Senior Client Relationship Associate

East West Bank • Houston, TX

4d

About The Position

Under general supervision, provide due diligence and compliance support to Relationship Managers (RMs) and Portfolio Managers (PMs). Review and validate compliance documentation independently to support internal and external audits, exams and Requests For Information (RFIs). Take ownership of external and internal requests by responding to inquiries, completing assignments with accuracy and on time. This role requires strong multitasking and prioritization skills, the ability to quickly navigate and analyze through information, and effective communication in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements for deposit accounts and credit facilities, with the ability to independently interpret and apply guidance.
• Possess a good understanding of complex commercial account structures and the related risk considerations.
• Strong working knowledge of banking operations and their intersection with compliance and onboarding processes.
• Possess a good understanding of deposit accounts and credit facility onboarding procedures, including due diligence and documentation standards.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information and collaborate effectively with senior internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Proven ability to manage high‑volume, time‑sensitive inquiries while exercising sound judgment and prioritization.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with consistent attention to detail and process improvement.
• Advanced proficiency in standard business applications, including Microsoft Office products, with the ability to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary compliance point of contact for all new customer relationships
• Partner with RMs, PMs and business stakeholders during onboarding to assess: Customer business model and underlying activities, Ownership, control, and governance structure, Expected account activity, products, and overall risk profile
• Collect, review, and validate onboarding documentation, including KYC materials, ownership structures, organizational documents, and applicable licenses
• Proactively identify elevated risk factors at intake and ensure timely application of Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) requirements
• Prepare and submit comprehensive BSA/ Anti Money Laundering (AML) onboarding packages for all clients when required, including both Marijuana-Related Business (MRB) and non‑MRB customers
• Ensure all submissions are complete and accurate, meeting internal policy requirements and regulatory audit/exam standards
• Serve as the primary liaison with BSA/AML teams throughout the review process: Respond to inquiries and requests for clarification, Evaluate onboarding conditions, obtain required remediation, identify documentation gaps, Coordinate internal approvals and final sign‑off prior to account opening
• Facilitate timely onboarding while maintaining strong risk controls and regulatory compliance
• Perform MRB Enhanced Due Diligence in accordance with FinCEN guidance, regulatory expectations, and internal policy
• Review and validate cannabis licenses and renewals, ownership and control structures, and key operational details
• Monitor and manage ongoing MRB compliance requirements, including: License renewals, updates, and jurisdictional changes, Ownership, management, or control changes, Business expansions or changes in products, services, or activities
• Prepare and submit MRB follow‑on reviews to BSA/AML as required and support SAR‑related analysis and escalation considerations
• Maintain clear, complete, and well‑documented client and compliance files that are always audit/exam‑ready
• Support BSA/AML, Compliance, and Internal Audit teams during regulatory exams, audits, and internal reviews by providing documentation, explanations, and issue support
• Partner with Client Service and Account Opening teams to identify, investigate, and resolve ownership or control discrepancies
• Fulfill audit, exam, RFIs and ad‑hoc information requests related to onboarding, KYC, ownership, and account structures in a timely and accurate manner
• Contribute to process improvements that strengthen documentation standards, audit readiness, and cross‑functional coordination
• Manage ongoing BSA/AML compliance obligations following client onboarding
• Review, assess, and manage amendments or trigger events requiring additional BSA review, including: Ownership, control, or governance changes, Changes in business activities, products, or customer risk profile, Accounts, product, or structural modifications
• Ensure KYC, CDD, and EDD records remain accurate, current, and fully documented in accordance with regulatory and internal policy requirements
• Coordinate and support periodic and event‑driven reviews for higher‑risk customers, partnering with BSA/AML and business stakeholders as needed
• Serve as the primary internal point of contact for RMs and cross‑functional teams on BSA/AML‑related questions and requirements
• Provide clear guidance on onboarding documentation, BSA expectations, and risk considerations to support compliant deal structuring
• Partner with business teams early in the client lifecycle to identify potential compliance gaps and risk issues
• Help prevent incomplete, high‑risk, or non‑viable opportunities from advancing to formal BSA review, improving efficiency and reducing rework

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed