Our client, an International Bank based in the City of London are looking to recruit a new Client & Transaction Services (CTS) Manager. CTS is primarily responsible for delivering services direct to clients, thereby supporting the work of the Wholesale Banking Coverage and Product Sales teams. This must be done in a consistent and properly controlled manner, working in close collaboration with other internal departments and in compliance with relevant procedures.

The job holder will benefit from experience in a similar CTS OR Trade Finance position. This will enable them to take on more complex transactions, assist with the transfer of skills within the team and set a high standard for the performance of CTS work.

Main responsibilities of the position will include;

• Directly deal with enquiries from, facilitate the transactions of and build relationships with: clients, either in support of a dedicated corporate Coverage RM, or independently where there is no such RM. This will involve joining the RM in meetings with clients as required by the needs of the business from time to time and transactional counterparties, for example beneficiaries of export LCs (other than LCs for beneficiaries falling under Commodities coverage), or other similar client/counterparty circumstances.
• Coordinate with CDD specialists and Operational Support in order to ensure prompt onboarding of clients.
• Prepare relevant credit and admin applications in the Credit Management System from a business perspective (i.e. not credit analysis). This will either be in support of a relationship client (in conjunction with an RM) or for a transactional counterparty.
• Create and maintain client information and data, including initiation of the Client Short Name (CSN), collection and management of required client static data, and attend to other account opening formalities in order to enable the handling of client business-proactively following up with Operational Support to ensure this is administered the Bank's systems in a timely manner.
• Ensure the smooth and timely onboarding of obligors under relevant receivables finance facilities, including the performance of non-customer due diligence and the set-up of obligors in the Credit Management System and URBIS.
• Create and maintain other client/transaction-related records in order to ensure consistent and efficient processing.
• Perform client opportunity assessments and escalate qualifying opportunities to Coverage RMs.
• Updating and maintaining standard and bespoke client rates/tariffs and instructions.
• Work closely with Coverage RMs and/or Product specialists in order to drive and coordinate the structuring and execution of transactions in line with credit, compliance and other internal requirements.
• Act as the focal point for internal queries from and to Trade Finance Support, Business Due Diligence, Credit Administration, Legal Services, Compliance, Operational Support and other departments as appropriate, in order to ensure smooth and efficient internal collaboration.
• Support the careful monitoring of aspects of our client's business in line with Risk and Compliance requirements, together with reporting and escalation as maybe necessary, thereby ensuring the transparency and confidence that enables further business to be approved.
• Acting with due care, skill and diligence and in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures, raise financial crime red flags when appropriate and take part in the investigation, discounting and/or escalation of red flags raised from time to time.
• Promptly raising any complaints received in the Bank's complaints management system and taking part in the investigation and resolution of such complaints when required.
• Promptly raising any operational risk events and taking part in the investigation and resolution of such events when required.
• As may be required from time to time depending on the Bank's needs, work flexibly in order to support projects/requirements/initiatives, perform systems testing, resolve any external or internal issues or attend to any other ad hoc requirements.

To be considered for this position ideal candidates must have the following experience and skills;

• Thorough understanding of wholesale banking products, in particular trade finance products, and the end-to-end processes involved in delivering those products to the Bank's clients.
• Thorough understanding of credit, compliance and operations requirements.
• Solid computer skills with capability to use spreadsheets, graphic and presentation packages to review and create professional materials.
• Four to seven years' banking experience in a similar role.
• Experience of trade finance operations and/or transaction structuring and execution and/or customer due diligence / on boarding will be advantageous.
• Customer service orientation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Foreign language skills are an advantage, particularly in Arabic and French.
• Ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality and diplomacy under all circumstances.
• Ability to remain calm, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good organization, coordination and follow-up skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Growth mindset. CTS is a training ground for bankers who want to grow and develop their skills, with a view to potential roles in Coverage or Product Sales teams or other areas of the Bank.