Director, Trust Administration

BMO•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

BMO Bank N.A. is a leading financial institution dedicated to helping our clients achieve their financial goals through tailored banking, wealth management, and trust solutions. We are seeking highly experienced and client-focused applicants to join our Trust team as a Director, Trust Administration. In this role, you will manage an existing portfolio of high-net-worth client relationships with complex trust and investment management accounts. You will administer accounts consistent with sound fiduciary principles and within the established risk framework of the organization, while delivering an exceptional client experience. This is a senior-level role requiring in depth knowledge of trust administration, estate planning concepts, and fiduciary principles, along with the skills and desire to proactively grow the business. Additional Job Description: Work as part of a Client Strategy Team, or serve as the primary relationship manager, to provide expert fiduciary administration for an existing portfolio of trust and investment management accounts. Ensure that all accounts are administered in accordance with governing instruments, internal procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, beneficiaries, and next generation to meet their financial and estate planning needs. Work collaboratively with internal colleagues from Investments, WM Legal, Trust Real Estate & Special Assets, and Trust Tax to address risk issues, ensure effective administration, and deliver integrated client solutions. Partner and communicate with clients, beneficiaries, co-trustees, trust protectors, external counsel and other individuals associated with the administration of fiduciary accounts. Responsible for the driving the profitability and growth of the Trust Discipline consistent with established strategic goals and priorities. Maintain appropriate contact with clients and beneficiaries through regular contact to service needs effectively, mitigate risks, and deepen existing relationships with the next generation. Develop and maintain expertise as a subject-matter expert in the area of estate planning and personal trust administration to serve as an internal resource to elevate and grow existing client relationships. Actively participate in business development activities, including identifying opportunities to expand existing relationships and attract new clients. Stay current on changes in trust and tax law, and estate planning trends to provide proactive guidance to clients. Mentor and support less seasoned team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field; JD preferred.
Minimum of 5 – 7 years of relevant experience in trust administration, estate planning, or wealth management.
Strong knowledge of fiduciary principles, trust laws, and estate planning strategies.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Proven ability to manage complex client relationships and deliver exceptional service.
Strong analytical, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

Nice To Haves

Professional designations such as CTFA, CFP, or CPA are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a Client Strategy Team, or serve as the primary relationship manager, to provide expert fiduciary administration for an existing portfolio of trust and investment management accounts.
Ensure that all accounts are administered in accordance with governing instruments, internal procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, beneficiaries, and next generation to meet their financial and estate planning needs.
Work collaboratively with internal colleagues from Investments, WM Legal, Trust Real Estate & Special Assets, and Trust Tax to address risk issues, ensure effective administration, and deliver integrated client solutions.
Partner and communicate with clients, beneficiaries, co-trustees, trust protectors, external counsel and other individuals associated with the administration of fiduciary accounts.
Responsible for the driving the profitability and growth of the Trust Discipline consistent with established strategic goals and priorities.
Maintain appropriate contact with clients and beneficiaries through regular contact to service needs effectively, mitigate risks, and deepen existing relationships with the next generation.
Develop and maintain expertise as a subject-matter expert in the area of estate planning and personal trust administration to serve as an internal resource to elevate and grow existing client relationships.
Actively participate in business development activities, including identifying opportunities to expand existing relationships and attract new clients.
Stay current on changes in trust and tax law, and estate planning trends to provide proactive guidance to clients.
Mentor and support less seasoned team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.