Financial expertise for exports and raw materials security

Taking on new challenges and getting as much wide-ranging experience as I can – that's what I love!

I first came to KfW more than ten years ago, when I started my dual vocational studies after completing the school-leaving exam. During this time, I became familiar with the KfW Group's various divisions and learned the tools of the trade that would equip me for my professional life. My diploma thesis, which involved me living and working in Senegal for several months, was without doubt one highlight of my studies. Simply put, I was inspired by the international context.

All this was why I chose to join KfW IPEX-Bank after completing my vocational studies. I was won over by having the international aspect, direct contact with customers and interesting business trips. Because I like working with numbers, in the beginning I opted for Credit Management. In this function, I was responsible for what was at that time the buildup of credit management operations at the new KfW IPEX-Bank branch in London, plus payment processing for large international banking groups, to name but a few examples.

My thirst for knowledge still not quenched by this point, I decided to study for an MBA, which I completed while still holding down my job. It wasn't always easy juggling my job and my studies, but KfW IPEX-Bank was always very supportive and extremely understanding.

After my MBA, I switched to Contract Management for the "Basics Industries" sector department. In this post, I'm in charge of a broad range of financing – from bilateral export finance to complex project finance, where we manage banking consortia and coordinate direct contact with the various credit insurers from different countries. I'm also required to go on regular business trips to negotiate contracts, attend bilateral customer meetings and banking summits, or conduct site visits, where I'm often accompanied and supported by our technical experts. Working as a contract manager is very diverse and offers plenty of interesting tasks and challenges – day after day.

I really enjoy working for KfW IPEX-Bank, as it offers an interesting field of work in an international context which goes hand-in-hand with lots of exciting challenges.

KfW IPEX-Bank – I would absolutely do it again!

What does KfW IPEX-Bank mean to me? An exciting, challenging employer with colleagues the likes of whom I have never had before.

I had already come to know and appreciate KfW IPEX-Bank from my job at a large auditing firm. Many of my former colleagues at the firm thought I would switch directly to KfW IPEX-Bank, but I did a stopover for almost four years at a bank focused on sustainability. There, I helped to establish the renewable energies business in Germany. Then it was time for a change. I switched to KfW IPEX-Bank, and I am still so pleased I did.

Some of my new colleagues have become friends, and others surely will be. This is new for me. The atmosphere here is really good. My colleagues are always ready to help and are extremely decent people.

How does KfW IPEX-Bank compare to other rival banks? I find it to be the best because, first, we are well established internationally and, second, because our staff have in-depth specialist knowledge in the various aspects of finance. I can also tell that KfW IPEX-Bank takes a strategically long-term approach and does not chaotically pursue every trend. Also, if it has any concerns whatsoever that a transaction might be too risky, it won’t do it. As a project manager, I find this annoying at times when I’ve been keen on pursuing something or other. But looking at it from a more global perspective and not focusing on individual cases, I think this approach is only right so the bank avoids taking unnecessary risks.

What do I do at KfW IPEX-Bank? I mainly work on the financing of major solar power plants, currently in Chile and Japan.

Would I join KfW IPEX-Bank again? Absolutely.

Would I tell friends that they should apply for a job at KfW IPEX-Bank? I already have :)