EDD - SMU Analyst at Amerant Bank

Oversee the EDD / CDD requirements and documentation for SMU clients and to support the bank’s international initiative. Coordinate transaction monitoring of certain customers such as Financial Institutions, NBFI, GOE, Private Client etc. for money laundering and other financial crimes for and assure compliance with the Bank’s Bank Secrecy Act Program. Perform special reviews of certain special reviews such as FFI Annual Certifications, WLIP, Non-Accrual Reviews, Broker Deposits, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Support AML / KYC and SMU Supervisor by reviewing and assessing documentation and information and perform additional due dilligence for the onboarding and prescreening of prospect clients, requirements for new / existing clients, including but not limited to AML Manual, Audit Reports, Financial Statements, KYC and KYA, CBO, etc., execute further searches and screening using various tools, such as: open internet engines, AMS, OFAC, etc. Provide a recommendation for the onboarding and prepare Memos as necessary for the client’s onboarding process.
• Review and assess information and documentation for Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) clients during the update of the client’s file and according to the triggering event identified and in line with the process established in the manual, including refferal for other units or ad-hoc requirements.
• Initiate and coordinate requests related with CDD / EDD requirements for SMU clients, creating and tracking CDD / EDD cases in the respective case management system, track the cases for resolution and escalate matters to Supervisors as necessary based on unit’s procedures.
• Oversee and coordinate the completion of several special projects assigned to SMU, such as Foreign Correspondent Bank Annual Evaluation, Broker Dealer and Third-Party Lenders Support, Banks and Broker Dealers Review, Non-Accrual Review, etc. according to the unit’s procedures.
• Analyze AML system and manual generated alerts for SMU Clients against customers' profiles and documentation to determine whether the alert can be closed or may require more analysis, according to the unit’s procedures. Document alert’s disposition by either closing the review or recommending further investigation to be performed by a Sr Analyst.  
• Send requests for information (RFI) to account officers, as well as KYC update request, when required to assess more clearly an unusual activity occurring in an account. Coordinate and followed-up on responses as per department procedures and timeframes. 
• Coordinate & execute special reviews for SMU clients, such as Correspondent Bank Account (CBA) Annual Certification, Non-Accrual Loans Review, Broker Dealer Review and other reviews. Properly documenting the assessment in the respective form and following up process described in the unit’s procedure. 
• Ensure the SMU Supervisor is promptly notified of potential reportable activities involving high-risk or complex accounts handled by this unit. 
• Maintain accurate tracking of assignments and requests for documentation to ensure proper tracking of deadlines, as well as following up of pending items in a timely manner.
• Ensure that there is a proper level of record keeping retention that proves BSA regulatory compliance evidence during internal/external audits or regulatory examinations.
• To identify, evaluate, monitor, and make any recommendation deemed necessary to their respective Risk Management Committee in order to assess, reduce, eliminate or control any current or prospective risks to earnings or capital arising from violations of, or nonconformance with, laws, rules regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures or ethical standards.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements: 

Three (3) to Five (5) years of prior experience in BSA or bank auditing.

Minimum Education and /or Certifications: 

Associates’ degree in Banking or Finance, and / or specific banking institute courses.

Functional Skills & Knowledge:

Excellent written and verbal skills. Working knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act and US Patriot Act Title III

Technical and/or Essential Knowledge: 

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, FIS IBS Core and other systems, AssistCK . Good interpersonal skills. Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (preferred).