Leading Legal Strategy in a Volatile Trade Environment

In today’s fast-changing global trade landscape, legal and compliance leaders play a critical role in protecting businesses while enabling growth. Our Global Trade Ambassador, Swathi Kamath, is a senior legal professional who has spent her career at the intersection of law, strategy, and international commerce across Asia.

She has lead the legal function for major multinational organisations including Smith & Nephew in India, DuPont South Asia, and now GKN Automotive in Asia. As General Counsel, her role goes far beyond contracts. Swathi provides strategic advice across the business on matters such as regulatory compliance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial risk management; all while supporting operational decision-making in complex international environments.

Navigating Global Trade Challenges

Like many global organisations today, her work is shaped by geopolitical volatility and supply chain disruption.

“The current volatile global geopolitics are significantly impacting international trade. We face raw material shortages, increases in customs duties, and sudden economic sanctions on critical suppliers.”

These developments affect everything from sourcing strategies to supplier relationships and contractual performance. Managing risk while maintaining business continuity has become a core part of the legal function.

‍The Strategic Role of Trade Compliance

For her, trade compliance is central to business protection and resilience.

“Ensuring the business is operating within the legal boundaries of international trade laws, interpreting policy changes, and advising on risks and mitigation measures is critical.”

Her role involves advising on regulatory changes, supplier breaches, sanctions exposure, and the legal consequences of shifting trade policies. In an era of protectionism and fragmented regulation, legal teams must translate complex rules into practical business guidance.

Why She Chose the Diploma in International Trade Compliance

With global supply chains shifting and trade protectionism increasing, she saw international trade knowledge as essential for senior leaders.

“International Trade is a very relevant subject now, given shifts in supply chains, increased trade protectionism and economic sanctions. This is causing disputes with critical suppliers and contract breaches.”

The Professional Diploma in International Trade Compliance offered a way to strengthen her technical understanding while complementing her strategic legal expertise.

The Impact on Her Career

The programme helped her deepen her understanding of trade as a business risk and opportunity.

“I now understand this area of business better. The programme has helped me upskill in a critical and extremely relevant topic in present times.”

By strengthening her trade compliance capability, she is now better positioned to advise leadership teams on cross-border risk, regulatory exposure, and operational decisions.

Key Learning Takeaways

One of the most valuable elements for her was understanding how governments increasingly use trade as a policy tool.

“The session on Prohibitions and Restrictions was particularly valuable. It helps in understanding how countries are weaponising international trade.”

This perspective supports stronger legal, contractual, and strategic decision-making in multinational operations.

Would She Recommend the Programme?

Absolutely.

“Definitely. The content is very good and well explained.”

And since completing the programme, her approach has become even more commercially aligned.

“I am now better equipped in advising on trade compliance matters.”

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We wish her every success and look forward to following her continued leadership as international trade, regulation, and geopolitics reshape global business.

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