Trade Finance Analyst

Overview

Letters of Credit Management

• Facilitate LC issuance from banks in accordance with trading terms.
• Facilitate issuance for any alternatives to letters of credit, such as bonds or guarantees.
• Ensure that LC terms align with industry best practice.
• Manage the issuance process, including obtaining necessary approvals and documentation.
• Coordinate with banks and counterparties to address any issues related to document presentation.
• Identify potential risks related to LC transactions and implement mitigation strategies, including overseeing of confirming / advising banks. Ensure workability / vetting letter of credit transactions.
• Scrutinise shipping documents, invoices, and other required documents to ensure they comply with LC terms, in conjunction with the Charterer. Identify any discrepancies or inconsistencies and resolve them promptly.
• Ensure financial security for each shipment is in good order, and systems are communicated to relevant teams.

Trade Finance Operations

• Support the trading function to identify trade finance requirements and opportunities to raise financing, both short and long term.
• Implement / structure storage and inventory financing opportunities.
• Develop strategies and financial models in cooperation with Treasury and Trade Finance Manager and the Trading function.
• Analyse and structure trade and invoice financing deals, including factoring and invoice discounting.
• Record and manage the life cycle of all trade finance transactions including supporting Finance in accounting for trade finance transactions.
• Manage relationships with banks, credit insurers, and other financial institutions to secure favourable trade finance terms.
• Monitor market trends and assess their impact on trade finance costs and opportunities.
• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of records of all trade finance transactions.

Collateral Management

• Work closely with the Trading function to ensure efficient use of liquidity for managing credit risk and meeting collateral obligations related to margins.
• Provide Trading with input on collateral terms to ensure alignment with Treasury liquidity management.
• Monitor collateral movements and analyse forecasts to ensure sufficient liquidity is available.
• Process margin calls, validate accuracy of margin calls and advise the Trading Operations team of transfers required.
• Record and reconcile collateral transfers against valuations provided by Trading.
• Support Trading function in dispute resolution with financial data and analysis

Desired Experience

• 5+ years of experience in trade finance commodity sector coming from an international commodity trading firms, national oil companies and major O&G company.
• Ability to work in a fast moving, early stage trading organisation, supporting growth whilst ensuring control and risk management objectives are met.
• Extensive experience in managing trade finance operations (invoice financing, letters of credit and guarantees)
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or a related field. Master’s or MBA preferred.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CTP, CFA, ACT) are a plus.
• User experience with technology solutions (e.g. Komgo, or similar). Implementation experience is a plus.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English is required, with excellent written and verbal communication.