Trade Finance Specialist

Job purpose:

The GS-OPS Trade Finance Specialist is responsible for processing and managing trade finance transactions in accordance with applicable regulations, internal controls, and agreed service standards.

The incumbent serves as a subject matter expert in trade finance operations, providing specialized support and guidance to corporate customers and internal stakeholders. The role partners closely with Trade Finance Sales,Trade Services teams, Relationship Managers, and other relevant functions to ensure operational excellence, risk mitigation, and seamless client experience.

Key activities:

Trade Finance Transaction Processing

• Execute trade finance transactions and related operational activities in accordance with applicable regulations, internal policies, compliance requirements, and service level agreements.
• Perform end-to-end processing, including pre-processing, transaction validation, post-processing, and record maintenance for designated trade finance products and processes.
• Review, vet, and process direct and indirect guarantees, amendments, and other trade finance instruments within delegated authority limits.
• Independently review and authorize trade finance documentation within approved authority levels, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures.

Transaction Monitoring and Controls

• Perform monitoring and reconciliation of trade finance transactions processed by operational hubs or supporting teams.
• Monitor outstanding guarantee transactions and ensure timely collection of fees, commissions, and other applicable charges.
• Identify and escalate operational, compliance, or transaction-related issues in a timely manner to mitigate potential risks.
• Execute first line of defense control responsibilities and maintain adherence to regulatory requirements, internal controls, and risk management standards.

Client and Stakeholder Support

• Provide operational guidance and specialized trade finance expertise to corporate customers, taking into consideration client needs and the bank's operational and regulatory requirements.
• Support Relationship Managers, Trade Finance Sales, Trade Services teams, and other internal stakeholders by providing advisory and operational assistance on trade finance products, processes, and transaction execution.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless service delivery and positive client experience.

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to training initiatives, knowledge-sharing activities, and professional qualification programs as a subject matter expert when required.
• Support process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and risk management outcomes.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Comply with all occupational health, safety, and employee protection requirements relevant to the role and work environment.
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct and ensure all activities are performed in accordance with the bank's Code of Conduct and compliance requirements.

Formal Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline with 2-10 years of relevant Trade Finance or Banking Operations experience or
• Diploma in a related discipline with 4-10 years of relevant experience.

• Strong understanding of trade finance products,operational processes, and regulatory requirements is preferred

Specialist knowledge (work experience, further qualification):
- Knowledge of trade finance products and operations,including Bank Guarantees, Letters of Credit, and Documentary Collections.

- Familiarity with relevant ICC rules and practices,including:

• Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits(UCP 600)
• International Standard Banking Practice (ISBP)
• Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees (URDG)
• Uniform Rules for Collections (URC 522)

- Understanding of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and operational risk controls applicable to trade finance operations.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications,particularly Excel and Word.

- Relevant experience in Trade Finance Operations, Trade Services, or Banking Operations.

- Experience in guarantee processing and handling,including issuance, amendments, claims, monitoring, and fee collection, is preferred.

- Interest in leveraging digital tools, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to improve operational efficiency,productivity, and process effectiveness will be an advantage.

- Familiarity with AI-enabled productivity tools (e.g.,Microsoft Copilot, workflow automation tools, data analytics platforms, orsimilar technologies) is an added advantage.