Lead - Trade Finance Operations

Role Overview:

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end processing and governance of trade finance operations while leading a team to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant execution of domestic and international trade transactions. The role focuses on operational excellence, risk management, regulatory compliance, stakeholder management, and process automation to deliver best-in-class trade operations.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and manage end-to-end operations for Trade Finance products including Import & Export Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees, Documentary Collections, Bills Discounting, Trade Loans, Export Finance, and Supply Chain Finance.

- Supervise daily operations, ensuring adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), operational controls, and turnaround times.

- Ensure compliance with RBI, FEMA, ICC Rules (UCP 600, URDG 758, ISP98, URC 522, ISBP), AML/KYC, sanctions screening, and internal policies.

- Process SWIFT messages accurately and within defined turnaround times.

- Review complex trade transactions, document discrepancies, exceptions, and high-value cases while providing guidance to the operations team.

- Drive process standardization, automation, digitization, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

- Manage operational risk, audit observations, regulatory inspections, and internal control frameworks.

- Collaborate with Corporate Banking, Relationship Managers, Treasury, Compliance, Technology, and international correspondent banks to ensure seamless transaction execution.

- Prepare operational MIS, productivity dashboards, risk reports, and management updates while monitoring key performance indicators.

- Lead, coach, and develop the Trade Finance Operations team, ensuring high levels of performance, productivity, and capability building.

Key Skills:

- Strong expertise in Trade Finance Operations and International Trade products.

- Sound knowledge of SWIFT messaging, ICC Guidelines, RBI/FEMA regulations, and Trade Compliance.

- Experience in trade finance platforms such as Finacle, Trade Innovation (TI), Eximbills, or similar systems.

- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.

- Proven ability to lead operational transformation, process automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Experience:

- 18+ years of experience in Trade Finance Operations within a Bank or Financial Institution, with prior experience leading teams and managing high-volume trade operations.