Senior Client Relationship Associate

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 120 locations across the U.S. and Greater China, 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 an exclusive focus on the U.S. and Greater China markets. With a strong foundation, and enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity, East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

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

The following outlines the essential functions of this position. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned and performed as needed, including both major and minor tasks not listed below. Specific job activities may change from time to time based on business needs.

New Client Intake & Vetting (All Customers)

• 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

Bank Secrecy ACT (BSA) Onboarding Submissions

• Prepare and submit comprehensive BSA/ Anti Money Laundering (AML) onboarding packages for all new 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

MRB‑Specific Compliance Responsibilities

• 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

Audit, Exam, & Process Support

• 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

Ongoing Compliance & Amendments (All Customers)

• 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

Internal Coordination & Support

• 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

The requirements below represent the advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively:

1. Demonstrate strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements for deposit accounts and credit facilities, with the ability to independently interpret and apply guidance.
2. Possess a good understanding of complex commercial account structures and the related risk considerations.
3. Strong working knowledge of banking operations and their intersection with compliance and onboarding processes.
4. Possess a good understanding of deposit accounts and credit facility onboarding procedures, including due diligence and documentation standards.
5. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information and collaborate effectively with senior internal stakeholders and external clients.
6. Proven ability to manage high‑volume, time‑sensitive inquiries while exercising sound judgment and prioritization.
7. Strong organizational and analytical skills, with consistent attention to detail and process improvement.
8. 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.