Assistant Manager, Trade Finance

Role Overview

This position acts as a dedicated Trade Finance specialist within the branch network, working alongside Relationship Managers and Branch Managers to develop and execute tailored trade solutions for individual clients and small to medium-sized enterprises. Day to day, you will review and process export-related documentation such as Documentary Collections and Letters of Credit, coordinate with internal trade operations teams to ensure smooth dispatch, and proactively identify opportunities to expand the bank's trade finance income. Your work directly supports the bank's goal of building a competitive, client-focused trade finance portfolio while maintaining strict compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Relationship Managers and Branch Managers to structure Trade Finance products for clients, with an emphasis on growing portfolio income and acquiring new business from the market.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients by understanding their trade cycles, monitoring their evolving needs, and recommending appropriate banking solutions.
• Prepare, check, and process export documents for Documentary Collections and Letters of Credit, ensuring accuracy and timely onward dispatch to international destinations in line with service level agreements.
• Serve as the liaison between the front office and Trade Operations teams to resolve documentation issues, clarify transaction requirements, and ensure smooth execution of trade transactions.
• Conduct regular market intelligence on trade products, pricing models, and competitor offerings to inform the bank's positioning and support strategic decision-making for Structured Trade & Commodity Financing (STCF) initiatives.
• Identify business opportunities and potential risks in the trade finance space, using these insights to strengthen the bank's competitive advantage and recommend proactive measures within agreed timeframes.
• Engage in consultative cross-selling by matching client needs to product capabilities, delivering tailored proposals that maximize revenue while ensuring the client's experience remains seamless throughout implementation and follow-up.
• Provide advisory support and guidance to Relationship Managers, Branch Managers, and the wider branch network on trade finance products, transaction processes, and compliance expectations.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline; a Master's degree will be considered an advantage.
• Minimum of 3–4 years of experience within a Trade Finance function, ideally covering documentary collections, letters of credit, and related operational processes.
• Prior experience in a sales or client-facing role within a reputable bank or financial institution is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of banking operations, functional policies and procedures, and the regulatory environment applicable to trade finance front and back office activities.
• Working knowledge of trade finance products, including the ability to explain features, pricing, and risk considerations to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the foundations and principles of Islamic finance as they apply to trade transactions.
• Strong selling and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to identify client needs and convert them into viable business opportunities.
• Excellent customer focus and communication skills, capable of building trust with clients and collaborating effectively across internal teams.