Trade Solutions / Assistant Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Purpose of Job

• Support the growth and development of Trade Finance businesses across FI Trade, Structured Export Finance (SEF), Supply Chain Finance (SCF), and Trade Finance Digitalization in the Middle East region.
• Assist in marketing activities, client engagement, and transaction execution in collaboration with relationship managers and product specialists.
• Acts as a subject-matter expert in selected areas of Trade Solutions, contributing to internal knowledge development, cross-functional initiatives, and strategic planning.

Background

This role is designed to:

• Provide analytical and execution support for Trade Solutions initiatives across the Middle East.
• Apply a broad and integrated understanding of financial products, client needs, and market dynamics to support complex deal structuring and portfolio development.
• Assist in preparing client presentations, deal documentation, and internal reporting.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across GTFD, including London and regional teams, to support business development.
• Engage with cross-functional teams (e.g., Risk, Compliance, Operations) to ensure alignment of business objectives with internal governance and regulatory frameworks

Facts and Scale

• Support coverage of 70+ Financial Institutions and 30+ Corporates across 10 countries.
• Assist in managing a portfolio with assets of USD 0.5–1.0bn and liabilities of around USD 1bn.
• Contribute to the execution of 5–10 pipeline deals and support origination of SEF and SCF transactions.
• Participate in digitalization initiatives, especially those related to SCF infrastructure.
• Support the development of internal frameworks, tools, and reporting processes to enhance business oversight and decision-making.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing business strategies aligned with GTFD and SMBC DIFC Branch objectives.
• Support origination and execution of Trade Finance transactions, including documentation and internal approvals.
• Prepare client materials, pitch books, and transaction summaries.
• Maintain client and deal databases, track pipeline progress, and support reporting to management.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure compliance with regulatory and operational requirements.
• Participate in client meetings and business trips as required.
• Contribute to the development of internal policies, process enhancements, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Provide guidance to junior team members and act as a resource for technical and market-related queries.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities across the business and proactively recommend solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of Trade Finance and related banking products, with the ability to apply advanced concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Strong grasp of financial structuring, credit risk, regulatory compliance, and operational processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work across functions and geographies.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Experience in financial services or banking, ideally with exposure to Trade Finance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with CRM tools is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or related field; professional certifications (e.g., CDCS, CITF) are a plus.

Challenges

• Navigating complex regulatory environments and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
• Supporting multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities across regions.
• Balancing execution responsibilities with strategic input into product development, client strategy, and internal process improvement.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!