MANAGER - TRADE FINANCE

Key Responsibilities & Job Scope

Manage the daily operational workflow for all types of trade finance instruments, including:

Letters of Credit (LC): Scrutinizing LC terms, issuing, advising, confirming, amending, and handling document presentations with zero tolerance for discrepancies.

Bank Guarantees / Standby LCs: Drafting, issuing, and monitoring the validity of performance, bid, and financial guarantees.

Documentary Collections: Handling export and import collections (Documents against Payment & Acceptance) efficiently.

Buyers Credit and Suppliers Credit: Transaction processing, monitoring, realization of dues upon receiving of payment.

. Perform a thorough check of all shipping and trade documents (invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, insurance documents, etc.) for compliance with LC terms and international standards.

. Ensure accurate and timely processing of payments, acceptances, and financing disbursements like Packing Credit, Trust Receipts, and Invoice Financing.

. Monitoring the counter party limits and country limits allocated.

. Uphold the highest standards of operational risk management. Implement and monitor robust internal controls to prevent fraud and operational losses.

. Ensure strict compliance with all relevant regulations, including MAS notices, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.

. Maintain a deep understanding and practical application of ICC rules (UCP 600, URDG 758, URC 522, Incoterms 2020).

. Prepare for and actively participate in internal, external, and regulatory audits. Quick address to the audit observations within the timeline.

. Continuously review and streamline operational processes, checklists, and workflows to reduce turnaround time, minimize errors, and enhance customer service.

. Document procedures and ensure they are kept up to date.

. Allocate workloads, monitor team performance, and conduct performance appraisals.

. Act as the primary point of escalation for complex operational issues within the team.

Must have an in-depth, practical knowledge of UCP 600 and other ICC rules. Certification (e.g. CDCS, CSDG) will be a significant advantage.

Proven track record of managing high volumes of trade transactions with precision.

Strong working knowledge of Singapore banking regulations, particularly MAS guidelines related to trade finance.

Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Proficient in using trade finance software and core banking systems.