About the Role
The Head of Sustainable Finance (Wholesale Banking) will support the origination, structuring, and execution of sustainable finance solutions across the bank’s Wholesale Banking franchise including Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, and Financial Institutions. This role is pivotal in assisting clients with their energy transition, decarbonization efforts, and wider sustainability strategies while also contributing to the bank’s sustainable finance targets and climate commitments. A strong knowledge of transition finance (climate and nature) along with significant experience in developing go-to-market approaches for universal banks in the realm of sustainable finance is essential.
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Key Responsibilities
Sustainable & Transition Finance Origination
- Originate sustainable finance opportunities across corporate, sovereign, and financial institution clients.
- Drive the origination of transition finance opportunities across key market segments and identify new opportunities for sustainable finance and transition finance.
- Develop and maintain a 'Hunt' plan for Sustainable Finance & Transition Finance in relation to Wholesale Banking.
- Structure and execute transactions, including green loans, sustainability linked loans (SLLs), green bonds, sustainability bonds, and transition finance instruments.
- Identify financing opportunities linked to decarbonization and the energy transition.
Client Advisory
- Advise clients on sustainability strategies, transition pathways, and financing frameworks.
- Assist clients in developing sustainable finance frameworks aligned with ICMA and LMA principles.
- Provide guidance on ESG disclosure, impact reporting, and sustainability KPI selection.
- Serve as a point of contact for Wholesale Banking Relationship Managers concerning sustainable finance, transition finance, and ESG enquiries.
- Offer expert guidance on energy transition technologies and their classification, as well as evolving standards for sustainable finance.
Product Development
- Collaborate with product teams to develop sustainable solutions across project finance, structured finance, debt capital markets, and trade finance.
- Support the development of innovative instruments, including sustainability linked structures and transition finance products.
Internal Leadership
- Partner with relationship managers and coverage teams to integrate sustainability into client engagement processes.
- Provide technical expertise on sustainable finance transactions and collaborate with the Sustainable Finance coordination team.
- Deliver internal training to enhance sustainable finance capabilities, when applicable.
Market Intelligence & Thought Leadership
- Monitor global regulatory developments, including ISSB, EU CSRD, EU Taxonomy, and transition finance guidance, and advise clients as relevant.
- Contribute to market thought leadership through reports, events, and client engagement initiatives.
Risk & Governance
- Ensure that transactions align with the bank’s sustainable finance frameworks and policies, as well as the associated committees.
- Support ESG due diligence and collaborate with risk and compliance teams.
Qualifications & Experience
- 8–12 years of experience in corporate banking or investment banking focused on sustainable finance.
- Experience in universal banking related to sustainable finance and/or transition finance.
- Background working with large corporate or institutional clients.
- An advanced degree in finance, economics, sustainability, or a related discipline is preferred.
- Proven experience in structuring sustainable finance transactions such as green bonds or sustainability linked loans.
- Strong understanding of ICMA Green Bond Principles and LMA Sustainability Linked Loans.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 years of knowledge in GCC markets concerning sustainable finance and transition finance.
- Familiarity with key clients in market segments applicable to the bank.
- Experience in developing sustainable finance strategies for over 15 clients.
Skills
- Strong transaction structuring and execution capabilities.
- Strategic client advisory and stakeholder management skills.
- In-depth knowledge of sustainability and climate finance markets.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to translate sustainability strategies into commercial banking opportunities.
Success Metrics
- Origination and execution of sustainable finance transactions.
- Contribution to the bank’s sustainable finance targets.
- Development of innovative sustainable finance products.
- Strong client engagement on transition and decarbonization strategies.
Benefits
- Competitive rewards and comprehensive benefits package.
- Professional development opportunities to accelerate career growth.
- Flexible work policy allowing for remote work as per individual needs.
