Senior Trade Finance Advisor

Western Alliance Bank • San Jose, CA

1d • $139,530 - $183,850 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Trade Finance Advisor, you'll be responsible for structuring, analyzing, and supporting trade finance solutions for commercial clients, with a core focus on Commercial Letters of Credit (LCs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), and Export-Import (EXIM) loan facilities. This role partners closely with relationship managers, credit teams, and operations to deliver tailored solutions that mitigate risk, facilitate cross-border trade, and optimize client working capital.

Requirements

• 6+ years of related experience in Trade Finance, International Banking or Commercial Banking or similar field.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.
• Intermediate knowledge of general banking operations, including deposit operations, loan administration, treasury management and/or other commercial banking products and services.
• Intermediate knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal compliance obligations, rules and regulations, industry standards and practices.
• Working knowledge of international trade regulations and governing rules (UCP 600, ISP98).
• Intermediate to advanced analytical, problem solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Advanced speaking and writing communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Intermediate knowledge in credit/lending underwriting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise corporate and commercial clients on trade finance solutions, including: import/export commercial letters of credit (LCs), standby letters of credit (SBLCs) for performance and financial obligations, and EXIM loan programs and financing structures.
• Structure transaction solutions aligned with client trade flows, risk profiles, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships through trade finance products.
• Coordinate end-to-end execution of LC issuance, amendments, document negotiation, and settlements.
• Support SBLC structuring, issuance, renewals, and compliance monitoring.
• Assist in the origination and processing of EXIM-backed or trade-related loan facilities.
• Work closely with operations teams to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of transactions.
• Evaluate transaction risks including country risk, counterparty risk, and document risk.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks and industry rules, including: UCP 600 (Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits), ISP98 (International Standby Practices), and OFAC/sanctions and AML requirements.
• Collaborate with credit and compliance teams on approvals and documentation.
• Partner with Relationship Managers to support deal origination and client development.
• Support credit underwriting teams with transaction structures and risk mitigation analysis.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on trade finance products.
• Stay current on global trade finance trends, regulatory changes, and market conditions.
• Contribute to product development initiatives for trade finance offerings.
• Support process improvements and digitization initiatives in trade finance operations.

Benefits

• competitive salaries
• an ownership stake in the company
• medical and dental insurance
• time off
• a great 401k matching program
• tuition assistance program
• an employee volunteer program
• a wellness program
• opportunity to bolster business knowledge
• learning the ins and outs of how successful companies operate and manage their finances
• invaluable hands-on experience to help grow your career

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree