Director, Head of Transaction Services - Singapore & SEA

ING Wholesale Banking in Singapore

We began operating in Singapore in 1987 where we host the regional Asia Pacific headquarters. With over 300 financial experts, we are the largest wholesale banking branch in Asia. ING stands out in the Asia Pacific region because we go a step further for our customers. We look at things from the client’s perspective which allows us to construct tailor-made solutions to fit the needs of every company we serve. This mentality underpins all our client relations and has produced various prestigious awards.

Job Profile Summary

Transaction Services (“TS”) is one the products/ businesses under Wholesale Banking and offers Trade Finance, Working Capital, Payments & Cash Management and Liquidity & pooling solutions to corporate and FI clients across the ING franchise.  This product line has been identified as key to the future growth of the ING Wholesale banking business. 

ING is looking to expand its Transaction Services business in Asia. TS provides a challenging professional environment within ING Wholesale Banking, in a growing business serving clients in an international environment.

The Head of TS Singapore & SEA is responsible for the leadership and growth of the bank’s transaction services business within Singapore and the 3 ING rep office locations of India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This role encompasses trade finance, working capital solutions (receivables and supplier finance), payments & cash management and liquidity solutions.

The successful candidate will drive strategic business development, ensure excellent client service, and collaborate with global and regional teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients in these markets.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the country strategy for TS, ensuring alignment with the bank’s overall regional and global goals.
• Identify and capitalize on market opportunities to expand the bank’s presence in these markets. Monitor market trends, competitive positioning, and regulatory changes to ensure the bank remains competitive and compliant.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, industry leaders, and regulators.

Business Development & Client Management

• Drive client acquisition and deepen relationships with existing clients by providing tailored TS solutions.
• Work closely with coverage and sector teams across the network to understand TS opportunities in their client portfolios and collaborate to cross-sell TS revenue.
• Work with product teams to enhance offerings and introduce new solutions that leverage technological advancements and digital banking trends.
• Represent the bank in industry forums and regulatory bodies, contributing to the advancement of the transaction banking industry in Singapore.

Financial Performance & Risk Management

• Be accountable for the financial performance of the TS business in these markets, driving onshore and outbound revenue growth, profitability, and market share.
• Oversee risk management, ensuring all products and services comply with internal policies, risk frameworks, and local regulations.
• Ensure full observance of and adherence to applicable compliance and other regulatory requirements and guidelines. This role will be subject to the IAC regime of MAS.
• Regularly review the portfolio to ensure risk is balanced with growth and profitability.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the junior TS team members, fostering a high-performance culture and in line with orange code.
• Promote teamwork and collaboration across functions, including coverage, sales, product, operations, technology, and compliance.
• Champion diversity and inclusion within the team and ensure a supportive work environment.

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in transaction services, with a strong understanding of trade finance, working capital, payments cash management & liquidity solutions.
• Proven track record of leadership in a TS, with experience in a managerial capacity.
• Strong client management and business development experience within corporate and institutional banking.
• In-depth knowledge of the transaction banking landscape in Singapore, including regulatory requirements and market dynamics.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities.