Trade Analyst – Trade Finance Operations

Absa Bank Kenya is looking for a detail-oriented and driven Trade Analyst to join its Trade Finance Operations team. In this role, you will be at the heart of the bank's trade finance processing function, responsible for the accurate and timely execution of a wide range of trade products including Documentary Credits, Guarantees, Documentary Collections, and Trade Loans. You will work within a collaborative team environment, ensuring that all transactions are processed in compliance with international trade rules and the bank's internal policies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a banking professional who is passionate about trade finance, thrives in a fast-paced operations environment, and is committed to delivering exceptional service to both internal and external clients. You will leverage multiple banking systems and platforms, interact with stakeholders across Finance, Financial Institutions, and Front Office teams, and play a key role in the bank's day-to-day trade operations.

• 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 using bank-approved systems such as FCC, FCR, IMEX, PANGEA, MORONGWA, GEMS, TPS, HVPP, OCR, and SFI.
• Examine Export and Import documents in line with International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) guidelines and the bank's delegated authority matrix.
• Upload and complete document examination for Letters of Credit via the OCR platform.
• Ensure all title documents are handled under dual control in accordance with bank procedures.
• Review closed trade transactions to confirm completeness before filing.
• Perform sanctions screening and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks as per the bank's sanctions policy.
• Resolve queries and complaints within policy-specified timelines and ensure all customer instructions are logged on TMW and actioned per agreed SLAs.
• Verify customer signatures and ensure all requests meet international trade rules before processing.
• Conduct daily reconciliation of liability accounts and ensure income is accurately collected per the approved tariff schedule.
• Process STFC releases within agreed timelines and manage daily actioning of 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.
• Approve and verify deals on the Dhamana and EGP platforms for government-related guarantees.
• Upload, verify, and authorize SFI entries and review failed automated guarantee commissions.
• Support UAT testing requirements and ensure timely franking of trade documents as required.
• Provide high-quality communication to internal and external clients, both verbally and in writing, and take ownership of all client queries through to resolution.
• Ensure all activities comply fully with regulatory requirements, enterprise-wide policies, and operational risk frameworks.

• Demonstrate hands-on experience processing trade finance instruments such as Letters of Credit, Guarantees, and Documentary Collections in a banking environment.
• Apply knowledge of ICC rules (UCP 600, URDG 758, URC 522) to examine trade documents accurately and flag discrepancies.
• Navigate and operate trade finance banking systems (e.g., FCC, IMEX, PANGEA, OCR platforms) with confidence and accuracy.
• Execute AML and sanctions screening procedures in line with regulatory and internal policy requirements.
• Manage multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting strict SLAs in a high-volume processing environment.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external clients to resolve trade finance queries efficiently.
• Identify and escalate operational risks and errors promptly, ensuring resolution within agreed timelines.
• Conduct daily account reconciliations and maintain accurate transaction records with a strong eye for detail.
• Contribute to UAT testing cycles by identifying system issues and communicating findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• At least 2–4 years of experience in trade finance operations within a commercial bank.

Absa Bank Kenya offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Based on Kenyan banking market benchmarks for a Trade Analyst role at this level, the estimated monthly gross salary ranges from KES 80,000 to KES 150,000. The bank also provides a comprehensive benefits package typical of a top-tier financial institution.

• Medical insurance cover (employee and dependants)
• Performance-based bonus
• Pension/retirement benefits scheme
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Staff banking products at preferential rates

Ideal candidates are banking professionals with solid hands-on experience in trade finance operations, a strong understanding of ICC trade rules, and proven ability to work accurately under pressure. You are process-driven, compliance-conscious, and possess excellent communication skills. You are comfortable working with multiple banking platforms and enjoy being part of a high-performing operations team.

Do not apply if you have no prior experience in trade finance or banking operations, if you are unwilling to work in a detail-intensive, SLA-driven environment, or if you lack familiarity with international trade documentation and compliance frameworks.

• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your trade finance experience and relevant banking systems knowledge.
• Write a concise cover letter outlining your suitability for the Trade Analyst role at Absa Bank Kenya.
• Visit the official Absa Bank Kenya careers portal or the advertised job platform to submit your application.
• Ensure your application is submitted before the closing deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.