BBVA has hired Sandra Nolasco as head of commodity trade finance, reflecting the bank’s efforts to build on its capabilities in this area of the market. She will be taking up her new role in February, and will be based in Madrid.

Her responsibilities cover both metals and soft commodities in the commodity trade finance arm of BBVA. She joins BBVA from Fortis in Brazil, where she was based for two years. Before that she worked in London, Rotterdam and Lisbon.

Commenting on her appointment, Nick Shaw, global head of trade finance, BBVA says: “Our significant global presence and market penetration is particularly suited to the movement of commodities and our global trade finance capabilities will be further enhanced by the selective development of this product area. Sandra’s experience will add to the depth and breadth of the global trade finance team.”