Co-Head of Trade & Working Capital Solutions (Commodities & Energy Sector)

Lead the Trade & Working Capital Solutions team within the Global Trade Finance Department (GTFD), in Singapore focusing on the Commodities & Energy sector across APAC. Drive strategic initiatives to expand structured and conventional trade finance offerings, enhance client engagement, and maximize flow banking capabilities including deposits and FX.

Strategic Leadership & Business Development:

• Spearhead the acquisition of Structured Trade Finance (STF) opportunities across APAC, leveraging GTFD’s regional footprint.
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• Develop and execute strategies to capture Trade Finance opportunities including receivable, payable solution and conventional trade finance flows, enhancing SMBC’s deposit and FX revenue streams.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the commodities and energy sectors, aligning with SMBC’s strategy.

• Demonstrate strong knowledge and analytical capability to understand both sides of trade transactions and visualize the complete trade flow.
• Possess the market insight, relationship network, and skill set to originate deals independently and act as a lead agent, rather than merely participating in syndicated transactions initiated by other banks or trading firms.
• Leverage deep sector knowledge to structure bespoke trade finance solutions that meet the unique needs of clients in the commodities and energy sectors.

Credit & Deal Execution:

• Collaborate closely with relevant departments including Credit Department to ensure timely approvals and seamless execution of trade finance deals.
• Maintain high credit quality standards for corporate clients utilizing STF facilities, ensuring robust risk management.

Global Coordination & Client Engagement:

• Work in tandem with SMBC’s global GTFD offices to facilitate knowledge transfer and strengthen relationships with clients having global exposure.
• Act as a key liaison between regional teams and headquarters to ensure consistent client experience and product delivery.

Internal Enablement & Training:

• Conduct internal workshops and training sessions to equip front office teams with the skills to identify and prospect trade finance opportunities.
• Promote awareness and understanding of trade finance products across the organization to drive cross-selling and client value.

Product Integration & Flow Banking Optimization:

• Ensure integration of structured and conventional trade finance solutions to maximize client wallet share.
• Champion initiatives that enhance SMBC’s flow banking capabilities, including deposit mobilization and FX transaction growth.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience in trade finance, particularly within the commodities and energy sectors.
• Strong understanding of both structured and conventional trade finance products.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive business growth across APAC.
• Deep knowledge of credit processes and risk management in trade finance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage across regions and functions.
• Experience in training and developing internal teams to enhance product knowledge and sales capabilities.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in trade finance or related roles within financial services.
• Proficiency in English; Japanese language skills are a plus for coordination and communication with headquarters which the main language is Japanese.