Trade Finance Counsel

Overview

At BBVA, we are leading the transformation of global banking with the aim of bringing the opportunities of this new era within everyone’s reach. We are a global financial institution present in more than 25 countries with over 89 million customers. We are a bank with 115,000 plus employees across the world, and every one of those employees is leading and designing his/her professional career with the help of tools provided by the organization to make that happen.

Corporate responsibility is an intrinsic part of our business model, promoting inclusion and financial education while supporting research and culture. Being part of BBVA means developing your career in one of the most innovative companies in finance.

We started out with the spirit of helping others make the best financial decisions. That spirit remains with us today and encourages us to keep moving forward, prioritizing innovation and digital transformation so that we can bring the opportunities of this new era within everyone’s reach.

Our values define our identity; they are what drives us to make our goals a reality and they guide all of our actions and the decisions we make.

• The customer comes first.

• We are one team.

• We think big.

www.bbva.com

Responsibilities

The BBVA New York Legal Department provides legal support to the Corporate & Investment Banking Group (“CIB”), which includes the New York branch of BBVA (a Spanish bank) and an SEC-registered broker dealer. The successful candidate will provide counsel on legal and regulatory issues, perform legal research, review documentation for financial transactions, present updates to senior management and manage corporate governance, primarily in support of CIB under the supervision of the General Counsel for CIB in the US.

Primary Duties

• Support trade finance activities, including drafting and review of receivables purchase and invoice discounting facilities, supply chain finance documentation, bilateral working capital facilities, reimbursement agreements, letters of credit, UCC financing statements, and other trade finance documentation.
• Support distribution/syndication activities, including reviewing and negotiating participation agreements, BBVA insurance policies and related programs and agreements.
• Support cash management business, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing account agreements, pledge and control agreements, pooling agreements, and other cash management agreements and products.
• Support securitization activities, including negotiating securitization facilities for receivables and other asset classes, reviewing legal opinions, and regulatory compliance (experience with EU securitization regulations is a plus).
• Answer legal and regulatory questions and provide day-to-day support to the BBVA Group, whether for the New York office or globally, engaging colleagues in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
• Review and analyze legal documentation in all stages of secured and unsecured lending transactions, including credit agreements, guarantees, security documents, NDAs, commitment letters and engagement letters.
• Represent the Legal Department in meetings across various bank functions with senior management and external stakeholders.  Advise on all legal matters relevant to the New York office and CIB.
• Work closely with other BBVA groups to update BBVA policies and procedures.  

Required Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience at a top law firm or as in-house counsel at a leading financial institution.
• Prior experience negotiating trade finance documentation.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, exercise good judgment with respect to escalation, and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and analytical skills.
• High degree of integrity and strong work ethic. Timely follow-through on commitments.
• A Juris Doctor from a top law school.
• An active license to practice law in the State of New York.
  
  

Desired Skills

• Experience negotiating corporate finance documentation.
• Flexibility and willingness to jump into unfamiliar legal terrain, including derivatives and trading, real estate finance, litigation, vendor contracting, employment, sustainability, cybersecurity, data protection, corporate reporting, trade finance, securities offerings and AML/BSA.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to banks.
• Experience with AI in a professional setting is a plus.
• Familiarity with Inventory Finance, Prepayment Agreements, Negotiable Instruments, and other structured trade finance products is a plus.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Positive perspective and sense of humor. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

With respect to this position in our New York Office, the expected base salary ranges from $200,000 to $230,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

*Employment eligibility to work with BBVA in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions