VP - Trade Sales

The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Singapore Branch); Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in Malaysia is seeking a Trade Finance Marketing Specialist to drive customer engagement, structure trade solutions, and achieve KPIs for the MY & LBN and GTFD units. The role focuses on LC/guarantee issuance, ARP, SCF, milestone-based trade solutions, structured trade, and ECA finance.

The candidate should have 3–5 years of trade experience, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work with both Japanese and local teams to grow the business in

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of trade experience, especially in sales.
• Experience in trade finance marketing, origination, structuring and deal execution.
• Strong customer-centric mindset and proactive marketing approach.
• Excellent communication to manage internal and external relationships.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and meet KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead marketing activities for trade finance products (LCs, guarantees, ARP, SCF, ECA finance).
• Develop relationships with customers and industry players to grow GTFD business.
• Manage end-to-end deal processes from origination to deal execution with cross‑functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and HQ guidelines.
• Report progress on pipelines and marketing activities to senior management.

Skills

Trade finance marketing

Origination & structuring

Commercial negotiation

Customer relationship management

English & Malay communication

Job description

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Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network. We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for Trade Finance marketing and customer engagement, structuring Trade solutions, and meeting Trade KPIs for SMBC MY & LBN and GTFD.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To carry out marketing activities for trade finance products (LC/ guarantee issuance, LC confirmation / discounting, ARP, SCF, milestone basis mid-term trade solutions, structured trade, and ECA finance). Incumbent is expected to develop relationship with customers and industry players to further the development of GTFD business.
• Responsible for marketing from origination, structuring, negotiation, documentation to deal execution for corporate clients. Managing workflow with team members from GTFD, other departments including but not limited to Coverage, Legal, Credit, Operations for successful deal management.
• To demonstrate SMBC’s best practice by following internal rule & procedure, relevant regulations and compliance matters (understanding on mission statement & 5 values, related HQ policies, procedure manual, pre-consultation process, etc).
• Promoting the trade finance business collaboration between Japanese and Non-Japanese coverage team through the target customer’s account planning.
• Report progress on pipeline deals and updates on marketing activities, support Head GTBD in business and reporting activities to Head, GTFD APAC. Act as back-up for Head GTBD for assigned areas during compliance leave or other periods as agreed with GTFD/GTBD management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 3-5 years of Trade Experience, particularly in Sales. Operation/Product knowledge will be an added advantage.
• Rich experience of trade finance marketing promotion, origination, structuring, commercial negotiation and deal execution.
• Strong customer centric mindset and active marketing attitude.
• Strong communication skill to manage key relationships internally & externally.
• Demonstrate SMBC’s best practice as a role model, act as 1st line of defense and good sense of 2 CCF (customer/ compliance comes first).
• Ability to work on multiple tasks in parallel under pressure and to time constraints with significant changes.
• Support Head GTBD in marketing initiatives, reporting of key activities to relevant management in SMBCMY and GTFD SNG.
• Good understanding of the Malaysia Trade Finance and Transaction Banking and competitor landscape.
• As team player, ability to work in cross-functional teams to deliver appropriate trade finance solutions for the customers.
• Good command of spoken and written English and Malay.