Modernising trade finance has long been considered a technology challenge, but it is just as much an exercise in continuity, and replacing deeply embedded legacy systems without interrupting the daily flow of transactions that banks and their clients rely on.

Today, corporates are demanding faster and more transparent services, putting their banks under pressure to provide this, which they often do by connecting with fintech and third-party solutions. It is within this context that CGI was highly commended in the Best Trade Finance Software Provider category at the Trade Treasury Payments Awards, held this year in Jersey City, USA. 

Following the awards, Trade Treasury Payments (TTP) spoke with Frank Tezzi (FT), Vice-President, Financial Services, Trade & Payments at CGI, about how CGI Trade360 is supporting banks through system transformation, the growing importance of interoperability, and where the next phase of trade finance evolution is likely to emerge.

TTP: Trade finance modernisation often means replacing legacy back-office systems without disrupting day-to-day operations. How is CGI Trade360 helping banks modernise core trade infrastructure while maintaining continuity?

FT: CGI’s exceptional implementation track record is rooted in strong partnerships. We build a knowledgeable core team within your bank and reinforce it with dedicated on-site support. Our disciplined project governance model, complete with detailed plans and frequent checkpoints, ensures that modernisation efforts do not disrupt daily operations.

To ease the transition, we deploy a robust data migration strategy supported by CGI’s proprietary tools. We further ensure a smooth shift from legacy systems through hands-on train-the-trainer sessions and by guiding pilot programs with key customers, helping your teams gain confidence before full rollout.

TTP: How important is interoperability today, and what does it unlock for banks and their corporate clients in practical terms?

FT: Interoperability has become a critical priority for banks due to increasing technological complexity and corporate client expectations. It allows back-office applications and fintech solutions to work together seamlessly while enabling efficient electronic data exchange. 

This integration creates a smoother user experience for bank employees and reduces operational risk by eliminating manual data re-entry. For corporate clients, this means faster turnaround times, fewer data discrepancies, and better visibility into transactions, ultimately delivering the digital-first experience they now expect.

TTP: CGI also emphasises its client community and advisory model, with banks shaping the roadmap together. How does that collaborative approach influence product development compared with a more traditional vendor model?

FT: CGI’s collaborative client-community model reshapes product development by prioritising banks’ collective needs over a traditional top-down vendor roadmap. Through structured engagement, such as advisory meetings and a unique annual forum for direct, unfiltered feedback, clients drive the product’s direction. 

This co-creation process ensures solutions are deeply aligned with real-world banking challenges. The result is a more resilient roadmap, faster adoption, and products that genuinely reflect the shared priorities of the financial community, transforming product development into a true partnership.

TTP: Looking ahead, where do you see the next wave of trade finance transformation, and how are you positioning CGI Trade360 to support that shift?

FT: The next wave of trade finance transformation hinges on deeper interoperability, data-driven processing, and AI adoption. CGI Trade360 is being positioned to lead this by becoming a flexible, ecosystem-ready platform. 

Engineered to be vendor-agnostic, it ensures seamless integration with third-party solutions. AI capabilities are being embedded to automate complex decision-making and enhance risk controls. 

The platform is designed for a data-centric future, moving away from documents to support embedded finance models, ensuring banks can stay ahead of the transformation wave.

TTP: What does it mean to you to have been highly commended in the Best Trade Finance Software Provider category at the TTP awards?

FT: Being highly commended at the TTP Awards for Best Trade Finance Software Provider is a significant milestone for CGI, validating our commitment to the industry’s digital evolution. This recognition reinforces our position as a leading technology provider and serves as motivation, not an endpoint. 

Our clear ambition is to win the award outright next year. To achieve this, we will continue listening to our clients, investing in innovation, and anticipating emerging trends to help financial institutions modernise and future-proof their trade businesses.

The full list of award winners is now available on the TTP Awards Winners page