Westpac has made two appointments within its Asian offices.

Both Edouard Riquet and Russ Hui have joined as trade sales managers. Riquet will be based in Singapore, while Hui will work from Westpac’s Beijing office.

Riquet joins from EuroFin Asia Group (EFA) in Singapore, where he was a relationship manager responsible for looking after a portfolio of commodity trading and manufacturing companies in Asia Pacific and Europe. He has more than four years of experience in banking and trade finance.

Commenting on his new position, Riquet says: “This is an exciting time to join Westpac given the bank’s expansion in Asia. As a leading Australian bank originating from a country rich in natural resources, I believe Westpac will be able to integrate well in Asia to offer clients in this region more diversification and solutions. It is also encouraging to see the momentum that trade sales has gained in Singapore and other parts of Asia and its contribution to the bank’s business in Asia to date.”

Hui was previously vice-president and senior relationship manager at DBS Bank in Beijing. He brings over nine years of banking experience in trade sales and corperate banking relationship management in China.

Both Riquet and Hui will be responsible for promoting and growing Westpac’s trade footprint in Asia. The two managers will report to Phil Mitchell, regional manager of trade sales in Asia. Mitchell says of their appointments: “With their proven track record and expertise, they will play an integral role in growing Westpac’s Asia Trade Sales business and partnering customers to deliver efficient, market-aware and relationship-focused trade solutions.”

Westpac has taken on a number of new hires in the last year to expand its trade sales capabilities in Asia. Daisy Tay joined the bank last year as a trade sales manager and works alongside Riquet in Singapore.