot or Job Obsolete?

(Fresh Hot Q&A Just Dropped)

As AI makes its way into banking—automating everything from LC data entry to document checking—many professionals in International Payments and Trade Finance are starting to worry: Will there still be a place for me?

A heartfelt question from Hà—a former “hardcore trade finance insider”—sparked a very honest and timely conversation. And as always, I don’t shy away from reality but instead point clearly toward new directions for those in trade finance who want to “escape the repetitive processing line” and step into more meaningful roles.

QUESTION

Hello,

My name is Hà. First of all, thank you for sharing such insightful content on Facebook. Thanks to your posts, someone like me—with many years in international payments—still feels connected to the old profession, even though I’ve stepped away from it for now.

I used to work in export LCs at a bank and also earned the CDCS certification. Last year, I left the banking sector to join an import-export company. But after more than half a year, I still deeply miss my previous work and would love to return to banking if the right opportunity comes along.

However, I’ve noticed that banks are now heavily investing in technology, even testing AI for tasks like LC issuance, document checking, and more. I’m concerned that traditional roles like mine may soon be replaced. I keep asking myself: How can I diversify my skill set and move beyond just handling LCs?

I read your recent post about AI and banking, and I would love to hear your advice. For someone like me with a strong background in LCs, what areas should I consider pivoting to in order to stay aligned with current trends?

I’m particularly interested in fields like Risk Management and Supply Chain Finance, as you’ve mentioned before.

Thank you so much, and I wish you great health and energy!

— Hà

__________

ANSWER

Hi Hà,

Your question is very real—and very timely. As AI, automation, and digitalization continue to reshape International Payments and Trade Finance, many routine, process-driven tasks—like document checking, LC issuance, SWIFT messaging, and report generation—are being steadily automated.

So what can professionals like you do—not just to avoid being replaced, but to build on your trade finance expertise and transition into even more valuable roles?

Here are a few practical directions I’d suggest you start exploring now:

1. Move into Risk Management, Compliance, or AML/KYC

• These areas still need human expertise—especially from people who understand cross-border transaction flows and have real-world banking experience.
• Your background in TTQT is perfect for roles like Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) monitoring, compliance screening, or risk analysis.
• Being able to spot how customers disguise transactions for illicit purposes is a huge advantage.

Tip:

Consider adding certifications like AML/KYC, or a Trade Finance Compliance Certificate to make your transition smoother.

2. Shift to Trade Product & Solution Development

• Instead of handling documents, you would be designing and advising on trade finance products like LC UPAS, local LCs, SCF, forfaiting, or BPO.
• This path requires both technical expertise and a strong understanding of market needs.

Tip:

You might look into internal transfers to Product Development or Trade Solutions teams within your bank.

3. Transition into Corporate Relationship Management (RM)

• This is where your trade finance knowledge becomes a real asset. You’d be advising corporate clients on credit lines, export/import finance, LCs, guarantees, factoring, and more.
• Your experience in TTQT means you understand the real operational pain points of corporate clients.

While AI may assist in credit analysis, real client relationships and solution advice still need a human touch.

4. Explore Internal Training, Consulting, or Digital Project Roles

• With your experience, you can become a bridge between operations and technology teams—especially in projects involving AI, OCR, and workflow automation.
• Or take on roles as an internal trainer, supporting branches, writing SOPs, or testing new systems.

5. Embrace Technology – Become a “Digital Trade Finance Professional”

• Learn to work with and manage new tools like AI for document checking, eUCP, SWIFT gpi, blockchain trade platforms, APIs, and more.
• The people who understand both operations and technology won’t be replaced—they’ll be the ones running the systems.

 To sum up:

You don’t need to switch to a completely unfamiliar field. You just need to shift toward roles with higher value-add, where your thinking, judgment, and real-world experience can’t be replicated by machines.

Don’t fear technology. And don’t run from AI. Use the solid TTQT/TTTM foundation you’ve already built to take charge of it—and shape your career in a bold new way.

Wishing you confidence and clarity as you choose your next step in a world where AI may replace those who don’t adapt, but creates golden opportunities for those who do.

Warm regards,

Mr. Old Man