Head – SME Assets, Liabilities & Trade

Position SummaryThe Head – SME Assets, Liabilities & Trade will lead the Bank's SME business across assets, liabilities, and trade finance, with overall responsibility for business growth, portfolio profitability, customer acquisition, product penetration, and portfolio quality.The role will develop and execute the SME business strategy, drive lending and deposit growth, expand trade finance volumes and fee income, and strengthen relationships with SME customers across key UAE sectors. The incumbent will work closely with Credit, Risk, Product, Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth within the Bank's risk appetite and governance framework.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the SME Assets, Liabilities & Trade business, delivering agreed targets for financing, deposits, trade volumes, fee income, revenue, and profitability.Develop and execute the SME business strategy in line with the Bank's overall strategic objectives and risk appetite.Drive acquisition of new SME customers while deepening and retaining existing relationships and increasing overall wallet share.Grow the SME lending portfolio through appropriate working capital, term finance, asset finance, trade-related facilities, and other suitable financing solutions.Drive growth in SME liabilities and deposits, including current accounts, savings, term deposits, and operating balances.Lead the development and growth of trade finance business, including letters of credit, guarantees, import/export finance, bills, and other trade-related solutions.Develop effective customer and sector strategies to identify new opportunities and strengthen the Bank's SME market position.Monitor portfolio performance, asset quality, utilisation, delinquency, early-warning indicators, and emerging credit risks, ensuring timely corrective action.Work closely with Credit and Risk teams to ensure appropriate credit structuring, pricing, risk mitigation, and compliance with the Bank's credit policies and delegated authorities.Partner with Product, Trade, Operations, Digital Banking, Treasury, and other functions to enhance customer propositions, turnaround times, and service quality.Lead, motivate, and develop the SME sales and relationship management team, establishing clear targets, performance standards, and accountability.Monitor business performance through key metrics including asset growth, deposit mobilisation, trade volumes, fee income, revenue, profitability, customer acquisition, and portfolio quality.Ensure compliance with the Bank's Group policies, risk appetite, KYC/AML requirements, regulatory standards, and internal governance framework.Identify opportunities for process, product, and digital enhancements to improve SME customer experience and business efficiency.Provide regular business performance updates, market intelligence, and strategic recommendations to senior management.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline; relevant professional qualification is an advantage.Minimum 10–12 years of banking experience, with significant experience in SME/Business Banking.Strong UAE market experience with demonstrated knowledge of the local SME and business environment.Proven track record in SME assets, liabilities/deposits, and trade finance with responsibility for business growth and profitability.Strong understanding of SME lending, working capital, trade finance, cash management, and liability products.Demonstrated experience in portfolio management, credit risk, pricing, and revenue optimisation.Strong leadership experience with the ability to build, manage, and motivate high-performing teams.Strong commercial acumen, financial analysis, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder-management, and strategic planning capabilities.Strong customer focus with a balanced approach to business growth and credit risk.