Master Trade Finance

What is a Trade Finance Master’s degree at ESCE?

The Master of Trade Finance (RNCP level 7, equivalent to Bac+5) is taught entirely in English. It is aimed at graduates with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), a good command of English and the motivation to succeed in an international environment.

In an unstable global context marked by upheavals, economic crises and political tensions, financial institutions and companies – whatever their size, sector or location – are striving to secure their transactions with foreign partners as effectively as possible.

Combining academic excellence with the best professional practices worldwide, it prepares future professionals for strategic roles in trade finance, compliance and risk management.

Students gain expertise in securing international transactions, structuring complex financing solutions, and using cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain and other digital tools to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global business ecosystem.

RHYTHM: Classical
CAMPUS: Available on Paris campuses
LANGUAGE OF TEACHING: English
DIPLOMA: Master’s degree, internationally recognized

National application

International application

Program objectives :

Provide participants with the knowledge and professional skills necessary to develop a successful international Trade Finance strategy complying with the highest commercial standards and requirements of regulators, all over the world.

Understand the organization, mechanisms and impacts of international trade policies and regulations, and the importance of Trade Finance (TF) instruments mitigating the risks arising from the global economy
Detect opportunities, identify operational risks relating to cross border flows, including those related to money laundering and terrorism financing
Manage the right strategy from a financial standpoint, in accordance with the best international practices and standards, particularly those promoted by ICC, the International Chamber of Commerce.
Negotiate and manage all TF instruments, from letters of credit to international guarantees, structured loans to buyer’s credit, factoring, forfaiting and tailor-made solutions, at every step supporting international contracts.
Assess the role of export credit agencies, supranational institutions and risk mitigants in structured and sustainable financing.
Analyse the impacts of digital innovations (blockchain, AI, smart contracts and crypto) on TF efficiency, including money laundering, terrorism financing and sanctions breaches
Master the principles of international regulatory frameworks (i.e. Basel IV, MLETR, etc.) and their impact on the TF ecosystem

Course topics

International Trade : Opportunities and challenges in complex environments.
Trade Finance : Definition, role, and key concepts
Open account transactions vs Trade Finance instruments: Documentary Credits, Standby, International Guarantees, Taylor made / Structured trade finance solutions international engineering)
Main trade related risks (Operational, Anti-Money Laundering & Sanctions, Terrorism financing, Bribery, Fraud, etc.)
Compliance due diligences, TBML, Sanctions & Embargos, Terrorism Financing KYC concerns, how to detect true hits, OFAC, ACPR, FATF, etc. provisions.
Digital Trade Finance: Acceleration through greater MLETR adoption, digital platforms, AI, blockchain
Logistics essentials : Incoterms, customs regulations, and related practices.

Career opportunities for the Trade Finance Master’s degree

Career prospects :

Trade Finance Analyst / Officer / Manager
Trade Finance Sales
Trade Finance Expert (L/C, Guarantee, SBL/C specialist in Back Office or Front Office)
Structured Trade Finance Officer
Export Sales Administration Officer / Manager
Export Finance Officer / Manager
Compliance Officer
Trade Finance consultant
Corporate Trade Finance Operations
International Auditor Trade Finance Expert
Etc.

A unique, immersive experience

Discover excellence with :

A sector in the throes of digital transformation
Workshops and visits to prestigious companies: banks, transport companies, lawyers, etc.
Meetings with trade finance experts from across the ecosystem

ADMISSIONS

How to apply for a work-study Master’s degree in trade finance

ESCE offers a range of admission options, depending on the level at which you wish to enter the Grande École Program. Here are the different possibilities:

1st year: Admission is via Parcoursup and the SESAME competitive entrance exam, which is common to several grandes écoles de commerce. After creating your file on Parcoursup, you must select ESCE among your choices and register for the SESAME competitive entrance exam. This exam assesses your skills through written tests (online) and an oral test (in person at one of our campuses). Admission is open to post-baccalaureate students, provided they have a baccalauréat or equivalent diploma.
2nd year : Admission is by application and interview. Applicants must submit an application including transcripts and a CV, followed by a motivational interview to assess their interest in the program and their career plans.
3rd and 4th years: You can enter ESCE in 3rd or 4th year via an internal entrance exam. Admission is via specific sessions offered from november to september, with online written tests and a face-to-face oral test on one of our campuses.

For international students, there is a specific admission procedure, with detailed information available on our website.

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FINANCING

Table with finance work stuff. Laptop, money, tablet, pen, papers

Financing

ESCE helps its students finance their studies through partnerships for low-interest student loans, scholarships and support with administrative procedures related to state aid.

State scholarships
Students on the Grande École program can apply for a state higher education grant, subject to nationality, age and income criteria. Applications must be made before May.

Merit scholarships
Honors earned in the baccalaureate may also reduce tuition fees:

Mention Bien: -10% for the first year.
Mention Très Bien: -20% for the first year.

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CAMPUS

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Which ESCE campus offers this course?

ESCE’s Master’s degree in Luxury Communication and Marketing is offered on its Paris campus, located in the heart of the Esplanade de La Défense, in the prestigious Cœur Défense building (90-110 Esplanade du Général de Gaulle, 92931 La Défense).

This premium campus has been completely refurbished to offer a modern and inspiring setting: 2,700 m² of collaborative and relaxation spaces, a tree-lined rooftop, and panoramic terraces with exceptional views. An ideal place to study in a dynamic, international environment.

Discover the campus