In our interview series spotlighting the talented people in trade finance, we speak with Christine C. Sullivan, Associate General Counsel at U.S. Bank. Christine believes inconsistent laws across jurisdictions and the rise of AI will play major roles in shaping the field's future.
How did you first find your way into trade finance? Was it planned, accidental, or somewhere in between?
I would say-somewhere in between. As a young lawyer, I originally focused my practice on commercial lending which touched upon trade. After leaving private practice and a layover in international custody, I eventually ventured into the trade world.
What made you stay — and what keeps you motivated or engaged over time?
The trade finance industry is ever-evolving and keeps me on my toes! Whether it’s the introduction of new laws pertaining to electronic documents, the various ways in which criminals utilize letters of credit and/or supply chain finance to perpetrate their fraud or sanctions changes, there’s always something new and interesting in the industry to learn.
What part of your work still energizes or inspires you?
I am energized by understanding how cross-border transactions, legal frameworks and geopolitical dynamics shape the movement of goods and capital. The international dimension of trade finance contains variety, intellectual challenge and a sense of global impact.
If you could change one thing about the industry or how we work, what would it be?
This is a great question! The biggest one is the inconsistency of laws amongst the various jurisdictions, particularly as they relate to electronic documents. While the industry is moving away from paper-based requirements, we still have a long way to go. In particular, the laws being adopted by various jurisdictions are not always consistent with one another, creating legal and operational ambiguities in cross-border transactions.
Tell us about a specific experience — a deal, project, challenge, or case — that taught you an important lesson. What was the lesson and how did it shape your approach?
Recent cases in the industry have highlighted how easily invoices can be duplicated or fraudulently created, demonstrating the vulnerability of the current supply chain finance systems. These incidents underscore the need for stronger controls, digitization and standardized verification across the trade finance industry.
What advice would you offer to someone just starting their career in this field today?
I would highly recommend learning AI. The trade finance industry, like many others, will be highly dependent on AI. The intersection of AI and international trade is where the industry is evolving fastest and where the next generation of experts will create the most impact.
The intersection of AI and international trade is where the industry is evolving fastest and where the next generation of experts will create the most impact.
What do you do outside of work that people might be surprised to learn?
I play a variety of sports. I am presently a quarterback on my flag football team and a first baseman on my softball team.
Michael is the CEO of IIBLP and the Publisher of DCW. Michael has over 25 years of professional experience including 15 in trade finance and compliance, and has written and spoken extensively.
