VP Trade Finance Operations

About the Role

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

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 Page | 1 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.

Required Skills:

• 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
• Bachelors 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.

Why join us

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Business insight

At Societe Generale, we are convinced that people are drivers of change, and that the world of tomorrow will be shaped by all their initiatives, from the smallest to the most ambitious. Whether youre joining us for a period of months, years or your entire career, together we can have a positive impact on the future. Creating, daring, innovating and taking action are part of our DNA. If you too want to be directly involved, grow in a stimulating and caring environment, feel useful on a daily basis and develop or strengthen your expertise, you will feel right at home with us!

Still hesitating

You should know that our employees can dedicate several days per year to solidarity actions during their working hours, including sponsoring people struggling with their orientation or professional integration, participating in the financial education of young apprentices, and sharing their skills with charities. There are many ways to get involved.