ICC Banking Commission; I am at your service
Yesterday
it was announced that the ICC Banking Commission appoints two technical
advisors:
http://www.iccwbo.org/News/Articles/2016/Banking-Commission-appoints-two-technical-advisors/
Two quotes
from the announcement:
“Nicole Keller and
Balasubramani Ramaswamy Venugopal hand over the baton to Kim Sindberg and Glenn
Ransier after three years service.”
“ICC has also
announced that Dave Meynell will remain Senior Technical Advisor and the return
of Gary Collyer who will work with the Senior Technical Advisor to ensure a
consistent style and approach across the body of opinions.”
It is most
likely not a surprise to anyone that – for me – this is a main goal achieved –
in fact a dream come true. As such I have (only) had two main goals in my
professional life (or perhaps 3; but the 3 third is hard to measure – so I will
keep that to myself for now).
The first
goal was formulated when I attended a seminar with Reinhard Längerich. It must
have been end 1993; and he was introducing the “new” version of the UCP ..
namely the UCP 500. After that I told myself that that job I want …. and I
want to be doing that! At that time I worked as a Freight Forwarder, so really a
crazy goal to set …
However, when
the UCP 600 came into force that was my job; I had taken over
from Reinhard who had become my mentor and friend … and I was traveling the
country giving UCP 600 seminars …. Mission complete. Or rather; between 1993
and 2007 a passionate love/hate relationship with the ICC Opinions had emerged.
I was member of the Banking Commission, and from the floor watched Gary Collyer
thinking that job I want …. and I want to be doing that!
So – as of
yesterday: Mission 2 completed.
Or rather
mission 2 launched! Because I did not want this for the sake of the title. I
wanted this because I thought – and still think – I can do a real difference
from that position. At least I will work dedicated to make a real difference.
I will work
dedicated to:
* Support
the Trade Finance community
* Enhance
the perception of the LC as a reliable and strong payment instrument
* Fight the
crazy discrepancies that are totally out of line with the applicable rules and
practice
* Secure
that ICC Opinions are predictable, with strong and clear arguments based on the
applicable rules and practices
* Build
bridges between Trade Finance and other industries such as the transport
industry and the insurance industry
*
Prioritize the long-term goal over the quick win (that may seem right at the
time, but is not).
* Take good
care of the LC
That is
what you can expect.
During the
day I have been flooded with “congratulations”. I am really happy about that –
and thank you all. I really cherish each and every one of them. They remind me
of the responsibility that goes with this. I approach this in a humble and
dedicated manner.
And of course: It will be a great pleasure working with Dave, Glenn and Gary. I really look forward to that.
I would
like to share with you one mail from a good friend of mine. I will read this
from time top time when the tough gets going.
Do not do your best.
Reserve your energy. Just do what is necessary at the minimum.
You have much to do
and for a long time to come. It is not a 100-meter run but a marathon and you
will run that marathon.
Thus start slowly and
keep your pace.
Your presence itself
is reassuring to a lot of people including me.
P.s. You deserve where
you are. And we in the international banking community are lucky to have you as
our Technical Advisor.
For once in its
history, the Banking Commission seems to know what it is doing.
And with
that I wish you all a great weekend, and do not forget to take care of each
other and the LC.
Kind
regards
Kim