Category: SCF Leader of the Year
Winner: Anil Walia, Deutsche Bank

The SCF Leader of the Year award for 2024 goes to Anil Walia, Director of Deutsche Bank’s Supply Chain Finance (SCF) Payables in EMEA.
Walia has been at the forefront of innovation in the supply chain finance industry, particularly recognised for his pioneering role in developing ESG-linked SCF programmes. He played a key role in bringing some of the first sustainability-focused initiatives to market, marking a major step forward in aligning SCF with broader environmental goals.

A veteran of the SCF industry, Walia began his career in banking after completing a master’s degree in plasma physics and later earning an MBA in financial management. His professional path has taken him from India to the Middle East and Europe, gaining extensive experience across diverse trade and financial markets. He started working with SCF during its early days in 2000 at JP Morgan, and has since contributed to the growth of the industry as it matured in Europe and beyond.

Throughout his career, Walia has led sales for trade finance and worked across various regions, including South-East Asia and Eastern Europe. In 2015, he was elected to the Who’s Who in Treasury & Cash Management for Supply Chain Finance. He is also a frequent contributor to the media, sharing insights through interviews and articles.

In recent years, his passion for sustainability has driven his focus on integrating ESG elements into SCF structures. His leadership and strategic influence have significantly shaped the evolution of responsible finance within the SCF landscape, earning him this well-deserved recognition as SCF Leader of the Year.