Trade Finance

Reed Banking & Financial Services is proud to be exclusively representing a well-established international bank in their search for an accomplished Head of Trade Finance. This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving the strategic growth, operational excellence, and commercial performance of the Bank’s Trade Finance function. The Head of Trade Finance will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Trade Finance Operations team, with a strong focus on originating, developing, and expanding new trade finance business.

The role will proactively identify new opportunities across a full suite of trade products—including letters of credit, guarantees, collections, forfaiting, and trade loans—strengthening the Bank’s competitive position in the market. Alongside commercial growth, the role will oversee the efficient, professional, and compliant execution of all trade finance operations. This includes ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, maintaining departmental procedures, signing and authorising trade documentation, and supporting the annual Trade Finance strategy.

Key Responsibilities Proactively source new trade finance opportunities aligned with the Bank’s strategy. Monitor FI limits and engage directly with counter parties and the secondary market. Respond promptly and professionally to all trade finance enquiries. Liaise with customers on discrepancies and technical issues, managing difficult interactions with professionalism. Conduct credit line reviews, FI credit applications, and customer due-diligence checks. Authorise SWIFT payments, amendments, guarantees, and internal documentation.

Perform second/third checks of documents presented under letters of credit. Provide monthly management information, trade finance volume reports, and EXCO updates. Experience Minimum 7 years’ experience within Trade Finance at an international bank. Broad operational experience across documentary credits, guarantees, collections, forfaiting, and trade loans. Proven leadership or supervisory experience. Strong knowledge of ICC rules (UCP, URDG, URC, ISP
98).