Role Statement
The Trade Finance Coordinator is responsible for delivering high-level customer service to trade finance clients and stakeholders, handling all trade-related customer requests, and coordinating between the customer and internal departments. The role requires scrutiny of trade documents, customer communication, and compliance with trade finance policies and procedures to ensure efficient and timely processing of trade finance transactions.
Key Objectives
Document Management:
- Receive and manage physical documents from clients or banks through the Customer Services Desk or courier services.
- Scrutinize and verify documents for completeness, consistency, and authenticity, ensuring the validation of signing authorities.
- Record and track all documents sent to the Trade Finance Back Office for processing.
Customer Interaction and Service:
- Provide high-quality customer service, handling trade-related customer requests, inquiries, and complaints efficiently.
- Act as a liaison between clients and internal departments, such as Trade Finance Back Office, Treasury, Credit Risk, and Legal, ensuring smooth transaction processing.
- Deliver trade documents to customers upon proper verification of signatures, credit limits, and required documentation.
Document Verification and Follow-up:
- Conduct credit limit and sub-limit checks in systems like Equation, adhering to terms and conditions of sanctions (FOL).
- Identify missing information in trade documents, inform customers promptly, and escalate issues to Business Units as necessary.
- Send emails or make calls to customers for any missing information or approvals and follow up on approvals for deviations.
Compliance and Risk Management:
- Conduct compliance-related checks, including World Check, Sanctions, Price Monitoring, and Vessel Tracking, to ensure transactions adhere to the bank’s policies and guidelines.
- Collaborate closely with the Compliance department to ensure conformity of transactions and mitigate potential risks.
Technical Advisory:
- Provide clients with technical expertise on bank guarantees, letters of credit (LC) terms and conditions, and other trade documentation requirements.
- Advise the sales team on trade finance transactions, especially with respect to Letters of Credit (LCs) and Letters of Guarantee (LGs).
Internal Coordination:
- Interact with internal departments such as Treasury, Credit Risk, Legal, and Compliance for transaction support and guidance.
- Ensure non-standard guarantee formats, counter guarantees, and indemnities are vetted in consultation with Business Units, Risk, and Legal departments.
Document Dispatch and Transmission:
- Forward, scan, and electronically transmit digitalized documents to the Back Office for further processing.
- Handle the dispatch of original documents to customers or issuing/collecting banks as required.
Customer Guidance and Support:
- Guide clients on discrepancies, required rectifications in documents, release of shipping guarantees, and collection of charges.
- Serve as a technical resource for clients on trade finance products, ensuring a smooth and informed experience.
Candidate Specifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- 5 – 7 years’ experience in Trade Finance