Senior Trade Finance Lead

trust recruit pte. ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

trust recruit pte. ltd. is seeking an experienced trade finance professional to manage end-to-end operations, including letters of credit, documentary collections and bank guarantees. You will review documents for accuracy, prepare applications, and coordinate with banks to meet tight timelines.

The role requires 5+ years in trade finance, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work across Commercial, Operations, Finance, Legal and Compliance teams in a fast-paced maritime environment.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Finance, Banking, Accountancy, Business, Economics or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant trade finance experience, preferably within the shipping, bunkering, commodities trading or maritime industry.
• Sound practical knowledge of letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees, standby letters of credit and shipping documents.
• Good understanding of trade finance controls, sanctions, AML requirements and common banking practices.
• Experience dealing with banks and managing trade facilities, transaction documentation and time-sensitive submissions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and manage multiple transactions independently.
• Good written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across internal departments and external parties.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP, treasury or trade finance systems is an advantage.
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines with a high level of integrity and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Handle end-to-end trade finance operations, including letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees and standby letters of credit.
• Review letters of credit and trade documentation, including invoices, bills of lading, certificates and insurance documents, for accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare, check and submit trade finance applications, amendments, drawdowns and supporting documents to banks within required timelines.
• Identify documentary discrepancies, assess transaction risks and coordinate timely rectification with internal stakeholders, banks and counterparties.
• Monitor trade finance facilities, limits, utilisation, maturity dates, fees and financing costs, and maintain accurate transaction trackers and records.
• Liaise with relationship banks on transaction processing, facility documentation, pricing and operational matters.
• Ensure transactions comply with internal approval authorities, maker-checker controls, AML, sanctions and other regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with Commercial, Operations, Finance, Legal and Compliance teams on shipping, bunkering and trading transactions.
• Support cash flow planning by providing visibility on upcoming payments, receipts, financing obligations and facility availability.
• Guide junior team members, prioritise urgent transactions and review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist in improving trade finance workflows, templates, controls and reporting processes.
• Perform other duties and ad hoc assignments as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent/Autonomous work

MS Office

ERP systems

Time management

Education

Finance/Banking degree or diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Trade finance systems

Job description

trust recruit pte. ltd. is seeking an experienced trade finance professional to manage end-to-end operations, including letters of credit, documentary collections and bank guarantees. You will review documents for accuracy, prepare applications, and coordinate with banks to meet tight timelines.

The role requires 5+ years in trade finance, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work across Commercial, Operations, Finance, Legal and Compliance teams in a fast-paced maritime environment.