Job Description
ADCB is hiring a Head of Commodities Trading within its Treasury and Investments Group in Abu Dhabi. ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank) is one of the UAE’s largest banks, serving retail, corporate and institutional clients from its base in Abu Dhabi. The posting invites candidates to help shape the bank’s role in commodity markets, leading its commodity trading strategy, overseeing transaction structuring and execution, and managing trading risks.
In a bank, commodities trading typically spans activity in areas such as energy, metals and agricultural products, delivered through instruments such as swaps, forwards, futures and options. The business usually serves two purposes: helping corporate and institutional clients hedge their exposure to commodity price movements, and managing the bank’s own positions within approved limits. In Islamic banking contexts, commodity transactions also play a role in structuring Sharia-compliant products.
As head of this area, you will define strategy and product scope, set and manage risk limits with the risk function, oversee pricing and execution, and build relationships with clients, brokers, exchanges and counterparties. You will work closely with sales, structuring, risk management, finance, operations, legal and compliance to make sure every trade is properly priced, documented, booked and monitored. Regulatory requirements, market conduct standards and robust controls are central to the role.
This is a senior leadership position that suits an experienced commodities trader or desk head with a strong understanding of derivatives and risk management, a track record of building or running a profitable business, and the leadership skills to develop a team in a growing market.
Impact of the Job
Commodity markets matter greatly to the UAE and the wider region, where many corporate clients have significant exposure to energy, metals and other commodity prices. A well-run commodities trading business allows ADCB to help those clients manage price risk, deepening relationships and generating fee and trading income that complements traditional lending. A strong head of commodities trading drives that growth while keeping risk within appetite. Trading businesses can be highly profitable but also carry significant market, counterparty and operational risks. Disciplined limit management, sound pricing and strong controls protect the bank from unexpected losses and reputational damage. Thoughtful product design and structuring also allow ADCB to offer solutions tailored to client needs, setting the bank apart from competitors. By working closely with risk, compliance and operations, the head of the desk ensures the business scales safely and meets regulatory expectations. Building a capable team strengthens the bank's long-term capability in markets, supporting ADCB's broader Treasury and Investments strategy.
Job Seeker Benefit
Leading commodities trading at one of the UAE's largest banks is a significant senior role in regional markets. You will shape strategy, build client relationships and lead a team, giving you a leadership profile that combines trading expertise with business-building experience. That combination is highly valued by banks, trading houses and asset managers across the region and internationally. The role offers broad exposure across Treasury and Investments, risk management and corporate banking, as well as relationships with clients, exchanges and counterparties that strengthen your network and market insight. Abu Dhabi's growing importance as a financial centre and the region's deep connection to commodity markets create an environment where well-run commodity businesses can expand meaningfully. Success in this role could lead to broader leadership positions in global markets, treasury or investment banking within ADCB or other major institutions. You will also deepen your expertise in structuring, risk management and regulatory compliance, areas that remain central to senior markets roles. Developing a team allows you to build a lasting legacy in the bank's markets capability. For an experienced commodities professional looking for a platform to lead and grow a business, this role offers real influence and strong visibility within one of the region's leading banks.
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Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering or a related field; a master’s degree or CFA is an advantage
- Extensive experience in commodities trading or commodity derivatives within a bank or trading house, including senior leadership of a desk
- Deep knowledge of commodity markets, pricing and derivative instruments such as swaps, futures and options
- Proven experience in transaction structuring for corporate or institutional clients
- Strong understanding of market risk, credit and counterparty risk and limit management
- Familiarity with commodity-based Islamic finance structures is an advantage
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory and market conduct requirements
- Track record of building client relationships and delivering trading revenue
- Experience leading and developing a trading team
Interview Questions to Prepare For
How would you set the strategy for a bank's commodities business in the UAE over the next three years?
Market insight, client needs, realistic growth plan, risk appetite
Walk me through how you would structure a hedge for a corporate client exposed to fuel prices.
Technical depth, client suitability, risk considerations
How do you set and monitor trading limits with the risk function?
Collaboration, discipline, escalation procedures
Describe a period of extreme market volatility and how you managed your book.
Risk management under pressure, decision-making
How do you make sure every trade is properly documented and booked?
Control mindset, operations awareness
What role can commodity transactions play in Islamic banking?
Product knowledge, Sharia compliance awareness
How do you build and develop a trading team?
Leadership style, hiring, development