Building bridges across borders and generations

At the ITFA Americas Annual Conference in Miami, Trade Treasury Payments (TTP) spoke with Hernan Mayol, General Manager for Banreservas USA and Global Board Member at the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA), to discuss his efforts connecting Latin America to the broader trade finance community, and his personal mission to cultivate the next generation of talent in the industry.

Mayol said, “Miami has become a true global gateway. It’s no longer just a Latin American hub. You now have fund managers, technology companies, and even European corporates choosing to launch operations here instead of in the Northeast. It’s a cultural crossroads, and that’s exactly what makes it the right place to build connectivity across regions.”

As part of his role on the ITFA board, Mayol leads the newly established Latin America Committee, which has brought together leaders across the region—from Mexico to Brazil to the Southern Cone—to expand membership, host local events, and strengthen relationships between institutions. Initiatives around banking, fintech, and insurance are being led by local representatives who coordinate efforts to grow awareness and participation across the region.

Yet Mayol’s bridge-building extends beyond geography. For more than a decade, he has been quietly advancing mentorship in the industry through his global initiative, Apprentice Worldwide. Born from a single speaking engagement at the University of Miami, the platform now includes over 2,500 volunteers across 70 cities, matching experienced professionals with young people seeking careers in banking, finance, and beyond.

Mayol said, “Internships are harder to come by these days. So we started connecting students with professionals directly. The results have been incredible, both in terms of career acceleration, and in creating genuine long-term relationships that last well beyond a single job.”

Reflecting on the future of trade finance, Mayol pointed to shifting macroeconomic dynamics and the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence as turning points for the sector. What was once considered back-office logistics is now central to business strategy.

“Trade and tariffs are front-page news,” he said. “That puts our work in the spotlight. And AI is giving us visibility into documentation, movement, and global supply chains in a way we never had before.”

Mayol’s message to the next generation is to surround yourself with good people, invest in relationships, and never stop learning.

“If you network with the heart, not just to collect contacts, but to really know people, you’ll have a fulfilling career,” he said. “We’re all playing an infinite game. It’s about progress, not perfection.”