Overview
Reporting to the Head of Global Treasury & Payments, the Head of Trade Product & Advisory will lead the continued evolution of East West Bank's trade business by combining trade advisory, product management, strategic partnerships, and business development into a centralized Trade Solutions function.
As a Top 20 Trade Finance Bank in the United States, East West Bank has established capabilities supporting domestic and international commerce. This role will build upon that foundation by enhancing trade products, improving client-facing capabilities, expanding trade adoption across the Bank, and ensuring clients receive expert guidance on both domestic and cross-border trade solutions.
This role will serve as the Bank's primary trade subject matter expert, partnering closely with Relationship Managers, Credit, Trade Operations, Treasury Management, International Banking, Risk, and Compliance to identify opportunities, structure transactions, and deliver a consistent, scalable, and profitable trade offering.
The successful candidate will combine strong client-facing trade expertise with a practical understanding of trade operations, product management, and market trends. The role will initially lead a small, specialized team and will have responsibility for developing advisory capabilities, managing strategic trade partnerships, and advancing the Bank's trade proposition over time.
Responsibilities
Trade Advisory & Business Development
- Lead the Trade Finance business
- Partner with all business lines and segments to evaluate, identify and structure trade opportunities
- Act as subject matter expert and provide practical guidance on all trade matters, with a particular focus on cross-border trade transactions with an Asia nexus
- Improve the knowledge and understanding of trade across the Bank
Trade Solutions Product Management
- Partner with Trade Operations and Technology teams to enhance trade capabilities, efficiency and client experience
- Monitor competitor offerings, market developments, and regulatory changes to maintain a competitive trade offering
- Evaluate and manage relationships with correspondent banks, trade service providers, fintechs, digital trade platforms, and other strategic partners
- Track and communicate performance, pipeline activity, and strategic initiatives
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with Trade Operations and client servicing to ensure seamless client delivery
- Collaborate with Operations, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Technology
- Partner with Relationship Managers to support client service team coverage of relationships
Success Measures
- Growth in trade revenue, fees, and trade-related wallet expansion with clients
- Increased trade penetration across all Banking segments
- Number and quality of trade opportunities sourced and successfully converted.
- Improvement in banker engagement and trade solution utilization
- Successful expansion of correspondent banking and strategic partner relationships
- Strong partnership with Credit, Trade Operations, and Relationship Management teams
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; MBA preferred
- 10+ years of experience in trade finance, international banking, treasury management, or related financial services
- Deep expertise in trade finance products, trade advisory, and business development
- Experience managing or enhancing trade products and client-facing capabilities
- Strong knowledge of trade operations, risk management, regulatory requirements, and international trade practices
- Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and drive business growth across cross-functional teams
- Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, clients, and internal stakeholders
- Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive growth, innovation, and organizational change
Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.
CompensationThe base pay range for this position is USD $250,000.00/Yr. - USD $350,000.00/Yr. Exact offers will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.