Mathieu Alessandrini

Executive leadership role at a USD 4B+ revenue energy trading group, overseeing all financial operations, governance, and banking strategy while driving structural transformation and institutional growth.

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
  Core member of the executive team, driving long-term strategy and transitioning the Group from a legacy family business into a modern, globally positioned trading firm. Authored critical governance materials (Risk Policy, ESG Report, Company Handbook) to support institutional growth and credit expansion.
• Financial Performance & Structuring
  Transformed the Group’s financial profile by converting USD 1.5M in annual finance cost into USD 12.3M income (2024, audited). Doubled available credit to USD 465M and structured a scalable USD 200M Macquarie repurchase agreement — all without raising covenant thresholds. Delivered gains through FX optimization, hedging, and smart capital deployment.
• Banking Relationships & Risk Navigation
  Expanded and managed a global banking network of 120+ institutions, securing new partnerships across Europe and the Middle East. Handled complex regulatory and compliance issues post-Ukraine war, ensuring uninterrupted financial operations.
• Team Restructuring & Operations
  Rebuilt a fragmented finance team within weeks, introducing structured reviews, language training, and IT risk programs. Maintained flawless execution of all treasury and trade finance activities despite operational constraints (Excel-based systems).
• Innovation & Technology
  Led the development of a custom-built ETRM system, now a proprietary asset supporting finance, operations, and compliance integration.
• Crisis Management
  Navigated geopolitical volatility, trade sanctions, and interpersonal conflicts in high-pressure environments. Preserved operational continuity through direct leadership and diplomatic engagement.

Led complex trade finance operations for oil, natural gas, and LNG across EMEA, managing high-volume transactions and building foundational finance infrastructure to support global trading.

Key Contributions:

• Finance Desk Creation & Team Leadership:
  Founded and led Trafigura’s gas and LNG trade finance desk for EMEA. Managed a team of 4 analysts overseeing daily operations across 7 storage sites.
• High-Value Transaction Management:
  Structured trade flows of up to USD 2.5B/month across a network of 120 banks. Oversaw full deal lifecycle from credit line allocation to loan coverage via discounted receivables.
• Credit & Risk Oversight:
  Monitored bilateral credit line usage, counterparty exposure, and collateral adequacy. Authorized cargo movements to safeguard financial positions and operational integrity.
• Contractual & Structural Review:
  Evaluated borrowing base reports, bank facility agreements, and storage contracts to ensure financial compliance and mitigate risk exposure.
• Internal & External Stakeholder Coordination:
  Acted as the central finance point between traders, legal, ops, credit, and compliance. Built and maintained strong relationships with banks and counterparties in high-risk markets.
• Margin & Cost Optimization:
  Enhanced trading margins and reduced financing costs by optimizing global funding flows and improving credit deployment strategy.

Managed trade finance operations for high-value global steel and ore transactions, serving as the key liaison between banks, internal teams, and trading partners across Europe and emerging markets.

Key Contributions:

• Credit Structuring & Banking:
  Issued and negotiated LCs over USD 25M per transaction, ensuring compliance with UCP 600/ISBP. Advised traders on LC terms and managed confirmations and amendments to secure payments in high-risk markets.
• Documentation & Compliance Oversight:
  Handled complex documentation including B/Ls, invoices, customs, and inspection certificates. Applied price formula adjustments and managed penalties/bonuses linked to Platts-indexed trades.
• Trade Finance Instruments Expertise:
  Worked across a full range of trade finance tools: SBLCs, bid/performance bonds, advance payment guarantees, back-to-back and transferrable LCs, and pre-finance structures.
• Cross-Border Coordination & Advisory:
  Acted as primary interface with Swiss and European banks, aligning documentation and finance structures across multiple jurisdictions. Guided internal teams on trade finance best practices and standards.
• Process Optimization & Risk Mitigation:
  Streamlined document workflows, ensured on-time payments, and enhanced audit readiness, reducing risk and improving efficiency across trade finance cycles.

• Placed and managed client orders on oil derivative contracts (Brent and WTI), while actively advising clients on market trends and trading opportunities.
• Produced daily and weekly market intelligence reports, contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Supported business development by acquiring and maintaining institutional client relationships across Europe.
• Maintained strong operational accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Managed end-to-end trading operations at the Vladivostok terminal for fuel, gasoline, and naphtha.
• Coordinated nominations, blending, and shipment logistics with inspectors, shipbrokers, and traders.
• Oversaw timely issuance and negotiation of letters of credit, and handled payment settlements, demurrage claims, and operational compliance across multiple regions including ARA, Mediterranean, and Black Sea.

• Supported oil product trading operations by preparing sales and purchase contracts, issuing voyage orders, and managing vessel chartering and terminal clearance.
• Handled documentary workflows including letters of credit, inspector appointments, and demurrage calculations to ensure smooth trade execution.

• Led the internal trading desk of a hedge fund, managing client portfolios and training junior staff.
• Executed positions across futures, forex, equities, CFDs, and ETFs.
• Contributed to asset management strategies and operational oversight in a dynamic, multi-asset trading environment.