Simegne Tesfaye

Independent

Trainer

My name is Simegn Tesfaye, and I have spent more than 25 years working with Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, where I have built my career through dedication, continuous learning, and commitment to serving both the institution and the wider financial sector. Over these years, I have had the opportunity to work in different banking roles, gaining valuable experience that has helped shape me both professionally and personally.

A significant part of my career has been focused on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). This has been the area where I have developed deep expertise, spending many years working on compliance, financial crime prevention, risk management, internal controls, and strengthening awareness around ethical banking practices. Working in this field has allowed me to understand how important integrity, accountability, and strong systems are in protecting financial institutions and maintaining public trust.

Recently, I was allowed to take on a new challenge as a Lead Trainer, a role that I consider both exciting and meaningful. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed helping others learn, sharing knowledge from my practical experience, and supporting colleagues in their professional growth. Becoming a trainer feels like a natural continuation of my journey because I strongly believe that organizations grow when people are empowered with knowledge, confidence, and the right skills.

I graduated from Addis Ababa University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education, along with a Minor in Accounting. My educational background gave me a strong foundation in business principles, financial management, and organizational development, all of which have supported me throughout my professional life.

I have also been fortunate to participate in professional training and learning opportunities outside Ethiopia, including in Djibouti, Kenya, and South Sudan. These experiences exposed me to different working environments, diverse perspectives, and valuable international learning experiences that expanded both my professional skills and personal outlook.

Beyond my professional life, I am also a mother of two, and I consider family to be one of the greatest sources of motivation in my life. Balancing family responsibilities while building a long-term professional career has taught me resilience, patience, discipline, and the importance of perseverance.

Looking back on my journey, I feel proud of the experience I have gained over the last two and a half decades. I see myself as someone who values integrity, continuous growth, teamwork, and service. As I continue in my role as a trainer, I look forward to sharing what I have learned over the years and contributing to the growth and development of others, while continuing to learn and grow myself.

I am passionate about lifelong learning and believe that experience becomes most valuable when it is shared to inspire, guide, and help others succeed in their own professional journeys.