Senior Fraud Investigator

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 110 locations across the U.S. and Asia, we are the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Our teams of experienced, multi-cultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities, and our sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, and high-tech help build sustainable businesses and expand our associates’ potential for career advancement. 

Headquartered in California, East West Bank (Nasdaq: EWBC) is a top-performing commercial bank with a strong foundation, an enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity. East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

The Senior Fraud Investigator reports directly to the Fraud Investigations Supervisor, Assistant Manager or Risk & Operations Manager. The Senior Fraud Investigator will be responsible for investigating more complex suspected fraud events and mitigating loss exposure.  This exempt position follows an assigned work schedule and is expected to manage the time effectively to meet investigative deadlines and handle assigned case volume. Your expertise will support loss prevention, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation efforts across the organization.

In addition, the Senior Fraud Investigator will serve as both a mentor and Subject Matter Expert resource to the more junior investigators.  The Senior Investigator should be well versed in new and emerging fraud trends and the potential impact.   

Must be a self-motivated individual with the ability to adapt to changing priorities, analytical and focused with the ability to analyze documents and reports. May be required to support junior level investigators.

• Investigate suspected fraud events and reduce potential loss exposure by being compliant with applicable policies and procedures.
• Review fraud detection reports to identify and escalate potentially fraudulent activity and/or suspicious activity.
• Review and assess outgoing wire transfer requests within the established SLA, following policy and procedures, and present findings or concerns to management for final approval in accordance with fraud controls.
• Identify gaps, control weaknesses, or patterns learned through investigations and analysis, and present practical ideas or solutions to management to help close those gaps and prevent future fraud.
• Analyze transaction patterns, customer behaviors, and referrals to identify suspicious activity and potential fraud schemes.
• Utilize bank systems, resources, policies and procedures to evaluate accounts and situations that may require unique treatment and a specialized approach.
• Conduct interviews with victims, suspects, and internal stakeholders to gather facts and evidence
• Complete thorough investigations to determine the presence of fraud and/or high-risk activity and take appropriate actions.
• Prepare detailed case files, investigative summaries, and supporting documentation for internal stakeholders.
•  
• Present findings and investigative recommendations to the manager, senior management, and internal legal counsel for case resolution and next steps.
• Provide guidance to business partners to ensure appropriate actions are taken to mitigate losses and loss exposure.
• Provide mentoring, training and guidance to junior investigators.
• File Possible Suspicious Activity Report (PSARs) or internal reports within the required timeframes.
• May assist with validation testing for various departmental risk processes and technological upgrades.
• Meet or exceed departmental goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to investigation quality, timeliness and resolution.
• Operate with minimal supervision and demonstrate strong independent judgement in completing assignments.
• Review designer procedures to ensure they are up to date and in compliance with EWB established policies.
• Evaluates and analyzes current processes and provides recommendations as needed
• Learn, understand, and maintain knowledge of all fraud investigation functions, processes, tools, and systems to support comprehensive case handling and departmental operations.
•  
• Manage caseloads and investigative assignments effectively by organizing workload, using strong time management to ensure timely, prioritized case handling based on risk, impact, and volume expectations.
• Perform quality assurance reviews of fraud cases, reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to investigative standards.
• Assists in the preparation and walk-through of internal audits.
• Performs other duties as assigned

• At least 5+ years of previous fraud investigations experience, preferably within banking
• High school degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Alternative combination of education and experience: Associate degree or 7+ years of banking center or investigative experience