Co-Head of Trade & Working Capital Solutions (Commodities & Energy Sector)

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION Singapore Branch; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Singapore is seeking an experienced leader for their Trade & Working Capital Solutions team. The role focuses on the commodities and energy sectors, driving strategic initiatives and business development across APAC. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in trade finance and strong stakeholder management skills, with proficiency in English. This position offers a chance to lead high-impact trade finance initiatives within a prestigious bank.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in trade finance, particularly within the commodities and energy sectors.
• Deep knowledge of credit processes and risk management in trade finance.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in trade finance or related roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Trade & Working Capital Solutions team in Singapore focusing on the commodities & energy sector.
• Spearhead the acquisition of Structured Trade Finance opportunities across APAC.
• Collaborate closely with relevant departments to ensure timely approvals.

Skills

Trade finance expertise

Stakeholder management

Business development

Risk management

Communication skills

Job description

Lead the Trade & Working Capital Solutions team within the Global Trade Finance Department (GTFD), in Singapore focusing on the Commodities & Energy sector across APAC. Drive strategic initiatives to expand structured and conventional trade finance offerings, enhance client engagement, and maximize flow banking capabilities including deposits and FX.

Strategic Leadership & Business Development:

• Spearhead the acquisition of Structured Trade Finance (STF) opportunities across APAC, leveraging GTFD’s regional footprint.
• Develop and execute strategies to capture Trade Finance opportunities including receivable, payable solution and conventional trade finance flows, enhancing SMBC’s deposit and FX revenue streams.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the commodities and energy sectors, aligning with SMBC’s strategy.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge and analytical capability to understand both sides of trade transactions and visualize the complete trade flow.
• Possess the market insight, relationship network, and skill set to originate deals independently and act as a lead agent, rather than merely participating in syndicated transactions initiated by other banks or trading firms.
• Leverage deep sector knowledge to structure bespoke trade finance solutions that meet the unique needs of clients in the commodities and energy sectors.

Credit & Deal Execution:

• Collaborate closely with relevant departments including Credit Department to ensure timely approvals and seamless execution of trade finance deals.
• Maintain high credit quality standards for corporate clients utilizing STF facilities, ensuring robust risk management.

Global Coordination & Client Engagement:

• Work in tandem with SMBC’s global GTFD offices to facilitate knowledge transfer and strengthen relationships with clients having global exposure.
• Act as a key liaison between regional teams and headquarters to ensure consistent client experience and product delivery.

Internal Enablement & Training:

• Conduct internal workshops and training sessions to equip front office teams with the skills to identify and prospect trade finance opportunities.
• Promote awareness and understanding of trade finance products across the organization to drive cross-selling and client value.

Product Integration & Flow Banking Optimization:

• Ensure integration of structured and conventional trade finance solutions to maximize client wallet share.
• Champion initiatives that enhance SMBC’s flow banking capabilities, including deposit mobilization and FX transaction growth.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience in trade finance, particularly within the commodities and energy sectors.
• Strong understanding of both structured and conventional trade finance products.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive business growth across APAC.
• Deep knowledge of credit processes and risk management in trade finance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage across regions and functions.
• Experience in training and developing internal teams to enhance product knowledge and sales capabilities.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in trade finance or related roles within financial services.
• Proficiency in English; Japanese language skills are a plus for coordination and communication with headquarters which the main language is Japanese.