The Role
As a Junior Relationship Manager (Japan Desk), you will play a critical role in supporting Japanese corporate clients, particularly those newly entering the Philippine market. You will serve as a key point of contact for Japanese-speaking clients, ensuring a seamless onboarding and banking experience by leveraging your language skills and cultural understanding.
Your primary responsibility is to assist Japanese companies—especially new market entrants—with account opening, remittance processing, and digital banking (online banking) setup, ensuring that all requirements are clearly explained in Japanese and executed efficiently. You will help bridge communication between clients and the Bank's internal units, delivering a high level of service tailored to the expectations of Japanese corporates.
In addition, you will handle account documentation, servicing, and facilitation of clients loan transactions, as well as coordinate with operating units within the Bank to ensure the efficient implementation of credit facilities and other banking transactions. You will work closely with ERM for required documentation and credit facility monitoring, and coordinate with business and support units such as Treasury, Loans, Trade, Operations, and branches where client accounts are domiciled.
While prior banking experience is an advantage, the role places strong emphasis on Japanese language proficiency and a deep understanding of Japanese business practices, client expectations, and corporate culture.
How You'll Contribute
- Serve as the primary Japanese-speaking liaison for Japan Desk clients, providing clear and professional communication in Japanese across onboarding and day-to-day transactions
- Support new-to-Philippines Japanese companies with end-to-end account setup, including account opening, fund transfers, and online banking enrollment
- Execute and monitor client transactions, credit facilities documentation, requirements, and outstanding balances through coordination with clients and internal partners (Credit, Loans, Trade, Treasury, Investment Desks, ERED, Branches)
- Prepare availment and instruction sheets to ensure efficient service delivery and proper management of loan facilities and transactions
- Facilitate transactions and help expand client relationships through the effective utilization of credit facilities aligned with account plans
- Communicate with clients and internal units daily via phone, email, or meetings to maximize client satisfaction and product utilization
- Coordinate with ERM and relevant units to gather documents for credit evaluation, line renewals, and compliance requirements
- Ensure completeness of documentary requirements for account opening, credit line activation, and regulatory compliance, particularly for Japanese corporates unfamiliar with local requirements
- Collaborate with Relationship Managers to identify opportunities for cross-selling and deepening client relationships, especially within the Japanese client portfolio
- Act as a cultural and communication bridge between Japanese clients and the Bank, ensuring smooth execution and strong client experience
What We're Looking For
- Strong Japanese language proficiency (business level or native) is essential
- At least 3 years of experience in account management, transaction processing, or client servicing (banking experience preferred but not mandatory)
- Good understanding of bank products such as Cash Management, Trade Finance, FX, and Loan transactions, and internal processes for facilitating these services
- Familiarity with regulatory and legal documentation, including account opening requirements and credit documentation
- Basic knowledge of finance and credit concepts
- Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication and coordination skills
- Ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders including product, operations, and branch teams
- Deep understanding of Japanese corporate culture, business etiquette, and client expectations
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering high-quality service
- A team player with a collaborative mindset and a strong drive to improve processes and client experience
