Trade Finance Operations Graduate Trainee

Job purpose:

The 18-month Graduate Trainee (GT) Programme is open to recent graduates who completed their studies within the past 12 months. The programme provides exposure to a broad range of Trade Finance products, including Working Capital Solutions, and helps build a strong foundation for a career in Trade Finance Back Office, Middle Office, and Trade Sales.

Working alongside Trade Finance Operations specialists, the graduate trainee will support the processing of trade finance business for customers within agreed deadlines and in line with internal and regulatory requirements. The role also involves providing specialized, process-driven advice within the trainee’s area of responsibility and collaborating closely with Transaction Banking/Cash/Trade Sales International, Relationship Managers, and other stakeholders serving corporate customers.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate trainee may be considered for permanent employment opportunities, subject to strong overall performance during the traineeship and business conditions.

Key activities:

Support the Trade Finance Operations Team on the following activities:

• Process assigned trade finance transactions in line with applicable rules, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Support end-to-end processing of Documentary Credit, Guarantee, and Working Capital Solutions transactions, including pre- and post-processing tasks.
• Provide process-oriented client advice, considering client needs and the bank’s operational requirements.
• Assist Senior Trade Specialists with second-level internal controls to ensure transactions comply with global procedures and internal guidelines.
• Support the Local Head in reviewing and updating internal and global procedures or guidelines as required.
• Contribute to ad hoc topics, initiatives, and projects led by the Local Head.
• Support first line of defence responsibilities by ensuring suspected legal or regulatory breaches are properly investigated and reported.
• Build and maintain knowledge of Trade Finance markets, regulations, and practices.
• Develop a strong understanding of financial crime compliance and related controls.

Formal education:

• Recent graduate with up to one year of professional experience, excluding internships.
• University degree, preferably in Business, Finance, Social Science, or Applied Science.

Specialist knowledge (work experience, further qualification):

• Strong potential to communicate clearly and confidently in written and spoken English.
• Client-minded and eager to build strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to contribute both independently and as part of a team.
• Positive and resilient when working in a fast-paced environment.
• Curious and analytical, with a proactive approach to solving problems.
• Motivated to learn, take initiative, and grow through hands-on experience.
• Open to new challenges, learning opportunities, and career mobility.