BBVA expands its structured finance capabilities in Asia with key ECA appointment

BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking is accelerating its growth in Asia with a clear focus on Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing, a key enabler of cross-border investment and large-scale project development. The appointment of Sarah Yu as Managing Director, Export & Agency Finance Asia, marks a significant step in this strategic direction.

The strategic appointment of Sarah Yu makes a significant stride forward in BBVA’s global Structured Finance roadmap in the region and underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to assembling highly specialized teams in markets that are central to its long-term vision. By deepening its expertise in strategic geographies, BBVA aims to provide tailored, high-impact financial solutions that empower corporates and institutions in their growth, transformation, and value-creation journeys.

Asia stands out as a key region for the bank, not only for its sustained economic momentum, but also for its capacity to foster multinational companies across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology. Within this context, BBVA is expanding its capabilities to meet the sophisticated financing needs of regional and global clients. Through bespoke structured finance solutions, securitized instruments, and balance sheet optimization strategies, the bank is positioned to deliver agile, technically sound responses to an increasingly complex operating environment, particularly in the realm of Export Credit Agency-backed financing.

ECA solutions have become essential for facilitating cross-border trade, unlocking infrastructure investment, and mitigating risk in large-scale projects. In this evolving landscape, Sarah Yu will be instrumental in driving the expansion of BBVA’s structured finance franchise across Asia. Based in Hong Kong, she will lead the growth of the ECA business line, working closely with the regional team headed by Pep Ferris, Head of BBVA CIB in Asia.

"By establishing a dedicated Structured Finance team in Asia with a focus on ECA financing, we are expanding our product capabilities as a tool to strengthen our client relationships," said Ferris. "Asia remains a core region for BBVA CIB, and we bring the insight, execution capability, and product depth to partner on transformational initiatives. By leveraging the critical role ECAs play in enabling trade and investment, we reinforce our commitment to being a long-term financial partner to companies and institutions shaping the future economy.”

Experience and strategic vision to drive growth in Asia

BBVA has been a prominent player in its collaboration with Asian Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), having closed over USD 1.5 billion in new transactions over the past two years. These operations have primarily supported strategic sectors such as government, energy, the automotive value chain, and shipping — all key drivers of the bank’s growth. The appointment of Sarah underscores BBVA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its position in the region and expanding the support offered to clients around the world.

With over 15 years of experience advising clients and structuring sophisticated cross-border transactions, Sarah Yu brings a wealth of sectoral knowledge and executional expertise. Her background spans key industries such as shipping, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the electric mobility value chain—sectors where ECA financing plays a pivotal role.

Throughout her career, Yu has led high-impact deals and developed innovative financing structures tailored to complex client needs. Before joining BBVA, she held senior roles at Société Générale and ANZ Banking Group, where she consistently delivered strategic value through her leadership and strategic understanding of the market.