About International Banking Careers
A career in international banking can take many forms, but a basic understanding of foreign languages is beneficial. Because banking systems throughout the world offer similar products, from checking and savings accounts to automatic teller or cash machines to Internet account management capabilities, a solid background in basic applications, processes and procedures also is helpful to landing a position in another country.
Loan Officer
Loan officers are senior banking professionals. Loan officers meet with customers, review home, college tuition and automobile loan applications and communicate with the bank manager to determine whether or not the application will be approved. Depending on the types of loans you are assigned to review and approve, you might also work with businesses to create commercial checking accounts. Loan officers must be familiar with lending codes, practices and laws around guarantees, securities, credit reference agency ratings and local loan rates, like South Africa's prime and repo rate. A four-year post-secondary degree from an accredited institution is required. You also will need to understand basic and complex mortgages, automobile leasing and financing agreements and interest rate calculations and schedules.
Bank Manager
International bank managers oversee the operations of a bank. As a bank manager you will be responsible for providing guidance on decisions to approve high-risk loans, cash out-of-region checks and open accounts for customers who legally reside in other countries. You must have a solid understanding of banking and criminal laws established by organizations, like the International Banking Federation, related to money-laundering, identify theft and redepositing checks. You must also understand instruments and tools like England's Common Financial Statements, export and import credit agency practices and regulations, international bank working days, prepaid cards, payment systems, cooperative regional banking alliances and local country bank rates. Additionally, you should be versed in international banking structures for systems like the European Central Bank, the People's Bank of China and the Central Bank of West African States. Typically a four-year postsecondary degree from an accredited institution is required for this position.
Bank Teller
Tellers assist customers with transactions on their bank accounts. As an international bank teller you might help a customer fill out a deposit slip, renew his automatic teller machine card, update contact information or review details of his account. Tellers are required to be strong in customer relations and communication skills. An international bank teller needs to know local currency rates, like South Africa's repo rate, as well as exchange foreign currency. You also will be required to have experience handling bank receptional deals, such as those used by China's Standard Chartered Bank. Tellers must know when to request additional identification from a customer before cashing a potentially bad check. Typically, a high school diploma or international equivalent is required for this position. However, some countries, like the Philippines and China, request that bank tellers have a bachelor's degree. Most tellers are trained during their first weeks on the job.
Auditor
International bank auditors monitor and review customer transactions, employee account entries and checking, savings and investment management accounting trails. Banking auditors also need a solid understanding of national and international banking and tax laws and local and foreign currency exchange rates. A four-year post-secondary degree from an accredited institution and strong accounting and financial records management skills are required for this position.
Considerations
Working at domestic financial investment firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, UBS and Bank of America's Merrill Lynch division can help you gain valuable experience while you learn international banking laws. Also helpful to being hired is having knowledge of the social customs, languages and practices in the country where you want to work.
