Head of Trade Product & Advisory

East West Bank; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

East West Bank is seeking a seasoned executive to lead its Trade Advisory, Product Management, and Business Development functions. The role combines advisory, product strategy, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the bank's trade solutions for domestic and cross-border clients.

You will collaborate with Relationship Managers, Credit, Risk, Compliance, and Technology to identify opportunities, structure transactions, and deliver scalable, profitable trade offerings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in trade finance, international banking, treasury management, or related financial services.
• Deep expertise in trade finance products, trade advisory, and business development.
• Experience managing or enhancing trade products and client-facing capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of trade operations, risk management, regulatory requirements, and international trade practices.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and drive business growth across cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive growth, innovation, and organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Trade Finance business and drive revenue growth.
• Partner with all lines of business to evaluate, identify and structure trade opportunities.
• Act as subject matter expert and provide guidance on cross-border trade with an Asia nexus.
• Improve knowledge and understanding of trade across the Bank.

Skills

Trade finance

International banking

Treasury management

Business development

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Client relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Economics

MBA

Job description

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 120 locations across the U.S. and Asia, we are the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Our teams of experienced, multi-cultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities, and our sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, and high-tech help build sustainable businesses and expand our associates’ potential for career advancement.

Headquartered in California, East West Bank (Nasdaq: EWBC) is a top performing commercial bank with an exclusive focus on the U.S. and Greater China markets. With a strong foundation, and enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity, East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Global Treasury & Payments, the Head of Trade Product & Advisory will lead the continued evolution of East West Bank's trade business by combining trade advisory, product management, strategic partnerships, and business development into a centralized Trade Solutions function.

As a Top 20 Trade Finance Bank in the United States, East West Bank has established capabilities supporting domestic and international commerce. This role will build upon that foundation by enhancing trade products, improving client-facing capabilities, expanding trade adoption across the Bank, and ensuring clients receive expert guidance on both domestic and cross-border trade solutions.

This role will serve as the Bank's primary trade subject matter expert, partnering closely with Relationship Managers, Credit, Trade Operations, Treasury Management, International Banking, Risk, and Compliance to identify opportunities, structure transactions, and deliver a consistent, scalable, and profitable trade offering.

The successful candidate will combine strong client-facing trade expertise with a practical understanding of trade operations, product management, and market trends. The role will initially lead a small, specialized team and will have responsibility for developing advisory capabilities, managing strategic trade partnerships, and advancing the Bank's trade proposition over time.

Key Responsibilities (not limited to)

Trade Advisory & Business Development

• Lead the Trade Finance business
• Partner with all business lines and segments to evaluate, identify and structure trade opportunities
• Act as subject matter expert and provide practical guidance on all trade matters, with a particular focus on cross-border trade transactions with an Asia nexus
• Improve the knowledge and understanding of trade across the Bank

Trade Solutions Product Management

• Partner with Trade Operations and technology teams to enhance trade capabilities, efficiency and client experience
• Monitor competitor offerings, market developments, and regulatory changes to maintain a competitive trade offering
• Evaluate and manage relationships with correspondent banks, trade service providers, fintechs, digital trade platforms, and other strategic partners
• Track and communicate performance, pipeline activity, and strategic initiatives

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Trade Operations and client servicing to ensure seamless client delivery
• Collaborate with Operations, Risk, Compliance, Legal and technology
• Partner with Relationship Managers to support client service team coverage of relationships

Success Measures

• Growth in trade revenue, fees, and trade-related wallet expansion with clients
• Increased trade penetration across all Banking segments
• Number and quality of trade opportunities sourced and successfully converted.
• Improvement in banker engagement and trade solution utilization
• Successful expansion of correspondent banking and strategic partner relationships
• Strong partnership with Credit, Trade Operations, and Relationship Management teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; MBA preferred
• 10+ years of experience in trade finance, international banking, treasury management, or related financial services
• Deep expertise in trade finance products, trade advisory, and business development
• Experience managing or enhancing trade products and client-facing capabilities
• Strong knowledge of trade operations, risk management, regulatory requirements, and international trade practices
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and drive business growth across cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, clients, and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive growth, innovation, and organizational change

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Compensation

The base pay range for this position is USD $200,000.00/Yr. - USD $275,000.00/Yr. Exact offers will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

East West Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations for disability are provided to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.