Associate, Export & Agency Finance, Global Transaction Banking, Asia Pacific (Japanese speaking)

This role supports the origination, structuring, and execution of Export & Agency Finance (EAF) transactions with a dual focus on Japanese Export Credit Agencies (JBIC/NEXI) supported deals and inbound transactions into Asia (e.g., financing for Asian importers sourcing from global exporters).
The role covers end-to-end deal support under senior guidance and requires strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to engage with Japanese stakeholders on relationship management with native Japanese. International experience is highly preferred to navigate cross-border transactions effectively.
Frequent business travel (up to 30-40% of time) is required to foster connections in Japan and across APAC.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in origination, structuring, and execution of Japanese ECA-supported transactions (inbound to Asia, outbound from Japan, and intra-APAC), including buyer credits, supplier credits, and untied loans backed by JBIC and/or NEXI.

• Assist in managing transactions from initial pitch to closing with supervision, including preparing presentations, term sheets, proposals, and related documentation.

• Help establish and develop relationships with key Japanese stakeholders, including exporters/importers, banks active in EAF, and contacts at JBIC/NEXI, leveraging native Japanese language skills.

• Collaborate with Santander’s coverage teams across APAC to identify, support inbound Asia EAF opportunities and enhance regional transactions flows

• Contribute to credit proposals and follow up on risk team approval liaison and credit process.

• Support negotiation of loan documentation with internal departments (Middle Office, Legal, Compliance) and external advisors as needed.

• Assist in broader APAC EAF transactions involving other ECAs/MLAs (e.g., KEXIM, Sinosure, ADB, AIIB) on knowledge sharing and demonstrating wider team collaboration.

Basic Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in EAF, structured trade finance, or corporate banking, preferably with exposure to Japanese ECA (JBIC/NEXI) supported transactions and/or inbound Asia deals at an international bank or financial institution.

• Experience in Project Finance/Asset backed Finance is a plus.

• Ability to support end‑to‑end deal execution under guidance with growing independence on client-facing activities and negotiations.

• Solid knowledge of ECA-supported financing structures, products and technicalities, particularly for Japanese ECAs and Asian inbound flows.

• Leverage native Japanese proficiency or international experiences to build and maintain network with Japanese exporters/importers, banks, and ECA contacts JBIC/NEXI

• Sound credit assessment skills and familiarity with risk/credit processes.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a matrix environment across geographies and functions.

• Good knowledge of corporate banking and trade finance products relevant to Asian inbound investment and trade.

• Native fluency in Japanese (mandatory for stakeholder engagement); professional fluency in English (mandatory); additional Asian languages a plus.

• Willingness to travel frequently within Asia Pacific.