Wednesday, May 5, 2:00 - 3:15	view all sessions this time
International	view all sessions this track

410-Making the Cross-Border Leap: Understanding the Treasury Implications of International Business

By many estimates, economies in key international markets will provide greater growth opportunities than those to be found in the United States over the coming decade. When carefully planned and delivered, an international expansion can add significantly to the bottom line of small- and middle-market companies. As growing firms plan their expansion into new international markets, they often discover that international treasury practices are literally foreign to them. Banking practices, driven by countries’ regulatory guidelines, vary significantly by market, affecting everything from how long it takes to open an account to the methods by which payments are made. In many cases, the standards that we take for granted in our domestic environment simply do not apply elsewhere.

Learning Objectives:
	Learn about potential pitfalls and opportunities in expanding your small- and middle-market businesses beyond markets in the United States
	Hear case studies discussing treasury management best practices affecting both emerging and developed markets
	Expect a lively discussion of the steps that a company’s Treasury function, and its bank, can take in making the cross-border leap successful

John Abrahams, Citibank N.A. John Abrahams is Director, Strategic Product Development at Citibank N.A.’s Commercial Banking Group, where he is responsible for developing the next generation of the group’s product offering. Citi, the leading global financial services company, operates one of the largest full service commercial banking teams in the United States, as well as one of the largest commercial banks in the world. John has 11 years of experience in the banking industry, including roles in product, sales, business development, and marketing. In his current role, John is leading the expansion of product lines spanning the Commercial Bank. Previously, he headed the bank’s cash management product team. Before joining Citi, he worked with AT&T’s management consulting division, HP/EDS’ telecommunications group, and a New York City municipal think tank.  John earned a B.A. from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from University of Texas (Austin); he currently resides in Seattle. Prakash Chonkar, Citibank N.A. Prakash Chonkar is Head of International Sector and Treasury product Group at Citibank N.A.’s Commercial Banking Group. On the International Sector, he is responsible for developing and delivering international banking model for the commercial banking clients as well as building a team of international bankers. He also leads the Treasury Products Group for the US Commercial Banking business.  Before joining Commercial Banking Group in 2008, Prakash was Managing Director and Head of Strategic Business Development at CitiCapital. Under his leadership, CitiCapital delivered some of the most innovative financing structures in the market. He is recognized for building global relationships, structuring and delivering innovative finance solutions and developing strategic partnerships with major global corporations. Prior to joining CitiCapital in 2003, Prakash was Managing Director at Citigroup’s Corporate & Investment Bank responsible for building and managing strong global relationships with Fortune 500 companies while delivering full array of Citigroup’s financial products, solutions and services globally. Prakash joined Citicorp in 1985 as a Summer Intern/Management Associate. Prakash holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bombay University; a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research from North Carolina State University; and an MBA from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.