GAURAV KUMAR

Led multiple strategic initiatives in Trade Finance digital transformation, focusing on automation, regulatory compliance, and corporate API integration. Defined and managed product roadmaps for APIs and platforms aligned to business needs, RBI mandates, and client experience.

• Designed and executed the roadmap for Trade Finance APIs, digitizing processes for LC, BG, Direct/Advance Import Payments, and remittance services.
• Collaborated with business, compliance, IT, and external clients to gather functional and technical requirements through workshops and walkthroughs.
• Conducted “As-Is” vs “To-Be” analysis to identify system gaps and proposed optimal design changes.
• Authored detailed BRDs covering enhancements, compliance needs, risk mitigation, and user impact.
• Developed Agile epics, user stories, and acceptance criteria; managed traceability via JIRA and Confluence.
• Coordinated with development and QA teams during sprints, SIT, and UAT cycles.
• Delivered training and SOP documentation for branch/back-office teams to ensure successful go-lives.
• Created dashboards, MIS, and trackers for senior stakeholders ensuring visibility of milestones, blockers, and risks.
• Ensured adherence to RBI guidelines and internal audit/risk policies across modules.

Key Projects:

🔹 Trade Finance API Integration

• Spearheaded REST API-based trade system integration for corporate clients.
• Used Postman and Swagger to validate APIs and supported UAT and defect triages.
• Resulted in reduced TAT and full digitization of trade workflows.
  🧰 Tech: REST APIs, JSON, JIRA, Swagger, Excel

🔹 Reverse Feed & Inquiry APIs

• Designed APIs to provide real-time trade document status (e.g., Shipping Bills, BOEs).
• Enabled ERP (SAP) reconciliation and reverse feed updates to client systems.
  🧰 Tech: Data Mapping, JSON, JIRA, Excel

🔹 SWIFT India Integration – Tata Steel & GAIL

• Integrated PAIN.001/002 and MT7xx message formats for trade automation.
• Led SIT/UAT with corporate clients; ensured SWIFT certification & digital signature compliance.
  🧰 Tech: SWIFT India, MT/PAIN Messages, JIRA, Excel

🔹 BOTF Project – Corporate Trade Onboarding

• Automated trade onboarding using RM portal, BOTF engine, and chat-based approvals.
• Integrated with internal systems like Tradex, TF Connect, and NFM.
• Achieved onboarding TAT reduction from 7 to 2 days.
  🧰 Tech: BOTF App, Approval Matrix, Excel, JSON, SQL

Worked as a Trade Finance Functional Consultant and Customer Experience (CX) Lead across large banking transformation projects involving Finacle CBS. Delivered process harmonization, QA for international payments, and digital CX enablement.

• Served as lead consultant in the UBI Amalgamation Project, integrating Finacle systems (v7, 10.2.12, 10.2.18) across Corporation, Andhra, and Union Banks.
• Conducted workshops for process rationalization and created DRG reports with proposed changes.
• Delivered final solution documents in collaboration with business, operations, and IT teams.
• Functioned as QA for Bank of America’s Indonesia Project, validating SWIFT/ISO formats in Finacle 11.10.
• Drove process optimization for international payments and compliance.
• Played a pivotal role in launching the Finacle CX Platform, managing customer onboarding and feedback loops.
• Achieved 95–96% satisfaction scores through structured CX design, digital KPI metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Projects:

🔹 UBI Amalgamation – Trade Finance

• Designed rationalization templates for LC, BG, and Bill modules.
• Led DRG sessions and tracked integration through progress dashboards.
  🧰 Tools: Excel, Functional Analysis Templates, Finacle CBS

🔹 Bank of America – ISO Payments QA

• Ensured message integrity in ISO 20022 & MT formats.
• Validated testing outcomes and resolved functional defects.
  🧰 Tools: Finacle 11.10, MT/ISO Formats, QA Scripts

🔹 CX Platform Implementation – Infosys Finacle

• Set up end-to-end customer onboarding and retention frameworks.
• Presented insights to product teams using CRM dashboards and retention KPIs.
  🧰 Tools: Internal CX Tools, Excel, CRM Dashboards

Managed full-spectrum Trade Finance operations and client servicing for Corporate and SME clients, ensuring compliance, digitization, and high service standards.

• Handled end-to-end execution of products like LC, BG, Export Finance, and Direct/Advance Import Payments.
• Delivered personalized advisory to high-value clients on transaction structuring and compliance.
• Led the implementation of Blockchain-based LC Issuance, improving transaction transparency and speed.
• Ensured compliance with UCP 600, FEMA, and RBI guidelines during document scrutiny.
• Analyzed transaction data and generated monthly performance reports for leadership review.
• Improved customer retention through actionable insights and CRM-based client feedback.
• Mentored junior staff, conducted training sessions, and maintained high team productivity and morale.

Key Projects:

🔹 Trade Finance Ops & Compliance

• Scrutinized export/import documents and handled Buyer’s Credit cases.
• Ensured smooth processing through query resolution with internal and external stakeholders.
  🧰 Tech: Trade Finance Modules, Excel, Core Banking System

🔹 Blockchain LC Issuance

• Executed LCs on blockchain for transparency and auditability.
• Worked with cross-functional teams and corporate clients for adoption.
  🧰 Tech: Blockchain Trade Platform, LC Issuance System

🔹 Client Engagement & Reporting

• Designed dashboards and client feedback loops for monthly leadership review.
• Introduced service improvement plans based on data analytics.
  🧰 Tech: CRM Tools, Excel, MIS Reporting
• Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.