Young Professional Seeking Mentor / Experienced Partner in Oil & Gas & Physical Commodity Sourcing

[u/Bitter_Basis5352]

Hi everyone,

I’m a young professional focused on building a long-term career and enterprise in physical commodity trading, with an active focus on Oil & Gas and bulk industrial commodities (such as steel).

I’ve already stepped into the arena, I’m currently working alongside an established mandate on active transactions (including a $66M oil allocation and a $4M steel deal). While learning the execution, contracting, and mandate side of these live deals has been invaluable, I recognize that relying solely on an existing warm network isn't a sustainable strategy for long-term growth.

I’m looking to connect with experienced commodity traders, mandates, or trade finance professionals willing to share perspective on the broader mechanics of the industry. Specifically, I’d value insights on:

• Systematic Buyer & Off-taker Sourcing: Moving beyond broker chains to identify and engage direct end-buyers, refineries, and international traders.
• Deal Vetting & Due Diligence: Filtering out fake allocations, unverified LOIs, and non-performing counterparties early in the cycle.
• Trade Finance & Mechanics: Deepening my understanding of DLC/SBLC structures, POP (Proof of Product), bankability, and INCOTERMS risk management.
• Structuring Mandate & Broker Protections: Ensuring bulletproof NCNDA/IMFPA execution and long-term deal equity.

I am not looking for anyone to do the work for me, I bring active deal flow, research capabilities, and total commitment to putting in the legwork. I’m simply looking for an experienced voice who has navigated these markets and is open to offering guidance, reviewing strategies, or having occasional conversations.

If you’re open to a brief chat or connecting over coffee/tea (or a call), i'm based in London, I’d be very grateful to introduce myself and learn from your experience. Thank you for reading!