Trade Finance Counsel

BBVA•New York, NY

1d•$200,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Trade Finance Counsel will join BBVA’s New York Legal Department, which provides legal support to the Corporate & Investment Banking Group (CIB), including BBVA’s New York branch and an SEC-registered broker dealer. Under the supervision of the General Counsel for CIB in the U.S., the successful candidate will advise on legal and regulatory matters, conduct legal research, review financial transaction documentation, present updates to senior management, and support corporate governance. The role provides legal support for trade finance, distribution and syndication, cash management, securitization, and secured and unsecured lending activities. It also involves answering legal and regulatory questions for the BBVA Group, working with colleagues internationally, representing Legal in meetings, and helping update BBVA policies and procedures. The position is based in BBVA’s New York office. The expected base salary is $200,000 to $230,000, with offers generally not made at or near the top of the range. Salary decisions consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications where applicable, market factors, and organizational factors. The role also offers an employee benefits package and eligibility for a discretionary bonus. U.S. work eligibility is required; BBVA will not pursue visa sponsorship.

Requirements

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.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment about 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, with timely follow-through on commitments.
Juris Doctor from a top law school.
Active license to practice law in the State of New York.
U.S. employment eligibility; the company will not pursue visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience negotiating corporate finance documentation.
Flexibility and willingness to work on unfamiliar legal matters, 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.
Professional experience with AI.
Familiarity with Inventory Finance, Prepayment Agreements, Negotiable Instruments, and other structured trade finance products.
Spanish language skills.
Positive perspective and sense of humor.
Experience with EU securitization regulations.

Responsibilities

Support trade finance activities, including drafting and reviewing 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 and syndication activities, including reviewing and negotiating participation agreements, BBVA insurance policies, and related programs and agreements.
Support cash management activities, 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 addressing regulatory compliance.
Answer legal and regulatory questions and provide day-to-day support to the BBVA Group for the New York office and globally, engaging colleagues in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Review and analyze legal documentation throughout secured and unsecured lending transactions, including credit agreements, guarantees, security documents, NDAs, commitment letters, and engagement letters.
Represent the Legal Department in meetings with bank functions, senior management, and external stakeholders.
Advise on legal matters relevant to the New York office and CIB.
Work with other BBVA groups to update policies and procedures.