Executive Director, Global Trade Finance, Trade & Working Capital Solutions

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION Singapore Branch; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution in Singapore is seeking a Trade Finance Executive to drive business development and enhance trade finance solutions. The ideal candidate has proven experience in trade finance, strong stakeholder management skills, and a minimum of 10 years relevant experience. This role requires collaboration across departments and conducting training sessions for team development.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for Trade Finance opportunities and enhance revenue streams.
• Collaborate with Credit Department for seamless execution of trade finance deals.
• Conduct internal workshops for front office teams to enhance trade finance skills.

Skills

Trade finance expertise

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Analytical capabilities

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• 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 diversified industries, 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 diversified industries.

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 trade finance solutions, 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 diversified industries.
• 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 with headquarters.