Launching a scalable trading function to unlock earnings growth for a global chemicals leader

Building the governance, risk control, and digital and data foundations required to scale trading as a core earnings driver in increasingly volatile commodity markets.

The challenge

A global chemicals company sought to position its trading activities for long-term growth by evolving its operating model to support greater scale, speed, and insight in increasingly dynamic markets.

This required aligning governance, enhancing systems, and enabling more integrated, data-driven decision making across the trade lifecycle.

Their goal was to launch and scale trading into an advanced, data- and AI-enabled function.

Key objectives:

• Manage risk dynamically
• Respond quickly and confidently to market shifts
• Continually improve and scale earnings growth

The solution 

Baringa supported the launch of an end-to-end trading transformation focused on governance, process, and technology, enabled by data and AI.

Strategy, governance, and risk control

• Validated the trading value case and defined priority value levers
• Designed the target and interim trading and risk operating model
• Established governance structures, including a dedicated trading risk committee
• Developed fit-for-purpose policy and control frameworks

Digital architecture and strategic project delivery

• Rapidly launched a scalable and future-proof data and technology architecture integrating internal and external data sources
• Supported selection of a new CTRM system to enable scalable front-to-back trade, logistics, and lifecycle management, with embedded control and reporting enablement
• Accelerated delivery in priority areas, including front-to-back business process design and reporting

Data architecture and enablement

• Refreshed and implemented a data quality framework and operating model
• Delivered AI-enabled reporting and a self-service analytics platform
• Enabled faster, more reliable decision-making across the end-to-end trade lifecycle

The result

The client successfully launched a dedicated trading function, underpinned by a scalable and controlled operating foundation.

Key outcomes:

• Improved risk visibility and control, enabling more confident response to market volatility
• Increased operational agility, enabling faster identification and execution of trading opportunities in volatile markets
• Enhanced decision-making, powered by more timely access to reliable data across the trade lifecycle

The business is now positioned to scale trading as a core earnings driver, supported by a robust governance and risk framework and a modern data and technology foundation.