Head, Trade Finance, Transaction Banking

Position Overview:

We are looking for a seasoned professional to assume the role of Head of Trade Finance. This pivotal position requires a minimum of 15 years of extensive experience in trade finance, encompassing a thorough understanding of supply chain management, commodity finance, traditional trade, structured trade finance, and fintech solutions. The successful candidate will spearhead trade product development and drive sales initiatives, collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders across the organisation to ensure the successful execution of trade strategies.

Responsibilities:

-  Lead a high-performing team of trade finance professionals, instilling a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability while closely working with sales and product managers.

-  Strategically oversee the design, enhancement, and deployment of innovative trade finance products. Focus on structured solutions that meet market demands and leverage advancements in fintech to improve service offerings.

-  Drive the execution of sales strategies for trade finance products, setting and achieving ambitious performance targets to expand market share and revenue.

-  Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Operations, IT, Credit, Loans, Legal, Compliance, and the Group, ensuring trade finance initiatives align seamlessly with broader organisational objectives and regulatory standards.

-  Work closely with various business units to understand their specific trade finance needs and challenges. Provide tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiencies and support their strategic goals. This involves actively engaging with units to identify opportunities where trade finance can create value and drive growth.

-  Utilise deep market knowledge to identify trends and capture regional trade flows, assessing opportunities for strategic growth and optimisation within existing markets.

-  Identify and pursue opportunities for new business and partnerships, enhancing the company’s trade finance portfolio while solidifying existing client relationships.

-  Collaboratively define and refine key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the strategic objectives of the trade finance division. These may include:

• Sustainable growth in trade assets and revenue contribution.

• Positive client satisfaction metrics as assessed through regular feedback.

• Achievement of team goals aligned with broader bank strategies.

-  Proactively assess and manage risks associated with trade transactions, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.

-  Serve as a strategic liaison among trade finance and other departments, particularly working closely with the Group to foster effective communication and collaboration on high-impact initiatives.

Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in trade finance, with a strong focus on supply chain, commodities, structured finance, and fintech applications.

- Demonstrated ability to achieve significant sales and revenue targets within a trade finance context.

- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging and influencing stakeholders across various functions.

- Professional presence, coupled with a proactive and analytical approach to problem-solving.

- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.