MASRESHA ADDISU

As a Director of the International Trade Service Department at Omo Bank S.C., I am responsible for leading the strategic direction, institutional setup, and operational execution of the Bank’s international banking functions. This role is central to positioning Omo Bank as a competitive and credible player in the global trade and financial services arena.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing leadership and oversight across all international banking operations, including trade finance, correspondent banking, SWIFT, and remittance services.

Guiding the department’s structural transformation and talent development through targeted team restructuring, capacity building, and process optimization.

Spearheading the expansion of the Bank’s global correspondent banking network, ensuring compliance with international standards and strengthening bilateral relationships.

Leading strategic engagement with global Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) to enhance inward remittance flows and diaspora banking initiatives.

Ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks set by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) while aligning operations with global trade protocols and risk mitigation standards.

Representing the Bank in key external engagements, including client acquisition efforts, institutional partnerships, and strategic trade negotiations.

In this leadership role, my priority is to build a forward looking and resilient International Banking Department, anchored in strong governance, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovation contributing meaningfully to the Bank’s growth and international visibility.

As Acting Director of the International Banking Department at Omo Bank S.C., I am responsible for leading the strategic direction, institutional setup, and operational execution of the Bank’s international banking functions. This role is central to positioning Omo Bank as a competitive and credible player in the global trade and financial services arena.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing leadership and oversight across all international banking operations, including trade finance, correspondent banking, SWIFT, and remittance services.

Guiding the department’s structural transformation and talent development through targeted team restructuring, capacity building, and process optimization.

Spearheading the expansion of the Bank’s global correspondent banking network, ensuring compliance with international standards and strengthening bilateral relationships.

Leading strategic engagement with global Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) to enhance inward remittance flows and diaspora banking initiatives.

Ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks set by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) while aligning operations with global trade protocols and risk mitigation standards.

Representing the Bank in key external engagements, including client acquisition efforts, institutional partnerships, and strategic trade negotiations.

In this leadership role, my priority is to build a forward looking and resilient International Banking Department, anchored in strong governance, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovation contributing meaningfully to the Bank’s growth and international visibility.

As the Manager of the Trade Service and Correspondent Banking Division at Omo Bank S.C., I am entrusted with the strategic development and operational management of the bank's International Banking Department, which is currently in its formation phase. My role is pivotal in shaping the department's capabilities and ensuring its alignment with global trade and financial service standards.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the integration and operationalization of SWIFT and CBS systems to enable seamless international
trade and financial operations.

Developing and managing trade finance activities, including Letters of Credit (L/Cs), Documentary
Collections, Guarantees, and related services.

Establishing and strengthening relationships with global Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) to provide
customers with efficient and reliable cross-border remittance solutions.

Expanding the bank's correspondent banking network to enhance international transaction capabilities.

Overseeing foreign exchange operations in adherence to NBE directives and international trade protocols.

Driving the creation and implementation of robust policies, procedures, and operational frameworks to
ensure efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

In this critical role, I am dedicated to building a dynamic and effective International Banking Department, driving its go-live readiness, and positioning OMO Bank as a trusted partner in the global trade and financial ecosystem.

After serving as a Principal International Trade Services Officer I in the Export and Inwards Payments Division of the International Trade Services Directorate at Oromia Bank, I was promoted to Principal International Trade Services Officer II in the Accounts and SWIFT Division.

In this advanced role, my primary responsibilities included:

Managing Daily Open Positions:
Monitoring and managing the bank's daily open positions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigate foreign exchange risks.

Transferring Payments via SWIFT:
Facilitating secure and efficient cross-border transactions by executing payments through the SWIFT network, ensuring timely processing of international payments.

Daily Communication with Correspondent Banks:
Engaging in regular communication with correspondent banks to coordinate transactions, resolve issues, and enhance operational efficiency.

As a Principal International Trade Services Officer I in the Export and Inwards Payments Division at the International Trade Services Directorate, Oromia Bank, I played a key role in managing inward payments and trade transactions.

My responsibilities included overseeing the processing of export payments, facilitating the collection of inward payments, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. I collaborated closely with clients to provide tailored trade finance solutions, including Letters of Credit (L/C) and documentary collections, while also monitoring transaction risks and enhancing operational efficiency within the division.

As a Senior Foreign Banking Officer, I held a supervisory role within the conventional wing of the International Banking Department, overseeing various sections, including:

Import Advance Payment Section: Managed and processed advance payments for imports, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while supervising team members in their daily tasks.

Cash Against Document Section: Facilitated transactions under the cash against documents (CAD) method, ensuring secure payments and proper document handling for international trade.

Letter of Credit Section: Oversaw the issuance and management of Letters of Credit (L/C), providing essential support to clients and guiding junior staff in processing transactions.

Interest-Free Section: Led initiatives to facilitate interest-free transactions for cash against documents and letters of credit, aligning with ethical banking practices.

Diaspora Banking Work Unit: Supervised operations serving the banking needs of the Ethiopian diaspora, providing tailored financial solutions to facilitate remittances and support for their families back home.
In these roles, I contributed to enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering exceptional service to clients engaged in cross-border transactions, all while mentoring and guiding my team.

NIB International Bank did not provide the opportunities for career growth that aligned with my aspirations. After careful consideration, I decided to leave the bank and join Oromia Bank S.C. as a Foreign Banking Officer. While this decision came at a personal cost, I believed it was necessary to continue excelling in international banking operations, even at the same grade, in pursuit of my professional development.

As a Foreign Banking Officer in the International Banking Department, I was responsible for executing various functions and served as a maker in the following areas:

Import Advance Payment Section: Processed advance payments for imports, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining accuracy in all transactions.

Cash Against Document Section: Facilitated transactions under the cash against documents (CAD) method, ensuring secure payments and proper handling of all related documents for international trade.

Letter of Credit Section: Assisted in the issuance and management of Letters of Credit (L/C), ensuring that all documentation was complete and compliant with banking standards.

Interest-Free Transactions: Managed interest-free transactions related to Advance payment, cash against documents and letters of credit, aligning with ethical banking practices.

I continued to execute all international banking operations at Tewodros Adebabay branch daily.

Following a structural change at NIB International Bank, they changed my title to Junior Customer Service Officer, though my tasks and responsibilities remained the same as those of a Foreign Banking Clerk. I continued to execute all international banking operations at Tewodros Adebabay branch daily.

Head Office and Urael Branch, NIB International Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I professionally executed all international banking operations at the branch level on a daily basis.

International Banking Department - Export and Import Division at Kasanchis, Tana, Adarash, Mehal-Merkato, and Yerer Branches, as well as the Head Office of NIB International Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I underwent on-the-job training across all banking products and services.