Job Title: Senior Lending Compliance Officer

Reports to: VP-Compliance Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt (salary)

Statement of Hire:

At Signature Bank of Arkansas, we are committed to delivering memorable service beyond the customers' expectations, including those of both external and internal customers. We consistently demonstrate our values through teamwork, open communication, integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Additionally, we will maintain a professional appearance through dress, conduct, and an orderly work area.

A successful team member will possess these qualities and be enthusiastic, professional, and ethical. They will embrace our Mission, Vision, and Values and actively contribute to our success.

Job Summary:

The Senior Lending Compliance Officer ensures that the lending operations comply with federal and state regulations. This role involves in developing, implementing, and monitoring compliance programs to mitigate risk and foster a culture of compliance within the lending department. The Senior Lending Compliance Officer works closely with senior management and exercises discretion and independent judgment to execute compliance strategies that align with the bank’s overall objectives and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of lending regulations, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities & Expectations:

• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Stay current on changes to federal, state lending regulations, ensuring timely updates to internal policies and procedures.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of lending practices to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Liaise with regulatory agencies to clarify compliance requirements and ensure the organization’s adherence to all standards.
• Policy Development and Implementation:
  • Lead the creation and revision of compliance policies and procedures to reflect best practices and regulatory changes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure policies are effectively communicated and implemented throughout the lending department.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of compliance policies and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and regulatory updates.
• Risk Assessment:
  • Perform regular compliance risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in lending operations and develop action plans to mitigate risks.
  • Utilize data analytics to assess compliance related risks and trends, providing insights to senior management.
• Training and Education:
  • Develop training material and conduct workshops to educate lending staff on compliance policies, regulatory expectations, and best practices.
  • Create an onboarding program for new employees to ensure they understand compliance responsibilities from the outset.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make improvements based on participant feedback and compliance outcomes.

• Monitoring and Reporting
  • Oversee compliance monitoring activities, including regular audits and transaction reviews, to assess adherence to policies and regulations.
  • Prepare detailed compliance reports for senior management and the Board, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improvement.
  • Utilize compliance metrics to track performance and effectiveness of compliance initiatives, ensuring accountability.
• Issue Resolution:
  • Investigate compliance-related issues and coordinate with relevant departments to develop corrective action plans.
  • Maintain a lot of compliance incidents and resolutions, ensuring that lessons learned are integrated into future compliance practices.
  • Serve as a resource for lending staff on compliance with questions and concerns, providing guidance on best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration:
  • Partner with departments such as Risk and Operations teams to ensure a holistic approach to compliance across the organization.
  • Participate in industry conferences and forums to share knowledge and gather insights on emerging compliance trends.
  • Build relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators and industry associations, to stay informed about best practices and regulatory changes.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not directly manage employees but may provide guidance on compliance activities.

Compliance:

All team members are accountable for compliance with all laws and regulations and adherence to established internal controls and procedures when performing their job duties. Each team member is expected to be familiar with the legal and regulatory requirements and internal controls affecting their job responsibilities. It is the affirmative duty of each team member to carry out these responsibilities at all times in a manner that complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and internal controls.

Team members must participate in required training on pertinent compliance laws and regulations as Signature Bank of Arkansas requires. All team members shall be committed to maintaining high compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering regulations, USA PATRIOT Act, and Financial Recordkeeping regulations, recognizing their importance in combating organized crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

Qualifications and Abilities:

• College degree or equivalent experience.
• 10 years of banking experience with a focus on lending compliance preferred.
• Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) certification is preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of lending laws and compliance frameworks.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying complex information.
• Willingness to travel as required and ability to work extended hours.

Working Conditions / Environment / Physical Requirements:

• Remote working environment with occasional travel for training

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Capability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Use of fine motor skills for typing and computer work.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.