Career Opportunities: SLBC Fronting Associate, Financial Institutions (65181)

SUMMARY:

As part of our efforts to enhance the value of Surety & Guarantee - Americas, Allianz Trade is excited to announce a newly created position within our Surety line of business. This role is a key component of our international services value proposition, designed to deliver the full spectrum of Surety products and services. The Standby LC Associate will be instrumental in managing bank relationships and assisting sales and underwriting structure standby letters of credit fronted by domestic and international banks. The position may also support other financial institution relationship and capital markets activities.

Primary Job Functions include but are not limited to:

1. Transaction Execution:
   • Advise on and place SBLC requests, complete applications, counter-guarantees and, complex, multi-party SBLC transactions from inception to completion.
   • Serve as a trusted advisor, guiding on best practices, negotiation, and standby letter of credit documentation.
   • Identify and mitigate potential risks related to deal structuring, documentation, transaction geography, and in-country political climates.
   • Monitor and negotiate optimal pricing levels with clients and correspondent banks.
2. Reporting and Optimization:
   • Regularly report on progress, potential opportunities, and optimization strategies within the surety underwriting and servicing offered by Allianz Trade.
   • Track and manage portfolio. Forecast capacity needs and maintain facilities with bank partners
   • Coordinate, reconcile, and scale billing processes with sales and operations.
   • Demonstrate leadership and resourcefulness in interactions with brokers, colleagues, and clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Internal/External Advisory/Servicing Role:

• Respond to information requests from clients, senior management, and internal partners accurately and promptly.
• Act as a liaison to enhance awareness of line of business offerings and ensure clients understand the intricacies of these products.
• Provide consultative guidance to minimize transaction risks and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Drive revenue growth and foster a consultative-based sales culture as part of Allianz Trade’s broader value proposition.
• Travel as required, including overnight trips.

Functional Role:

• Oversee all phases of transactions related to bank fronted products.
• Collaborate with correspondents to ensure appropriate product pricing.
• Liaise with upstream correspondent banks on behalf of clients.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on SBLC’s, including regulatory and compliance provisions.
• Act as product manager with underwriting and servicing to ensure the well-managed maintenance of the product portfolio.

Communication:

• Clearly explain complex products, highlighting risks, opportunities, and constraints.
• Possess strong communication and presentation skills, capable of representing the line of business in public forums.
• Demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills and flexibility to work with colleagues at all levels.
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate business etiquette.

Essential EDUCATION, Experience, Qualifications and Certifications

Knowledge:

• • In-depth understanding of SBLC products offered by an international financial institution, with an understanding of relevant governing rules and regulations.

Abilities:

• • Recognize and apply appropriate solutions for domestic and international transactions.
  • Communicate effectively with Senior Management, Underwriters, and clients requiring support.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision and maintain accuracy in all duties.
  • Prioritize tasks and manage departmental workload to meet established turnaround times.
  • Recommend and implement process improvements as needed.
  • Drive revenue growth with personal accountability.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• • Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or a related discipline with three or more years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in standby letter of credit structuring, international banking, working capital, demand guarantees, syndications, capital markets, or related industry designations.
  • Commitment to continuous education through seminars, webinars, and industry conferences to stay current on industry trends and regulations.

Characteristics of a Great Fit:

• • Grit: Ability to tackle challenges and find creative solutions.
  • Continuous Learner: Willingness to learn and dig deep into unfamiliar disciplines.
  • Great Communicator: Capable of clearly presenting and writing ideas.
  • Execution-Oriented: Ability to break down tasks and get things done.
  • Relationship Builder: Enjoys building professional relationships and fostering growth.
  • Attention to Detail: Ability to see the big picture while focusing on details.