International Expansion Business Lead – China & South Korea

Role Summary

We seek a seasoned Business Lead to spearhead the bank’s growth across China and South Korea, focusing on boosting trade finance, investment banking, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into key markets. This full-time position, based in Doha on a 5-year contract, aims to reinforce the bank's Connectivity Strategy by enhancing local presence, forging strategic partnerships, and building robust client acquisition frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the bank’s international expansion strategy tailored to China and South Korea.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to escalate trade and FDI flows within target markets.
• Advance the bank’s Connectivity Strategy through elevated market presence and broader client coverage.
• Formulate actionable market entry and growth strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Originate and foster cross-border trade and investment deals.
• Strengthen participation in pivotal trade corridors linking China-GCC and Korea-GCC.
• Design initiatives to optimize inbound and outbound trade finance prospects.
• Expand FDI-focused banking relationships and financing avenues.
• Evaluate and establish on-ground coverage models including offices, branches, partnerships, or hubs in both countries.
• Define resource needs, organizational frameworks, and full-time equivalent (FTE) planning for effective operations.
• Enhance local market coverage strategies and client engagement mechanisms.
• Collaborate with GTB, Corporate Banking, Operations, and Technology teams to deploy suitable product platforms and capabilities supporting cross-border transactions.
• Lead the implementation of trade finance, cash management, and investment-related solutions aligned with market requirements.
• Develop strategic partnerships with corporates, financial entities, chambers of commerce, trade bodies, and investment agencies to bolster market access and client acquisition.
• Manage internal and external stakeholder communication, including senior leadership engagement on expansion initiatives and governance matters.
• Oversee regulatory compliance readiness and operational governance relevant to international expansion.

Experience and Profile

• Minimum 12 years of banking experience with expertise in International Banking, Corporate Banking, GTB, Trade Finance, or strategic business development.
• Demonstrated success in international market entry and expansion projects, preferably involving China and/or South Korea.
• Comprehensive understanding of trade finance, FDI, and connectivity in international banking contexts.
• Proven ability to design coverage models and establish foreign market operations effectively.
• Strong skills in stakeholder management, partnership growth, and regulatory engagement.
• Fluent in English and Arabic; proficiency in Mandarin and/or Korean languages is a strong advantage.
• Willingness to undertake extensive travel within China and South Korea to facilitate business operations.