Trade Finance 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

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA?

We're looking for a Trade Finance AVP to join our Global Trade Finance Department (GTFD) in Paris.

This role offers a unique opportunity to sit at the intersection of business, governance, risk, and performance management within a growing Trade Finance franchise. Acting as a key member of the First Line of Defence, you will support the development of robust control and governance frameworks, enhance business performance monitoring, and contribute to strategic initiatives across GTFD EU. The role also provides exposure to transaction execution, client enablement activities, and senior stakeholders across Europe and Tokyo.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of GTFD's Control & Governance framework across EU activities
• Delivering business planning, performance monitoring, portfolio oversight, and management reporting to support decision-making
• Partnering with stakeholders across Front Office, Risk, Compliance, Operations, and Head Office to ensure effective governance and business execution

For you to succeed in the role, you'll need to have:

• Strong analytical skills and experience working within banking, financial services, consulting, or other data-driven environments
• Advanced Excel capabilities (including Macros/VBA) and experience using reporting and visualisation tools such as Microsoft Tableau
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities within a structured, international, and matrix-driven organisation

The anticipated salary range for this role is €68,000 - €90,000, with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

Position Description

About this role

The Trade Finance AVP forms part of the Global Trade Finance Department (GTFD) and supports the oversight, governance, and performance management of GTFD EU activities.

The role plays a key part in ensuring the business operates in line with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and risk appetite while supporting strategic planning, portfolio management, and operational excellence. Working closely with teams across Paris, London, Frankfurt, and Tokyo, the position contributes to business growth by providing robust analysis, effective governance, and data-driven insights to senior management.

In addition to governance responsibilities, the role supports client enablement initiatives, transaction lifecycle oversight, and continuous improvement activities across the Trade Finance business.

Our role will enable you to:

• Contribute to the development of control and governance frameworks within a growing international Trade Finance business
• Support business planning, budgeting, KPI monitoring, and management reporting activities
• Partner with senior stakeholders across GTFD, Risk, Compliance, Operations, and Head Office functions
• Gain exposure to transaction structuring, portfolio management, and client enablement initiatives
• Lead data-led process improvement and automation projects to enhance efficiency and reporting capabilities
• Work within a highly collaborative, multicultural, and international environment across EMEA and Japan

What will you bring to the role?

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Finance, Business Management or other relevant field
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience (including internships, apprenticeships, or graduate programmes) within banking, financial services, consulting, change management, business management, risk, governance, or other analytical environments
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, draw conclusions, and provide actionable recommendations
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including experience with Macros/VBA and automation of reporting processes
• Strong experience using reporting and visualisation tools, particularly Microsoft Tableau
• Experience producing management information, performance reporting, dashboards, business analysis, or governance reporting
• Ability to work effectively within a complex, multicultural, and matrix-managed organisation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to present insights to senior audiences
• Understanding of governance, risk management, control frameworks, or business management disciplines
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach with a focus on continuous improvement and automation
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Desirable:

• Experience within Trade Finance, Transaction Banking, Corporate Banking, or a related financial services environment
• Exposure to First Line of Defence governance, operational risk, RCSA, incident management, audit, or regulatory interactions
• Experience supporting business planning, budgeting, KPI management, or portfolio oversight activities
• Knowledge of data governance, process optimisation, and reporting automation techniques
• Exposure to transaction lifecycle management, client onboarding, or product implementation activities
• French or other European language skills would be advantageous

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!!