The Associate will work for the Corporate Banking Global Financial Institutions Group Insurance Team, which has a global platform with a growing and dynamic presence in the U.S. combined with a strong and stable presence in Canada. The Associate will assume both a Portfolio Management and Relationship Management role.
The Corporate Banking Insurance team supports the origination and structuring of corporate lending transactions, coordinating with other product teams as part of a larger capital markets coverage team that maintains strong client relationships. The team is responsible for completing credit due diligence in establishing and maintaining credit lines to facilitate Lending, Trade Finance, Cash Management, and Trading transactions for Insurance clients.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare credit documentation such as credit applications, underwriting memoranda, presentations, and annual reviews for internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage a diverse portfolio of Insurance companies, progressing toward increased client responsibility.
- Review and monitor performance of existing accounts and client relationships focusing on ROE and credit quality.
- Provide deal structuring expertise and negotiate transactions with clients.
- Apply insurance technical concepts and complete technical and financial reports/analyses to support credit and client deliverables.
- Conduct due diligence and credit analysis on new and existing client relationships, including client visits and industry trend analysis.
- Break down strategic problems and analyze data to provide insights and recommendations.
- Understand transaction complexity and related risks including credit, market, operational, and legal/compliance risks.
- Balance the bank's risk appetite with client needs in proposals.
- Integrate information from multiple sources to improve processes and reporting.
- Review and guide analysts' work to deliver business and credit results.
- Adhere to risk, internal controls, and compliance policies and procedures.
- Exercise judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within guidelines.
- Work independently handling non-routine situations.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency and improved service.
- Act as a change agent to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Contribute to elevating the BMO brand in the Insurance industry in US and Canada.
- Operate as a key deal team member to maximize Insurance sector penetration and returns.
- Initiate cross-selling to increase client ranking.
- Create and present client pitch books for financial solutions.
- Monitor changes in clients, industries, and regulatory environments that may affect portfolios and business needs.
- Understand client needs and provide relevant recommendations.
- Collaborate with sector coverage partners to identify and deliver creative solutions.
- Build positive client relations through deep understanding of Insurance client needs.
- Identify and leverage key decision makers internally and at client organizations.
- Interpret client strategy and anticipate needs to deliver solutions.
- Maintain awareness of all firm products and facilitate receiving continuous updates.
- Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree preferably in finance, economics, or accounting with high academic achievement.
- Preferred MBA, CFA or equivalent experience in financial services, accounting, or legal fields.
- 4 to 6 years relevant experience covering the Insurance segment in corporate or commercial banking and lending, including credit underwriting, transaction structuring, and client management.
- Advanced deal execution and/or project management skills.
- Strong analytical skills and expertise in Insurance credit analysis.
- Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through education and business experience.
- Completion of corporate/commercial banking training program.
