‘Public speaking in school built my confidence for the workplace’

She has over 10 years of experience in trade finance. She began her career in a global role linked to the International Chamber of Commerce before moving into core trade finance operations and later transitioning to the business side of banking, where she worked on account relationships and related responsibilities. She eventually went on to represent the bank before the RBI’s foreign exchange division. Meet G Radhika, an alumna of Apeejay School, Noida.

In a candid conversation, she shares her journey as a Fincrime and AML professional at Mashreq Bank, a Middle Eastern bank headquartered in the UAE, where she leads the complex investigations team.

What led to your move into your present organisation and role?

My current role worked well for me because it offered a completely work from home setup. When I joined in 2023, I was handling eight trade finance products and managing a team of around 50 people across Egypt, Dubai, Pakistan, and India. We managed import export collections and payments along with products such as LC advising, LC confirmation, LC transfers, and assignment of proceeds. I was doing well in this role when an internal opportunity opened up in financial crime investigations.

What does your work in financial crime involve?

Financial crime work involves anti money laundering, sanctions, tax evasion, and related risks. While system generated alerts are handled by another team, my role focuses on complex investigations. We select a theme, analyse multiple accounts to identify patterns, and prepare reports for senior management when action may be required. In trade finance, we also monitor whether cargo, vessels, or payments are being rerouted to bypass sanctions.

What are the biggest challenges in this line of work?

The biggest challenge is tracking and proving what is actually happening. Oil may appear to come from one source while documents suggest another, and ship to ship transfers can hide the true origin. Transactions may look normal on paper. Trend analysis is also complex, as alerts like repeated cash withdrawals can reflect either routine behaviour or possible criminal activity, requiring careful judgment.

How do you see financial crime evolving with global trade and technology, especially AI?

Financial crime is evolving rapidly with global trade and technology. Investigations require constant monitoring of complex transactions and patterns across markets. Decisions often involve balancing commercial considerations with regulatory responsibility. In such situations, strong integrity and careful risk assessment become essential. Identifying potential concerns and determining the right course of action requires detailed analysis and sound judgment.

Looking back, how did your time at Apeejay School, Noida influence your journey?

I have very fond memories of school. I was an English debater, and one of the trophies we won is still there. Public speaking built my confidence and continues to help me today when I conduct training sessions, make presentations, and lead discussions. Writing reports and presenting ideas to senior management also comes naturally. Much of that confidence comes from the environment at Apeejay School, which encouraged curiosity and open learning.

Did school also influence your creative side?

I was often told I was a melancholy writer, as many of my pieces carried a reflective undertone. That eventually encouraged me to compile my poems into a book. School also offered opportunities beyond academics, helping me explore literature, public speaking, and music. Those experiences shaped my confidence and gave me a well-rounded foundation that still stays with me today.

If you had to leave students with one final thought, what would it be?

Make the most of the variety school offers you. Up to Class X or XII, you experience a rare mix of subjects, extracurricular activities, sports, arts, and ideas. Later, whether in college or at work, life becomes much more specialised. That same breadth does not return. Explore fully, stay open, and value this phase for what it truly offers.