Trade Middle Office Manager

Company Overview

HBL, Pakistan’s first commercial bank since 1947, is the largest private sector bank with 1,450+ branches and 5 million+ customers. Majority owned by Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, it operates in 12 countries, offering retail, corporate, SME, agriculture, and investment banking services.

Job Summary

Manage and monitor structured trade transactions end-to-end, ensuring compliance with credit terms, regulatory frameworks, and bank policies while mitigating risks and supporting client inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor all trade transactions from import to export, ensuring control from transaction application receipt to loan repayment and reconciliation
• Analyze transactional risks independently and develop mitigation strategies aligned with approved credit terms and regulatory requirements
• Scrutinize transactions by reviewing supporting documents such as Letters of Credit applications, contracts, insurance policies, and related paperwork
• Manage client collateral positions, including facility limit exposures, cash positions, and export LC structures, ensuring collateral adequacy and following up on top-ups for under-collateralized transactions
• Conduct price and vessel checks on trade transactions to ensure adherence to bank policies, regulatory standards, and AML/CFT sanctions
• Perform Mark to Market valuations and monitor loan-to-collateral ratios, initiating margin calls as needed to maintain approved thresholds
• Escalate promptly to Relationship or Credit Risk Managers any risks or breaches that may threaten assets or repayment sources
• Review customer conduct, trade flows, and facility utilization patterns to support credit reviews
• Serve as the primary contact for structured trade transactions, addressing client inquiries and coordinating with internal stakeholders
• Prepare weekly monitoring reports and monthly utilization reconciliation reports
• Execute department administrative tasks and contribute to process improvements and other assigned initiatives

Required competencies and certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field from a recognized institution
• Knowledge of UCP, ISBP, URR, URDG, and experience across international trade and trade finance areas
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; macro skills are an advantage
• Strong knowledge of trade products and various commodity types
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Trade Middle Office or Trade Operations with exposure to structured trade transactions
• Familiarity with banking regulations and AML/CFT sanctions compliance