Executive Director, Head of Trade Services Section

Company Overview

Mizuho has a long-term commitment to the Hong Kong market. With strong ties to Mizuho’s global network and a workforce of over 600 staff in Hong Kong, we are able to help corporations in Hong Kong to expand their business worldwide. Our clients primarily comprise Japanese and non-Japanese corporations (including those domiciled in the PRC), financial institutions, and government and quasi-government organizations. We provide a full spectrum of corporate banking services to our customers including syndicated loans, treasury, transaction banking, financial advisory, project finance, merger and acquisition, leveraged finance, and structured finance.

Why Mizuho

At Mizuho, we provide the stability of an international industry leader with the career trajectory of a growing business. Our steady, strategic growth gives our people at all levels rewarding degrees of responsibility and a richer work experience than a boutique firm or an established giant could offer alone.

It is the local expertise of our employees that makes our global network so powerful. By collaborating with colleagues and clients who have your same ambition and drive, you can amplify your sphere of influence and base of knowledge as part of one of the largest—and growing—banks in the world.

About the team

Trade Services Section ("TDS") is responsible for processing, checking, approval and monitoring the day-to-day operations of trade related transactions as well as the related risks control, such as L/C opening, L/C Advising, Confirmation, Transfer L/C, Import & Export documents checking, financing, Collection, settlement, irregular item investigation and periodic reporting etc.

Role requirements

Operational Leadership & Team Management:

• Oversee the daily operations of a professional team, ensuring timely, accurate, and efficient processing of all trade finance activities.
• Set clear goals, provide coaching, and foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Delegate responsibilities and empower staff to participate in efficiency improvement projects, including Business Process Re-engineering (BPR).

Digital Transformation & System Migration:

• Lead and support the migration to new core banking systems and digital platforms, ensuring seamless transition and minimal disruption to business operations.
• Drive adoption of digital tools and workflows to enhance operational effectiveness, accuracy, and scalability.
• Identify and implement process automation opportunities to support business growth and service excellence.

Outsourcing Collaboration & Quality Control:

• Collaborate closely with the outsourcing team, establishing clear standards and monitoring the quality, controls, and risk management of outsourced processes.
• Ensure effective communication and alignment between internal and external teams to maintain service quality and compliance.

Customer Service & Business Support:

• Serve as the escalation point for complex or high-impact client issues, providing expert advice and solutions to internal front office teams and external clients.
• Work proactively with relationship managers, product teams, and clients to deliver tailored operational support and drive business opportunities.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Consistently review and enhance internal controls to minimize operational, compliance, and financial risks.
• Ensure all activities comply with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry standards (e.g., AML, UCP, ISBP, URR725, URC522).
• Timely reporting of suspicious transactions and operational incidents to management.

Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Monitor regulatory, market, and technological changes, recommending updates to policies and procedures as needed.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional projects and ad-hoc assignments to support strategic initiatives and organizational transformation.

Key Deliverables:

• Successful migration and adoption of core banking and digital systems within the team.
• High-quality, timely trade finance processing with strong risk and control environment.
• Effective collaboration with outsourcing partners and internal stakeholders.
• Proactive customer support and contribution to business development.

Essential Functions

This position serves as the Section Head in TDS. Apart from managing the Section to accomplish overall duties & responsibilities (e.g. conduct daily operation, promote customer satisfaction and other administrative tasks etc.) in line with the Bank’s direction and regulatory requirements, this role will assist Management in administration and enhancement goals planning, setting and execution.

Competencies

• We are looking for an individual who has growth mind-set to make improvements for higher productivity and performance;
• The individual should possess good leadership and people management skills; and
• The individual respects for and commits to high standards of business conduct and integrity in conducting operations, reporting and etc.

Work experience, education and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related discipline.
• 20 years of trade finance operations experience, including at least 10 years in a supervisory / managerial role with strong leadership capability,
• Demonstrated experience in digital transformation projects, especially core banking system migration.
• Strong background in managing large teams and collaborating with outsourcing partners.
• In-depth knowledge of trade finance products, processes, and relevant regulations.
• Familiar with ICC rules (UCP600, ISBP, URR725 and URC522 etc.) and international trade business model & product;
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS)
• A Certified Banker (HKIB) would be an advantage
• Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, including Putonghua; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Application

Employment of the in-scope positions are subject to Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme (MRCS) as per regulatory requirement. For details, please refer to (Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme Phase 2 I The Hong Kong Assoc
iation of Banks).

Please indicate your current and expected salary on CV for the application.

Mizuho Bank Limited

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. in Hong Kong is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: MFG). The Mizuho group is a global financial services leader with offices in 35 countries, approximately 52,000 employees, and assets of almost USD 2 trillion. Mizuho provides expertise in retail banking, corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, capital markets, and sales and trading, to help businesses develop and find new opportunities for growth. To learn more: www.mizuhogroup.com

Mizuho’s People Philosophy

The Mizuho People Philosophy serves as the guiding standard for embodying Mizuho’s Corporate Identity. It establishes the fundamental philosophy for the ways we support people within Mizuho, based on our belief that our people’s growth and fulfillment are essential to achieving our corporate goals. Mizuho is committed to:

• Supporting the professional growth of people
• Recognizing people who promote Mizuho’s Values
• Fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive as their true selves

The full text for the Mizuho People Philosophy can be accessed via this link:

https://www.mizuhogroup.com/sustainability/social/employees

Personal data collected will be kept in strict confidence, and will be used for recruitment purpose only.