Head of Trade Finance Operations

Our client is a foreign wholesale bank and they are looking to bring on board an experienced candidate to assume the role of Head of Trade Finance Operations.

The Head of Trade Finance Operations oversees the end-to-end management of bills processing, trade documentation, and related financing activities within the wholesale banking division. This role ensures operational excellence, compliance with international trade regulations, and delivery of efficient client services in trade finance.

Leadership & Strategy

. Lead the BillsDepartment, setting strategic direction aligned with wholesale banking objectives

. Drive process improvements, automation, and digitalization initiatives to enhance efficiency

Operations Management

. Oversee daily processing of bills for collection, bills under letters of credit, and documentary bills

. Ensure accurate handling of trade documents, settlements, and financing transactions

. Monitor turnaround times and service quality to meet client expectations

Risk & Compliance

. Ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements, UCP 600, ISBP, ICC rules, and local banking laws

. Implement robust risk management practices to mitigate operational and compliance risks

. Liaise with internal audit, compliance, and regulators on trade-related matters

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

. Act as a subject matter expert for trade finance products, advising clients and relationship managers

. Collaborate with product, operations, and technology teams to deliver seamless client experiences

. Build strong relationships with correspondent banks and external partners

Team Development

. Mentor and develop staff, fostering expertise in trade finance and bills processing

. Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning

Requirements

. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or related field

. 15 years of experience in trade finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role

. Strong knowledge of international trade practices, ICC rules, and banking regulations

. Proven track record in managing large teams and complex operations

. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

. Strategic thinking and problem-solving

. Deep expertise in trade finance operations

. Strong risk and compliance orientation

. Leadership and people management

. Client-centric mindset with operational excellence

We encourage interested qualified candidates to email an updated resume in word doc format to indicating current and expected compensation.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

[Joe Chua, R1105627]