Credit Agricole CIB ("CACIB") has always been recognized internationally as one of the leading banks in the field of Structured Finance. CACIB ranks among the world's top players in the field of Project Finance as well as Export Finance. Both departments share a common feature: the need for a strong global network. CACIB's international presence is in more than 50 countries and is, undoubtedly, an essential part of CACIB's strengths. I always wanted to work in a field involving dynamic and international market, and CACIB was just the perfect place.
Starting my career as a new graduate, I found myself becoming part of the vast and diverse network of CACIB. I am constantly inspired by people who carry very different backgrounds and views, and I must admit that this is a very privileged working environment. I hope to be able to inspire those around me as well.
Our department, Project & Export Finance, provides long term financing to large scale projects in emerging countries. We also provide long-term financings backed by Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) such as JBIC and NEXI. We are actively seeking opportunities in various industrial sectors (oil & gas, power, metals & mining, and infrastructure) by providing financial advisory service and/or lending service.. On average, each deal takes at least 5-6 months to execute, but depending on the project status, it could take several years before coming to a close.
It is important to have perseverance. In the field of Project Finance and Export Finance, deals do not get executed overnight. Oil & gas / mining / power / infrastructure projects tend to be large-scaled and exciting, but at the same time they are time-consuming as well. Deals involving multi-countries require more time to close any financing arrangements. Market condition is another factor that affects timing, the recent subprime-crisis and Lehman-crisis being text-book examples.
Try to form a view of yourself five to ten years from now. It is always easy to make yourself busy with what is in front of you, but you should always have a bird’s eye view of yourself and try to think:
・What goals do you want to achieve five years from now? Or ten years from now?
・In what ways could your current work/activities help you reach these goals?
・To achieve such goals, what kind of financing activities do you want to pursue?
Whether you actually achieve such goal(s) is a separate issue. But the important point is in focusing your mind on your future. Your experience at CACIB could become an important step in your career.
| 09:00 | Arrive at office, check the morning headlines and papers |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | credit application or waiver request process |
| 12:30 | Lunch with the team |
| 14:00 | Leave office for client meeting |
| 16:00 | Meeting /call memo write-up |
| 17:00 | Team Meeting: presentation on attended seminars, update on transactions |
| 20:00 | Weekly conference call with client ? Tokyo / Paris / London / NY |
| 21:00 | Leave the office |
Weekends are usually spent outside shopping, visiting friends, or taking one or two-daytrips to other prefectures. At times, I enjoy watching movies or listening to music. At present, my weekends are rather intense due to wedding preparations.
