My CTP Journey

The Decision

The decision to pursue the CTP certification came from my desire to expand my understanding of corporate treasury management and enhance my ability to provide exceptional service to my clients. At the time, I was working closely with our bank’s Treasury Management team.  Several Treasury team members had their CTP and they explained how they felt it benefited their clients and their work.  Since I was working so closely with this team to support their growth goals, I decided I should also look to this certification to have a better understanding of Treasury Management. 

Balancing work, study, and personal commitments was challenging, but the journey was incredibly rewarding. Memorizing and applying the various financial concepts and formulas to real-world scenarios took me back to my college days; it had been a while since I had studied that hard.  By the day of the exam, I felt I was as ready as I would ever be, and thankfully I passed on my first attempt.

The Significance of the CTP Certification

At the time, earning this certification was about being better equipped to support my Treasury Team and their clients.  As a banking consultant, I think the CTP plays a key role in building trust and credibility with my banking clients.  The CTP has helped me gain a better understanding of Treasury and Finance principles along with associated technologies to support my clients.  Both my banking experience and the CTP allow me to understand the day to day challenges my clients face and, in turn, allows me to provide more informed and strategic advice.

The CTP certification is not a “one and done” process; on-going recertification is required to maintain your CTP.  Recertification is the process of renewing your certification through continuous learning and professional development activities.  The continuing education through the recertification process allows me to stay up to date on the latest technologies, trends, developments, and risks impacting financial institutions.  Additionally, the CTP provides a connection to a network of like-minded professionals. Engaging with other CTP holders provides invaluable insights as many of these folks are also in the trenches and can provide real-world scenarios that impact them daily.   This network not only enhances my professional development but also supplements the services I provide to my clients.

Looking Ahead

Getting my CTP was a big deal, but it was just the beginning. The financial world is always changing, so keeping up with new trends and best practices is crucial. I'm all about continuous learning and using what I know to push for innovation and efficiency in treasury management and banking, and the CTP recertification process supports this passion of mine. By staying on top of industry developments, I can keep offering the best consulting services to my clients.