Executive Director, Head of Trade Services Section

Our client is a leading international corporate bank with a strong presence in Asia. They are seeking a senior Trade Services leader to oversee trade finance operations, drive operational excellence, and lead strategic transformation initiatives within the organization.

This is a leadership role for an experienced trade finance professional who combines deep operational expertise with strong people management, risk control, and system transformation experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for the Trade Services function, ensuring efficient delivery of trade finance operations while maintaining a strong control environment.
• Drive operational excellence by reviewing processes, enhancing productivity, and implementing best practices across the trade services team.
• Lead business transformation initiatives, including system upgrades, workflow optimization, digitalization, and process automation projects.
• Partner closely with Technology, Operations, Front Office, Compliance, Risk, and other stakeholders to support strategic business objectives and enhance service delivery.
• Oversee the handling of complex trade finance transactions and serve as a senior escalation point for operational, client, and regulatory matters.
• Establish and maintain robust governance, risk management, and control frameworks to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Manage vendor and outsourced service relationships, ensuring service quality, operational resilience, and effective risk oversight.
• Build and develop a high-performing team through coaching, talent development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Monitor industry, regulatory, and market developments affecting trade finance operations and recommend appropriate enhancements to policies, procedures, and operating models.
• Contribute to business growth by partnering with internal stakeholders to improve client experience, strengthen operational capabilities, and support new business initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives that support organizational transformation and long-term operational objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Banking, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 20+ years of trade finance operations experience, with significant team leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record in managing trade services functions within a banking environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading digital transformation and core banking system migration initiatives.
• Strong experience managing large teams and working with outsourced operational support models.
• In-depth knowledge of trade finance products, processes, and operational risk controls.
• Strong understanding of ICC rules including UCP600, ISBP, URR725, and URC522.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and people development skills.
• CDCS qualification is highly preferred.
• HKIB Certified Banker qualification would be an advantage.
• Fluent in English and Chinese, including Mandarin.