Senior Trade Finance Advisor

Senior Trade Finance Advisor

Location: San Jose

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.

• 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.

What you'll need:

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. Intermediate knowledge in credit/lending underwriting is preferred. 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. Occasional travel required.

Compensation: Salary range for new hires is generally $148,830.00 - $183,850.00 for San Jose, CA. Salary range for new hires is generally $139,530.00 - $172,360.00 for Los Angeles, CA. Salary range for new hires is generally $139,530.00 - $172,360.00 for San Diego, CA. Salary range for new hires is generally $139,530.00 - $172,360.00 for Chicago, IL. Salary range for new hires is generally $148,830.00 - $183,850.00 for Boston, MA. Salary amount is determined by specific job location. In addition, the role may be eligible for annual bonus/incentives earned and restricted stock.

Benefits you'll love: We offer all the important things you'd want like 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, and a wellness program. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to bolster your business knowledge, learning the ins and outs of how successful companies operate and manage their finances, giving you invaluable hands-on experience to help grow your career!

About the company:

Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Alliance Bancorporation. Serving clients nationwide, Western Alliance Bank includes six legacy bank brands Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank that remain part of the company's heritage, as well as AmeriHome Mortgage, a Western Alliance Bank Company.

Western Alliance Bancorporation is committed to equal employment and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, nation origin, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information. Western Alliance Bancorporation is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process and/or need an alternative method of applying, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. When contacting us, please provide your contact information and state the nature of your accessibility issue. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests that involve a reasonable accommodation in the application process.

Western Alliance Bancorporation

Western Alliance Bancorporation