MONICAH ZUBEIDAH LESUYAI
Trade Finance/Legal
Nairobi
Summary
Law degree holder with a keen eye for detail and a strong results-oriented mindset. Highly organized and dedicated, with a passion for justice and ethical practice, complemented by growing exposure to trade finance and commercial operations. Seeking a professional opportunity in legal, trade finance, compliance or commercial roles to apply legal knowledge, support risk management, and contribute to ethical, sustainable business practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Trade Operations Officer
STANBIC BANK KENYA LIMITED
10.2022 - 04.2025
- Process and monitor trade finance instruments including Letters of Credit (LCs), Documentary Collections, Bank Guarantees, and Standby LCs in compliance with UCP 600, ISBP, and bank policies.
- Conduct document checking to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely settlement of import and export transactions.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders, correspondent banks, and clients to resolve trade discrepancies and ensure smooth transaction flow.
- Manage end-to-end trade operations processing while adhering to AML, KYC, and sanctions screening requirements.
- Support risk mitigation by identifying operational risks and escalating exceptions in line with Stanbic Bank procedures.
- Maintain accurate trade documentation and records in line with regulatory and audit requirements.
- Contribute to improved turnaround time and service delivery for trade finance clients.
Senior Legal Officer
EQUITY BANK (K) LTD
05.2022 - 10.2022
- Assist the legal manager in ensuring statutory and contractual compliance by the Bank, drafting and vetting of legal contracts and service level agreements, prepare legal queries and facilitate solicitation of legal opinions from external counsel to identify legal and regulatory risks and issues.
- Liaising with the Bank's Legal service providers and ensuring external legal activities are coordinated effectively.
- Provide reports on activities and tasks undertaken, assist with legal transactions, cases, and issues of the Bank.
Senior Officer, Trade and Working Capital Solutions (Trade Finance)
EQUITY BANK (K) LTD
06.2019 - 05.2022
- Review applications to ensure application documentation is complete, sanction and limit conditions are met and security perfection is complete before issuance of letters of credit and guarantees.
- Issuance of letters of credit, demand guarantees, disbursement of invoice discounting and disbursement of commodity financing facilities.
- Examination of documents presented under Import & Export letters of Credits in accordance with ISBP.
- Handling of both export and import documentary collections in accordance with URC 522.
- Adherence to AML guidelines, sanctions restrictions, policies, and procedures.
- Prepare and submit monthly reports on Letters of Credit and Guarantees.
Bank teller (Equity temporary Internship Program)
EQUITY BANK KENYA LIMITED
04.2014 - 06.2018
- Cash receipts, cash withdrawals accounts opening and Western Union transactions.
- Customer service; responding to customers' enquiries and complaint.
- Account opening, maintenance and closing.
Legal intern
MARALAL LAW COURTS
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Prepared legal documents and legal cases drafting.
- Attended court proceedings and provided courtroom assistance.
- Conducted research on legal cases.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Law
Kenya School of Law
Nairobi11.2026
Bachelor of Law - Second Class Honors, Lower Division
University of Nairobi, School of Law
Nairobi, Kenya12.2019
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education: - Mean Grade A-
St Theresa Girls Secondary School
Wamba, Samburu 04.2001 -
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Risk assessment optimization
- Business process re-engineering
- Adherence to banking sector charter regulatory compliance
- Timely management reporting
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Trade Operations Officer
STANBIC BANK KENYA LIMITED
10.2022 - 04.2025
Senior Legal Officer
EQUITY BANK (K) LTD
05.2022 - 10.2022
Senior Officer, Trade and Working Capital Solutions (Trade Finance)
EQUITY BANK (K) LTD
06.2019 - 05.2022
Legal intern
MARALAL LAW COURTS
01.2017 - 04.2017
Bank teller (Equity temporary Internship Program)
EQUITY BANK KENYA LIMITED
04.2014 - 06.2018
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education: - Mean Grade A-
St Theresa Girls Secondary School
04.2001 -
Post Graduate Diploma - Law
Kenya School of Law
Bachelor of Law - Second Class Honors, Lower Division
University of Nairobi, School of Law
References
1. Geoffrey Mogondo
Head of Trade Finance & FI
National Bank of Kenya (NBK)
Mobile: 0725752822
2. Joseph Kamau Mugo
Manager, Trade Sales
Equity BCDC
Mobile: 0700402982
3. Moses S Achanga
Team Leader, Trade Operations
Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited
Mobile: 0713893383,
Academic Awards
- Best KCSE female student in Samburu County, 2013, Award and scholarship from Equity Bank Kenya Limited, Awards by Samburu County and St Theresa Girls Secondary School,
- Best KCSE STE scholar, 2013, Award from Save the Elephants (STE)- UK registered NGO, based in Kenya
Leadership Experience
- Equity Leaders Program (ELP)- Equity Bank Limited, Kenya Equity Leader, 2014-2020 Selected for the highly competitive Equity Leaders Program, focused on leadership development, ethics and community-oriented initiatives
- Samburu Legal Minds (SLM) and Samburu University Students Association (SUSA), 2015-2019, Facilitated formation of Samburu Legal Minds group to provide mentorship programs to Samburu students and create awareness on education, Oversaw daily activities and organized events and motivational talks for members.
- University of Nairobi Student Association (UNSA), 08/01/15, 05/01/19, Attended mentorship programs and shared leadership skills and knowledge with other students
- Samburu Girls Foundation (NGO), Organized mentorship programs on eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriages and beading, Created awareness on enacted laws against FGM, Advocated against harmful cultural practices and gender equality.