Head of Trade Finance Sales - Middle East Trade Corridors in London

• Lead trade & FI coverage across key Middle East corridors
• Shape a growing trade finance franchise with leadership responsibility
• About Our Client

Our client is a leading international banking group headquartered in the Middle East with a growing Corporate & Institutional Banking platform in London.

The bank is seeking a hands-on Head of Trade Finance Sales to drive business across both Corporate and Financial Institution clients, supporting trade flows between the UK, Europe, GCC, Turkey, Egypt, India and wider regional markets.

Job Description

A leading international banking group with a strong presence across the Middle East, Europe and Asia is seeking a Director, Head of Trade Finance Sales to join its Corporate & Institutional Banking platform in London.

This is a high-profile opportunity for an ambitious senior trade finance professional looking to step into a broader leadership role within a growing franchise.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving trade finance and structured trade solutions across major Middle East trade corridors.

This role combines approximately 50% Corporate and 50% Financial Institution coverage, with responsibility for developing business across key Middle East trade corridors.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Corporate & Institutional Banking, you will be responsible for originating, developing and executing trade finance opportunities across a diverse client base, including:

• Commodity traders
• Manufacturers
• EPC contractors
• Oil & gas companies
• Financial Institutions
• Large corporates active in Middle East trade corridors

You'll work across key markets including

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Egypt
• Turkey
• India
• Wider GCC region

This is a highly commercial role with responsibility for driving new business, enhancing product capabilities and supporting the continued growth of the bank's transaction banking franchise.

Key Responsibilities

• Originate new trade finance and structured trade opportunities across corporate and FI client segments.
• Develop and grow relationships with clients engaged in Middle East trade flows.

• Deliver solutions across

• Trade Finance
• Receivables Finance
• Structured Trade Finance
• Borrowing Base Lending
• Inventory Finance
• Supply Chain Finance
• Pre- and Post-Export Finance
• Drive product development initiatives and identify new revenue opportunities.
• Partner closely with Credit, Risk, Compliance and Operations teams throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Lead and develop a small team of trade finance professionals.
• Support the growth of the bank's broader Transaction Banking and Corporate Banking franchise.
• The Successful Applicant

The successful individual will be a hands-on originator capable of developing new business opportunities whilst leading a small team and helping shape the future direction of the trade finance franchise.

• The ideal candidate
• 15+ years' experience within Trade Finance, Structured Trade Finance, Transaction Banking or Corporate Banking.
• A strong track record of originating and growing client relationships.
• Experience covering clients across the Middle East, GCC or key trade corridors connected to the region.
• Strong understanding of Middle East trade corridors and commercial dynamics
• Exposure to commodity finance, trading companies, manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Knowledge of both corporate and financial institution clients.
• Strong understanding of credit processes and risk management.
• A hands-on, entrepreneurial approach with the ability to build and develop business opportunities.
• Previous management experience, although this may suit an individual seeking their first significant Head of role.

The position would suit an experienced Director, Executive Director or Senior Relationship Manager seeking their first significant Head of role within a growing international banking platform.

• What’s on Offer
• Opportunity to join a growing international banking platform.
• Significant exposure to senior management.
• Ability to shape and develop product offerings.
• Strong growth ambitions across the Middle East corridor.
• Commercial, client-facing leadership position with genuine scope for progression.

Compensation: Competitive six-figure base salary plus bonus and benefits.

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