Merchant Risk Analyst

The Merchant Risk Analyst I - is primarily responsible for keeping the merchant/customers compliant by completing validations for Know your Customer (KYC) and Know your Business (KYB). The analyst will work items in the Merchant Risk queue system. The analyst will review merchant parameter violations and make decisions on actions based on the Merchant Risk Policy, including contacting merchants, placing holds on accounts, removing holds, and requesting account closure for merchants. The analyst will evaluate processing activity for indicators that present a risk to the bank. Based on that review, the analyst will work with customers to request additional documentation, complete phone interviews, make funding decisions and any other action to reduce exposure for the bank.  The analyst is tasked with ensuring that they comply with all goals, objectives, and standards of the organization to meet division satisfaction and deadlines. The analyst must remain properly trained and understand all department goals, standards, and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Review merchant processing transactions in accordance with the Merchant Risk Policy.

·         Monitoring and analyzing daily merchant batch settlements queries to detect irregular patterns in transaction activity and initiates appropriate adverse action to mitigate loss.

·         Conducting merchant transaction, volume and chargeback activity review and analysis.

·         Recommending funding holds/releases, account closures, reporting and investigating any potential losses as appropriate.

·         Analyzing performance of risk alert and losses to statistically recommend the appropriate alerts, rules and parameters for the Risk Monitoring System.

·         Communicating with merchants & sales offices regarding exception or suspicious activity and communicating with merchants, issuing banks, cardholders, and other acquirers to request additional documentation to support processing activity, including deciding next proper action.

·         Perform accurate data entry of confidential and time-sensitive information following a standard process.

·         Assist in the filing of BSA required QAR’s and SAR’s for fraud events.

·         Maintain records of all investigations performed.

·         Perform other job-related duties or special projects as assigned.

Competencies Required:

·         Coachable and willing to learn.

·         Ability and willingness to take escalated cases and/or merchant calls.

·         A solid sense of ownership and accountability.

·         Solid time management skills.

·         Possess a professional and courteous demeanor.

·         Ability to work in team-driven environment yet work independently to complete daily expectations and deadlines; a self-starter that requires minimal supervision.

·         Ability to calculate potential losses and exposure and articulate findings to both management and merchant.

·         Ability to work within the operating hours and days for this position; demonstrate good attendance and punctuality.

·         Ability to maintain a very high level for attention to detail in all areas of support.

·         Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with solid judgment and discretion, while following directions, and applying proper policies, procedures, and guidelines.

·         Ability to source information rapidly in an electronic environment; research information using available resources, reference FAQs, and other information resources utilizing strong problem-solving skills.

·         Ability to learn multiple banking systems and effectively navigate through software applications.

·         Strong technical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word,  Dynamics), including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and SharePoint.

·         Customer service oriented skills with developed problem-solving abilities.

·         Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and projects in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines.

·         Proactive self-starter, with a keen eye towards continuous process improvement and the ability to work independently while supporting a team environment.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present detailed and complex data into concise and understandable information.

·         Excellent organizational skills with superior attention to detail and high concern for data accuracy.

·         Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines, with the ability to take ownership over results.

·         Ability to Maintain and build positive relationships with all customers.

Minimum Qualifications/Experience:

•          1+ years' experience in a Risk or Merchant Risk support role required.

Formal Education & Certification:

·         High School diploma or equivalent required.