About the role

Job Title : Distinguished Expert : Global Trade Advisory – Trade Finance Operations

Unit : OPE TRA, GTPS , GBIS

Location : Chennai, India (Global Coverage)

Reporting Line : Reports to Global Co-Heads of Trade Finance, OPE TRA, GTPS

Role Type: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Full-Time

Role Purpose

The Global Trade Advisory – Trade finance operations role provides centralized advisory for global trade finance operations with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, ICC rules, control frameworks, risk management, and data integrity. This role ensures consistent application of international trade rules (UCP, URDG, ISBP, etc.), regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards across regions, while driving operational excellence through robust procedures, risk controls, data quality initiatives, audit management, and system readiness for future transformation globally.

Role reports into the Co-heads of Trade finance operations within OPE GTPS.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory & ICC Rules Advisory

Act as SME on ICC rules (UCP 600, ISBP, URDG 758, URC, ISP98) and provide authoritative guidance for trade finance transactions.
Support global operations teams in resolving discrepancies and complex document examination issues.
Review and assess the ICC publications and share feedback on publications impacting OPE TRA

Advisory Support to Trade Operations

Serve as the primary escalation point for complex, high-risk, or non-standard transactions.
Provide real-time guidance on transaction structuring, document interpretation, and compliance considerations.
Contribute and support the work on Data quality related topics for OPE TRA

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

Translate regulatory requirements (AML, sanctions, TBML, local regulations) into actionable operational guidance.
Support implementation of regulatory changes and ICC rule updates globally.

Policies, Procedures & Standards

Convert global trade finance policies into detailed, actionable procedures for operational execution.
Ensure consistent adoption of procedures across all entities (SGRF, GTPS, Asia) in alignment with global policy.
Conduct periodic reviews to confirm adherence and address gaps in procedural compliance.

Risk & Controls Management

Design and implement risk and control frameworks for trade finance operations globally.
Conduct risk assessments, identify control gaps, and recommend remediation actions.
Monitor and test controls to ensure compliance with ICC rules, regulatory standards, and internal governance.

Audit & Regulatory Inspections

Track and manage all external, regulatory, and inspection-related audits for OPE TRA globally.
Assess whether audit recommendations and remediation actions are aligned with global policies and standards before implementation.
Ensure timely closure of audit findings and maintain strong governance over remediation plans.

System Readiness & Transformation

Play a key role in ensuring the new Trade Back Office tool is fit for purpose for back-office users.
Validate that all critical functionalities required for an ideal back-office system are incorporated in the proposed tool.
Act as Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for back-office teams during system design, testing, and implementation phases.
Represent back-office requirements in operational committees and ensure alignment with global transformation objectives.

Documentation & Record Management

Establish standards for document examination, retention, and evidencing in line with ICC rules and regulatory expectations.

Stakeholder Management & Training

Deliver training sessions and workshops on ICC rules, regulatory developments, risk controls, data quality, and system readiness as applicable
Support global knowledge-sharing initiatives and continuous capability uplift within trade operations.

Key Skills & Competencies

Deep expertise in trade finance operations and ICC rules (UCP 600, ISBP, URDG 758).
Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (AML, sanctions, TBML).
Proven ability to design and implement risk and control frameworks.
Expertise in policy-to-procedure conversion and global procedural governance.
Data governance and data quality management expertise.
Strong knowledge of trade finance systems and transformation projects.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Banking, Law, or Business (advanced degree or professional certifications preferred).
10–15 years of experience in trade finance operations, trade advisory, regulatory, or controls roles.
Hands-on experience applying ICC rules and managing risk/control frameworks.
Prior exposure to audits, regulatory reviews, or compliance engagements.
Experience in system implementation or transformation projects is highly desirable.