Trade Analyst

Absa Bank Limited is seeking a detail-oriented and driven Trade Analyst to join its Trade Finance Operations team based in Mombasa. This is a full-time role embedded within a high-performing operations unit responsible for the end-to-end processing, verification, and servicing of a wide range of trade finance products including Documentary Credits, Documentary Collections, Guarantees, and Trade Loans.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering exceptional business performance by ensuring all trade transactions are processed accurately, in compliance with international trade rules (ICC guidelines), internal SOPs, and regulatory frameworks including AML and sanctions policies. You will work closely with front office teams, finance, and financial institutions to ensure seamless trade operations across both import and export functions.

• Vet, process, and verify trade finance products — including Documentary Collections (import and export), Letters of Credit (import and export), Guarantees (inward and outward), and Trade Loans — both manually and electronically in line with the delegated authority matrix.
• Examine export and import documents in accordance with current International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) guidelines and the bank's trade delegated matrix.
• Upload and complete document examination for Letters of Credit via the OCR platform.
• Handle all title documents under dual control in strict accordance with bank procedures.
• Review closed trade transactions to confirm completeness and accuracy before filing.
• Perform sanctions screening and AML checks as per the bank's sanctions policy.
• Resolve customer queries and complaints within policy-stipulated timelines.
• Log all customer instructions and contracts on TMW and action them within agreed SLAs.
• Verify authorizations and signatures and ensure all instructions meet international trade rules before processing.
• Capture and resolve processing errors within defined SLAs.
• Conduct daily reconciliation of liability accounts and ensure income is accurately collected per the approved tariff.
• Process STFC releases within agreed timelines.
• Manage and generate reports for stakeholders including Finance and Financial Institutions (FI) teams.
• Cover deals with dealers where required and action daily FCC, FCR, QlikView, and Jasper reports.
• Action incoming SWIFTs, failed SWIFTs, diaries, memos, failed payments, expired deals, pending deals, and NOSTRO reports on a daily basis.
• Update and follow up on adverse incidents raised on systems or transactions.

• Demonstrate ability to process and verify trade finance instruments including LCs, guarantees, and documentary collections using banking platforms such as FCC, FCR, IMEX, PANGEA, and GEMS.
• Apply ICC rules (UCP 600, URDG 758, URC 522) accurately when examining trade documents.
• Perform end-of-day reconciliations and identify discrepancies in liability accounts with minimal supervision.
• Execute AML checks and sanctions screening accurately and flag suspicious transactions in line with compliance policy.
• Communicate effectively with front office teams, FI counterparts, and customers to resolve queries within SLA timelines.
• Navigate and action reports on QlikView, Jasper, and SWIFT messaging platforms confidently.
• Manage multiple transaction queues simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and adhering to turnaround times.
• Hold a minimum of 2 years' experience in trade finance operations or a related banking operations role.
• Possess a Bachelor's degree, HND, or Diploma in a business, finance, or ICT-related field.

Absa Bank Limited offers a competitive remuneration package in line with the Kenyan banking industry. While the exact salary for this role has not been publicly disclosed, market-equivalent compensation for a Trade Analyst at this level in Mombasa is estimated at between KES 80,000 and KES 150,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Medical insurance cover
• Performance-based bonus
• Professional development and training opportunities within the Absa Group
• Pension/retirement benefits scheme

This role is ideal for a banking or finance professional with hands-on experience in trade finance operations who thrives in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment. You should be comfortable working with multiple banking systems, managing high transaction volumes, and collaborating across teams. Candidates with prior exposure to ICC trade rules, SWIFT processing, and AML frameworks will have a distinct advantage.

You should NOT apply if you have no prior experience in banking or trade finance operations, are uncomfortable with repetitive compliance-driven processes, or are unable to commit to the full-time, on-site requirements of the Mombasa location.

• Visit the Absa Bank Limited careers portal or the job platform where this listing appears.
• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your trade finance experience, systems proficiency, and relevant qualifications.
• Submit your application before the closing date of 24th June 2026.
• Note: Do NOT pay any fees for assessment, certificates, or notarisation at any stage of this recruitment process. If in doubt, contact Absa directly through official channels.