ITFA NEW MEMBERS, April 2025

ITFA is pleased to welcome the following institutions to its growing family:

Established in January 1991, Arab National Bank’s (ANB) London Branch is strategically located in Mayfair, central London.

The branch offers personalized banking services, including multi-currency accounts (GBP, EUR, USD, SAR), standing orders, direct debits, cash withdrawals, foreign exchange services, bank drafts issuance, invoice/bill payments, chequebooks, wire transfers, treasury services as, Safe Deposit Boxes as well as Debit and Credit Cards. Furthermore, the branch offers mortgage financing for residential and commercial properties in the UK. As part of the ANB-Group wide 5-year strategy, the branch will re-establish its Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and Trade Finance business this year. The product range will include the issuance and confirmation of letters of credit, the issuance of guarantees and counter guarantees, forfaiting, discounting of receivables, sub-participations in trade transactions, bilateral loans etc.


Axcel Insights is an independent corporate‑finance advisory firm, licenced by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius. Founded in 2017 by Ruben Mooneesawmy (FCCA, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner), we have supported SMEs and family businesses across Africa and the Indian Ocean in obtaining critical funding.

Why We Joined ITFA

Our membership of the International Trade and Forfaiting Association reflects our commitment to building bridges with funders and continuously learning about the evolving trade‑finance landscape in Africa. Through ITFA we deepen relationships with global banks, non‑bank financiers and export‑credit agencies, ensuring that our clients benefit from the most competitive, innovative working‑capital solutions.

Structuring revolving credit lines, non-fund-based facilities and supply‑chain financing facilities.

Advising on syndicated loans, bond issues and private‑placement transactions.

Managing sell‑side mandates, due diligence reviews and transaction structuring.

Our Team

The Axcel Insights’ team include ex‑senior bankers from SBM Bank (Mauritius) and ABC Banking Corporation, each with significant experience in cross‑border trade‑finance transactions. Combined with decades of corporate‑finance expertise, this blend ensures practical advice.

The Founder and CEO of Axcel Insights, Mr. Ruben Mooneesawmy, will be the main contact for ITFA matters.

Engage Axcel Insights to streamline your trade‑finance requirements, secure critical working capital and enhance business resilience.


For corporates, Blockpeer enables seamless generation and management of MLETR/ETDA-compliant trade documents like eBLs, ePNs, and eBoEs.

Co-Founder of Blockpeer, Mr. Venkatesh Rengarajan Muthu, will be the main contact for ITFA matters.

Mr. Venkatesh explained that these tokenized trade assets can be used for quick access to trade finance through Blockpeer Cliq, our trade finance marketplace, which connects businesses to investors for faster liquidity.

Additionally, corporates can manage all their digital asset and fiat accounting within a unified platform, simplifying financial operations.

For trade finance investors, Blockpeer Cliq offers access to tokenized trade assets, providing an alternative asset class with steady interest rates and minimal correlation to market fluctuations. This offers a unique opportunity for secure and efficient investment in global trade.


Fifth Third, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a diversified financial services company with a history dating back to 1858. The bank offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services across three primary segments:

SVP, Head of Global Transaction Banking of Fifth Third Bank, Global Trade and Supply Chain Finance, Ms. Emy Ruiz, will be the main contact for ITFA matters.

Ms. Ruiz explained that the bank maintains a significant presence in the United States, operating more than 1,089 branches and approximately 2,080 ATMs across states including Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Employing more than 18,600 individuals, Fifth Third is committed to improving the lives of its customers and the well-being of the communities it serves.

As a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Fifth Third ensures the security of its customers’ deposits. The institution continues to focus on innovation and customer-centric services, striving to meet the evolving financial needs of both individuals and businesses.


Isbank has been present in London since 1974 and have been serving the clients in the UK for 50 years, providing a wide range of services in personal banking, corporate banking, and trade finance. Isbank UK plays a key role in strengthening trade and financial ties between the UK and Turkey, with a strong focus on facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting international businesses.

Business Development Manager for Isbank UK, Mr. Tufan Coskun, will be the main contact for ITFA matters along with the Commercial Director Mr Kutan Kudret, Corporate Director Ms Pinar Tunali.

Mr. Coskun explained that Isbank is the largest commercial bank in Turkey and one of the most respected financial institutions in the region. Founded in 1924 under the directive of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the bank operates over 1,000 domestic branches and maintains an international presence through 22 foreign branches, three fully owned bank subsidiaries, and two representative offices across 11 countries.

With the London Branch serving as a strategic hub in Europe, Isbank is well-positioned to support clients looking to do business between the UK, Turkey, and beyond.


MBH Bank is a Hungarian commercial bank primarily engaged in providing a wide range of financial services.  It offers retail banking products, such as savings, accounts, personal loans, and mortgages, as well as corporate banking solutions including business loans, trade finance, and treasury services.

Trade Finance Manager of MBH Bank Nyrt., Mr. László Papp, will be the main contact for ITFA matters.

Mr. Papp stated that MBH Bank focuses on customer-oriented solutions, utilizing both traditional and digital banking channels.  In addition to its domestic operations, it engages in regional activities, aiming to strengthen its position in the Central and Eastern European market.  The bank prioritizes sustainable growth and innovation in its offerings to meet the evolving needs of both individual and corporate clients.


Sky British Enterprises Limited (SBE), established in 2018 and commencing operations in 2019, is a UK-based multinational company specializing in innovative international trade and service solutions for frontier and emerging markets.

Chief Executive Officer for Sky British Enterprises Ltd (SBE), Mr. Ola Isola, will be the main contact for ITFA matters.

Mr. Isola explained that SBE offers a diverse range of services, including structured trade finance, supply chain financing, trade finance risk syndication, and international trade advisory services. The company’s leadership team comprises seasoned professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in corporate and investment banking, international banking, and structured trade finance. Guided by core values such as excellence, innovation, transparency, and quality service delivery, SBE is committed to delivering comprehensive, cost-effective solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients. ​


Interested in joining our growing institution? Please click here » Membership Benefits (itfa.org) for more information or send us an email on info@itfa.org.