The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan, in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Pakistan and ICC UAE, successfully organized a high-level international workshop on trade finance, compliance, and sanction risk. The program, held at NIBAF’s Karachi campus on August 21, 2025, brought together trade professionals, banking executives, and compliance officers for an intensive case-driven training supported by Moody’s.
The workshop, titled “Tales from the Trenches: Understanding Trade Finance, Compliance & Sanction Risk in Today’s Interconnected World,” was designed to bridge knowledge gaps in the global trade ecosystem. It provided participants with practical tools to navigate the growing complexities of international trade, particularly in an environment where regulatory requirements, sanction regimes, and financial crime risks continue to evolve rapidly.
The event was led by two globally recognized trainers. Vincent O’Brien, Director at ICC UAE, shared extensive insights into the dynamics of trade finance, leveraging his years of experience in guiding banks and corporates on structuring secure cross-border transactions. Alongside him, Mohamed Daoud, Director at Moody’s, offered a comprehensive perspective on compliance frameworks, highlighting how financial institutions can strengthen their defenses against sanction violations while ensuring operational efficiency.
Running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the workshop combined theoretical discussions with real-world case studies, enabling participants to gain actionable knowledge. Through scenario-based learning, attendees explored the challenges of managing international trade under the lens of compliance obligations. They also examined how the growing interconnectivity of financial markets amplifies the risks of regulatory breaches and how institutions can adopt risk-based approaches to mitigate exposure.
One of the major themes emphasized during the program was the need for digital integration in compliance management. With the rise of fintech solutions and advanced data analytics, the workshop underlined how technology can play a pivotal role in monitoring trade transactions, flagging irregularities, and ensuring adherence to global sanction regimes. This reflects a growing recognition in the banking and trade finance ecosystem that compliance is no longer solely about human expertise but increasingly about leveraging digital platforms and artificial intelligence to safeguard global operations.
Participants, which included officers from local banks and international trade institutions, appreciated the collaborative nature of the workshop. The discussions highlighted not only the regulatory landscape but also the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s integration into global trade systems. By drawing parallels between regional and international practices, the event underscored the need for Pakistan’s financial sector to remain agile in adapting to global compliance standards, particularly as the country expands its cross-border trade footprint.
NIBAF’s collaboration with ICC Pakistan, ICC UAE, and Moody’s reflects a broader trend of partnerships between local institutions and global stakeholders. Such initiatives are vital for equipping professionals with the skills and frameworks needed to navigate sanction risks, prevent compliance failures, and foster trust in Pakistan’s financial sector. With global trade continuing to face volatility, from geopolitical tensions to shifting regulatory priorities, workshops like these serve as critical platforms for knowledge transfer and capacity building.
By the end of the day-long program, attendees walked away with greater clarity on how to approach compliance and sanction risks pragmatically. The success of the workshop further cements NIBAF’s position as a hub for professional development in the financial services sector, committed to preparing Pakistan’s banking and trade professionals for the demands of an interconnected global economy.