ITC Business Council – Douglas Friedenberg

Douglas Friedenberg- Member of the Business Council for Banking and Trade Finance

 

Douglas Friedenberg is a principal at Jigsaw Capital, with expertise in import-export finance and asset-based business finance in the United States and internationally. For two decades, Douglas has effectively assisted clients needing advice and execution in international trade finance. His twenty years’ expertise and global reach advising and executing small to medium-sized business finance make him as a pivotal figure in the industry.   He believes his  success to a combination of extensive experience, the ability to maintain satisfied clients, and his writing skills. This and a genuine interest in catalyzing client success have led him to create and communicate with a mailing list of over 4000 people worldwide, keeping them informed and engaged with the latest insights and developments in the finance sector.  His own professional growth has been a by-product of his efforts on behalf of clients, enhanced by travel to meet with clients and gain on the ground understanding in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

 

Douglas understands the scarcity of resources for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to finance their operations internationally. His works to bridge this gap and provide tailored financial solutions for clients. The finance industry has evolved to become more sophisticated and international since Douglas started his career. He notes that one of the biggest challenges facing the industry is for SMEs to think more globally with a resulting ability to seize international opportunities, and believes that the right question in the developing world is WHY NOT? This should replace the simpler question WHY?  His advice to newcomers in the field is to gain firsthand experience by working closely with experienced professionals, echoing a famous sportsman’s sentiment that  “you can observe a lot just by watching”, a simple but elegant thought.

 

When faced with setbacks and challenges, Douglas maintains a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that not all transactions are destined to succeed;  he therefore applies a form of triage when considering client needs and desires.   He draws inspiration from individuals who have achieved success in trade finance, using their journeys as a roadmap for his own. Outside of his professional endeavors, Douglas enjoys playing chess and collecting original cartoons from his favorite magazines, showcasing his appreciation for strategic thinking and the arts. Douglas Friedenberg’s biography reflects a professional deeply entrenched in the international finance landscape, dedicated to advancing the sector through expertise, innovation, and a global perspective. His contributions to the International Trade Council’s Business Council in Banking, Finance, and Trade Finance underscore his commitment to enhancing global financial connectivity and support for businesses looking to navigate the complex world of international trade finance.