Principal Banker - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (London)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Requisition ID 36546 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Banking Countries of Operations Contract Type Regular Contract Length Posting End Date 17/08/2026

**Purpose of Job**

The Principal Banker is competent in undertaking all tasks related to, and understands all aspects of, project development and implementation, including project origination, structuring, execution, implementation and monitoring, for all types of investment instruments offered by the Bank.

The Principal Banker will act both as a senior member of a project team or as an operation leader (typically on less complex transactions than an Associate Director, Senior Banker).

The Principal Banker, in their role as an operation leader, is expected to take responsibility for effective leadership of their project team/s, supervision of junior banking staff, while contributing to their coaching and providing mentoring assistance, as required.

The Principal Banker’s role also includes elements of business/pipeline development, client management and policy dialogue.

**Accountabilities & Responsibilities**

* **Structuring and Execution**

* Work as a senior project team member with more experienced operation leaders on Supply Chain Finance (SCF) transactions, including receivables finance, payable finance, distributor finance and other working capital solutions, contributing to all aspects of project structuring and execution, including supporting the operation leader with the management of the project team; * Lead origination of new SCF opportunities with corporates, aggregators, partner banks and technology platforms to expand EBRD’s market presence.

* As an operation leader: * Lead the structuring, negotiation (including negotiating Term Sheet and commercial terms, and review of legal documentation) and the execution of SCF programmes, working with clients, partner banks, consultants and internal units; * Manage the resources and the work load of the project teams under their supervision; * Oversee the project due diligence process ensuring it meets the Bank’s standards; * Ensure quality and appropriateness of Technical Cooperation assistance components which support the investments or contribute to policy dialogue initiatives; * Support mobilisation activities and co-financing opportunities with commercial banks, development finance institutions and other market participants where relevant

* Ensure that all transactions within their responsibility are completed within the specified time frames to a high standard (including all internal memoranda and Board reports) and in line with the policies, procedures and objectives of the Bank.

* **Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting**

* As a senior project team member perform all such tasks as may be assigned by the operation leader and provide constructive portfolio monitoring advice, guidance and supervision to more junior members of the project team.

* As operation leader: * Take overall responsibility for the effective monitoring of all SCF programmes within the portfolio, including verifying the quality of regular monitoring reports; taking the lead in maintaining or supervising the management of client relationships; actively managing the resolution of any implementation/monitoring issues in cooperation with relevant Portfolio Managers; managing and supervising more junior bankers who assist in portfolio monitoring; * Monitor programme utilisation, portfolio performance, concentration risks, obligor performance and operational developments across SCF structures. * Supervise implementation and monitoring of, and reporting on, relevant TC assignments to ensure their compliance with donor reporting requirements, operational objectives and that all reports are of a high quality; * Take responsibility for ensuring timely notification of any critical portfolio issues to the relevant Portfolio Manager and/or Management, ensuring availability of adequate data and information for the Portfolio Manager and/or Management to be able to take timely decisions. * Identify and proactively manage implementation issues, operational challenges and emerging risks in coordination with Portfolio Management, Risk Management and other relevant departments. * Monitor achievement of programme objectives, transition impact and additionality indicators.

* **Policy Dialogue**

* In cooperation with relevant units within the Bank (e.g., Policy VP, OCE) and Banking country teams (if applicable), contribute to policy dialogue, in a leading role (project level initiatives) or supporting function (national level initiatives); * Contribute to the development of legal, regulatory and market frameworks that support the expansion of supply chain finance and working capital solutions across EBRD countries of operation * Assist in providing necessary support, in the form of relevant information or documentation or meeting participation, towards efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds to complement investment projects or required as part of policy dialogue efforts.

* **Business Development**

* Assist with marketing and business development efforts in the relevant sector and countries to build reputable market contacts in order to identify and originate new SCF opportunities through partner financial institutions, corporates, fintech platforms, alternative funders and other market participants. * Assist with the critical screening of project proposal flow that is generated through business development efforts, liaising with other colleagues and teams within the Bank to identify sound and executable investments that meet the mandate of the Bank. * Analyses the supply chain finance requirements of partner financial institutions and their corporate clients and supports their in the development of their supply chain finance business. * Contributes to the enhancement of the supply chain finance offering of EBRD by addressing identified improvement areas, including profitability optimization, technological capability upgrades, and other strategic development priorities. * Supports evolution of the product offering in line with market dynamics and regulatory developments * Manages onboarding of new partner financial institutions and support operationalizing EBRD’s participation in supply chain finance programs originated by technology platforms.

* **Staff Management**

* Assist in recruiting, training, coaching and mentoring junior bankers, in coordination with the team Director and Associate Directors, Senior Bankers, involving them in all aspects of the project cycle (appraisal, execution, implementation, monitoring and business development), ensuring adequate quality of project work and appropriate work load distribution amongst the project team members; contribute to their professional and competency development; * Develop productive relationships within the organisation to able to work effectively in a country/sector matrix structure and in a multi-cultural working environment. * Share SCF product knowledge, market intelligence and best practices across the Bank and support capability-building initiatives. * Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of the Team including recruitment, compensation, performance management, coaching and development. Where matrix reporting is in place, work jointly with the country counterpart when setting objectives and completing performance appraisals for relevant staff. * Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.

The responsibilities of the Principal Banker are designed to allow for the development of transaction expertise and expansion of responsibilities, leading to assuming the role of Senior Banker.

**Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge**

**Qualifications and Skills:**

* Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in the areas of expertise. * Professional qualification such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA desirable. * Strong quantitative/numerical skills are critical with the ability to interpret financial information and to design and use financial models. * Credit analysis skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding local and international accounting principles and practice of credit analysis. * Computer literacy, conversant with Microsoft Office and spread sheet packages including financial analysis and modelling modules. * Excellent understanding of relevant systems and processes. * Stakeholder management skills. * Coaching, mentoring & leadership skills. * Relationship management and negotiation skills. * Ability to work to deadlines and under time pressure. * Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. * Good command over the local/country language is an advantage.

**Experience & Knowledge:**

* Significant relevant financial industry experience from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm operating to international standards. * Practical experience of participating in transaction structuring, negotiation and execution with financial institutions and corporate clients and leading complex transactions through the full project life cycle. * Knowledge of international trade finance and supply chain finance products, including guarantees, letters of credit, receivables finance, payables finance, distributor finance, and other working capital solutions. * Experience in structuring and implementing risk-sharing, funded and unfunded trade finance programme * Understanding of trade and supply chain finance technology platforms and digital trade solut

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Principal Banker at EBRD based in London.

Requisition ID 36546 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Banking Countries of Operations Contract Type Regular Contract Length Posting End Date 17/08/2026

Purpose of Job

The Principal Banker is competent in undertaking all tasks related to, and understands all aspects of, project development and implementation, including project origination, structuring, execution, implementation and monitoring, for all types of investment instruments offered by the Bank.

The Principal Banker will act both as a senior member of a project team or as an operation leader (typically on less complex transactions than an Associate Director, Senior Banker).

The Principal Banker, in their role as an operation leader, is expected to take responsibility for effective leadership of their project team/s, supervision of junior banking staff, while contributing to their coaching and providing mentoring assistance, as required.

The Principal Banker’s role also includes elements of business/pipeline development, client management and policy dialogue.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

* Structuring and Execution

* Work as a senior project team member with more experienced operation leaders on Supply Chain Finance (SCF) transactions, including receivables finance, payable finance, distributor finance and other working capital solutions, contributing to all aspects of project structuring and execution, including supporting the operation leader with the management of the project team; * Lead origination of new SCF opportunities with corporates, aggregators, partner banks and technology platforms to expand EBRD’s market presence.

* As an operation leader: * Lead the structuring, negotiation (including negotiating Term Sheet and commercial terms, and review of legal documentation) and the execution of SCF programmes, working with clients, partner banks, consultants and internal units; * Manage the resources and the work load of the project teams under their supervision; * Oversee the project due diligence process ensuring it meets the Bank’s standards; * Ensure quality and appropriateness of Technical Cooperation assistance components which support the investments or contribute to policy dialogue initiatives; * Support mobilisation activities and co-financing opportunities with commercial banks, development finance institutions and other market participants where relevant

* Ensure that all transactions within their responsibility are completed within the specified time frames to a high standard (including all internal memoranda and Board reports) and in line with the policies, procedures and objectives of the Bank.

* Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting

* As a senior project team member perform all such tasks as may be assigned by the operation leader and provide constructive portfolio monitoring advice, guidance and supervision to more junior members of the project team.

* As operation leader: * Take overall responsibility for the effective monitoring of all SCF programmes within the portfolio, including verifying the quality of regular monitoring reports; taking the lead in maintaining or supervising the management of client relationships; actively managing the resolution of any implementation/monitoring issues in cooperation with relevant Portfolio Managers; managing and supervising more junior bankers who assist in portfolio monitoring; * Monitor programme utilisation, portfolio performance, concentration risks, obligor performance and operational developments across SCF structures. * Supervise implementation and monitoring of, and reporting on, relevant TC assignments to ensure their compliance with donor reporting requirements, operational objectives and that all reports are of a high quality; * Take responsibility for ensuring timely notification of any critical portfolio issues to the relevant Portfolio Manager and/or Management, ensuring availability of adequate data and information for the Portfolio Manager and/or Management to be able to take timely decisions. * Identify and proactively manage implementation issues, operational challenges and emerging risks in coordination with Portfolio Management, Risk Management and other relevant departments. * Monitor achievement of programme objectives, transition impact and additionality indicators.

* Policy Dialogue

* In cooperation with relevant units within the Bank (e.g., Policy VP, OCE) and Banking country teams (if applicable), contribute to policy dialogue, in a leading role (project level initiatives) or supporting function (national level initiatives); * Contribute to the development of legal, regulatory and market frameworks that support the expansion of supply chain finance and working capital solutions across EBRD countries of operation * Assist in providing necessary support, in the form of relevant information or documentation or meeting participation, towards efforts to procure grants and technical cooperation funds to complement investment projects or required as part of policy dialogue efforts.

* Business Development

* Assist with marketing and business development efforts in the relevant sector and countries to build reputable market contacts in order to identify and originate new SCF opportunities through partner financial institutions, corporates, fintech platforms, alternative funders and other market participants. * Assist with the critical screening of project proposal flow that is generated through business development efforts, liaising with other colleagues and teams within the Bank to identify sound and executable investments that meet the mandate of the Bank. * Analyses the supply chain finance requirements of partner financial institutions and their corporate clients and supports their in the development of their supply chain finance business. * Contributes to the enhancement of the supply chain finance offering of EBRD by addressing identified improvement areas, including profitability optimization, technological capability upgrades, and other strategic development priorities. * Supports evolution of the product offering in line with market dynamics and regulatory developments * Manages onboarding of new partner financial institutions and support operationalizing EBRD’s participation in supply chain finance programs originated by technology platforms.

* Staff Management

* Assist in recruiting, training, coaching and mentoring junior bankers, in coordination with the team Director and Associate Directors, Senior Bankers, involving them in all aspects of the project cycle (appraisal, execution, implementation, monitoring and business development), ensuring adequate quality of project work and appropriate work load distribution amongst the project team members; contribute to their professional and competency development; * Develop productive relationships within the organisation to able to work effectively in a country/sector matrix structure and in a multi-cultural working environment. * Share SCF product knowledge, market intelligence and best practices across the Bank and support capability-building initiatives. * Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of the Team including recruitment, compensation, performance management, coaching and development. Where matrix reporting is in place, work jointly with the country counterpart when setting objectives and completing performance appraisals for relevant staff. * Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.

The responsibilities of the Principal Banker are designed to allow for the development of transaction expertise and expansion of responsibilities, leading to assuming the role of Senior Banker.

Qualifications & Skills / Experience & Knowledge

Qualifications and Skills:

* Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in the areas of expertise. * Professional qualification such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA desirable. * Strong quantitative/numerical skills are critical with the ability to interpret financial information and to design and use financial models. * Credit analysis skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understanding local and international accounting principles and practice of credit analysis. * Computer literacy, conversant with Microsoft Office and spread sheet packages including financial analysis and modelling modules. * Excellent understanding of relevant systems and processes. * Stakeholder management skills. * Coaching, mentoring & leadership skills. * Relationship management and negotiation skills. * Ability to work to deadlines and under time pressure. * Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. * Good command over the local/country language is an advantage.

Experience & Knowledge:

* Significant relevant financial industry experience from an investment or commercial bank, private equity firm, asset management firm, or auditing/financial consulting firm operating to international standards. * Practical experience of participating in transaction structuring, negotiation and execution with financial institutions and corporate clients and leading complex transactions through the full project life cycle. * Knowledge of international trade finance and supply chain finance products, including guarantees, letters of credit, receivables finance, payables finance, distributor finance, and other working capital solutions. * Experience in structuring and implementing risk-sharing, funded and unfunded trade finance programme * Understanding of trade and supply chain finance technology platforms and digital trade solut

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 28 July 2026, 9 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 August 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at EBRD see the EBRD institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in London see our London location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.

Career trajectory

Career progression for this grade staff is governed by Articles 44 to 46 of the Staff Regulations (consolidated text on EUR-Lex) and Annex IB on the promotion procedure. Step increases are automatic every two years (Art. 44); grade promotion is competitive, based on the appraisal exercise (Art. 45) and the Career Development Review. For roles at EBRD, progression to the next grade typically takes three to five years on merit, with two-yearly step increases in between. Article 46 governs the classification at recruitment, which sets the starting step within the grade (usually step 1 for external recruits without prior EU service, step 2 or 3 where relevant professional experience is recognised).
Mobility within the institutions is encouraged via the inter-institutional and intra-institutional vacancy publication system: temporary agents who pass the probation period and reservists from EPSO laureate lists can typically apply to internal vacancies after one year of service. Lateral moves between Directorates-General reset the seniority clock for promotion only if the new post carries a different grade.

Language profile

Beyond the formal language requirements stated in the vacancy notice, the day-to-day working languages at this employer are English and French in roughly equal measure, with German appearing in some technical files. Internal meetings and most policy drafting in Brussels run in English; French remains the preferred internal language in Luxembourg-based services and parts of DG TRADE.

Application cadence

EBRD has not advertised another comparable role with the same grade and subject signature in the past twenty-four months. This opening has rarely been seen on the EU Careers feed and may be the first such posting in our two-year window. Applicants who pass the eligibility checks should not assume the same profile will reopen on a predictable cadence.

Source: This job listing was sourced from the officialEU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .

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