Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe (SMBCE) has appointed Sean Edwards as an advisor to its trade finance business, with a focus on supply chain finance.

He will combine the new appointment with his current role as head of legal for the Emea region at SMBCE, where he has been for the last 23 years.

Edwards also serves as the chair of the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA), a position he has held since 2015.

Commenting on his additional role at the bank, he says: “This is an ideal way to bring together the experience of the market I have acquired as chair of ITFA with legal expertise built up over the years. Trade finance has always been my first love and I am very pleased to have a more commercial role in the bank’s business.”