Trade Finance Solutioning III

First Citizens; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

First Citizens in California is seeking a seasoned Trade Finance Specialist to advise clients, design LC and documentary collection solutions, and manage risk across international transactions.

The role requires deep knowledge of trade finance products, regulatory requirements, and strong client relationship management. It’s a hybrid position with office and client site engagement in a dynamic financial services environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of experience in Trade Finance OR High School Diploma or GED and 6 years of experience in Trade Finance
• Experience with international trade regulations and UCP600, ISP98, URDG758, URR 725, URC 522 preferred
• Strong knowledge of INCOTERMS and trade finance products

Responsibilities

• Design and implement customized trade finance solutions based on client needs and risk profiles.
• Provide technical support to sales teams and clients on complex trade finance transactions.
• Advise clients on optimal use of trade finance products and regulatory impacts.
• Identify opportunities to enhance processes and contribute to new product development.

Skills

Attention to detail

Trade finance product knowledge

Risk assessment and mitigation

International trade regulations

Analytical thinking

Client advisory

Relationship management

Product development capabilities

Education

Bachelor's degree + 2 years in Trade Finance

High school diploma / GED + 6 years in Trade Finance

Job description

Overview

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office.

Advising, Confirmation, Negotiation/Examination and Settlement of Letter of Credit (LC); and Documentary Collections.

Reports directly to the Director, Trade Finance; possesses letter of credit and documentary collection expertise; performs client facing and consulting roles; develop and maintain transaction client relationships; provide advisory services to clients in the structuring and development of documentary requirements; identify and mitigate all associated and related risks; resolve problem issues and provide solutions; assist clients in the proper preparation of documents for settlement submission; examine and negotiate documents for compliance to letter of credit terms and conditions; facilitate the forwarding of documents to foreign banks for furtherance of the payment collection process; offer and facilitate financing by employing bills discounting and bills purchasing product methodologies; settle and pay letter of credit and documentary credit bills; identify, assess, monitor screening, investigate, escape and make disposition about compliance matters in relation to OFAC Sanctions, BSA/AML Transaction Monitoring, BIS Anti-Boycott Regulations; establish, manage and maintain partner bank relationships; provide client and regulatory reporting and data; educate, guide and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on trade finance products; and develop and maintain visibility in the trade finance industry.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Solution Design and Implementation - Formulate and implement customized trade finance solutions based on client needs and risk profiles. Analyze client business information and trade patterns to recommend appropriate products. Implement trade finance structures, ensuring compliance with bank policies and regulations.
• Technical Support and Advisory - Provide technical support to sales teams and clients on complex trade finance transactions. Advise clients on the optimal use of trade finance products for their business needs. Stay updated on international trade regulations and their impact on trade finance solutions.
• Process Improvement and Product Development - Identify opportunities to enhance trade finance processes and product offerings. Contribute to the development of new trade finance products and services. Collaborate with technology teams to improve trade finance platforms and tools.
• Risk Assessment and Compliance - Conduct risk assessments on proposed trade finance solutions. Ensure compliance with BSA/AML, Anti- Boycott, OFAC/ Sanctions KYC, and other relevant regulations in trade finance transactions. Work with risk and compliance teams to address any issues in trade finance structures.

Position Specific Skills:

• Attention to detail
• Trade finance product knowledge
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• International trade regulations
• Analytical and Logical Thinking
• Client Advisory and Relationship Management
• Product Development Application and Innovation Capabilities

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of experience in Trade Finance OR High School Diploma or GED and 6 years of experience in Trade Finance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent Trade Finance and financial service background required, with over 5+ years in Trade Finance at a financial institution.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Thorough knowledge of international rules and practices (UCP600, ISP98, URDG758, URR 725, URC 522)
• Through knowledge of INCOTERMS.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Excellent customer service skills and relationship skills.
• Excellent planning, multi-tasking and organization skills.
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Customer-focused with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to communicate and influence at an appropriate level.
• Proactive and self-motivated with ability to work independently with minimal supervision and under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to meet new challenges, assimilate new information and to influence people through maturity of approach.
• Ability to make sound and reliable decisions under supervision.
• Ability to work independently with no supervision from the manager.

Additional Information

The base pay for this position is generally between $120,000.00 and $140,000.00. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.