Merchant Risk Analyst

Who We Are: 

FFB, a dynamic and acclaimed single-branch bank born in the heart of Fresno, CA in 2005, is on a mission to redefine the banking experience. Our commitment to delivering top-notch banking services has propelled us to the forefront of the industry, earning us accolades and recognition. At FFB, we recognize the uniqueness of each individual who walks through our doors, and our dedicated team strives to craft personalized banking solutions that cater to their distinct needs.

What sets FFB apart is not just our Fresno roots but the diverse talents that make up our team, hailing from every corner of the country. We firmly believe that our people are our greatest strength, and we're constantly on the lookout for ambitious and passionate individuals who align with FFB's vision, regardless of their location.

If you're ready to be part of a winning team and contribute to our ongoing success story, we invite you to apply and join the FFB family!

Recent Achievements Speak Louder Than Words:

• 2024 - American Banker - #1 Top Performing Publicly Traded Bank with under $2b in assets  
• 2023 - American Banker - "Top 5" Community Bank in the Country #4 
• 2023 - OTCQX - Best 50 Companies #3 
• 2023 - 5-star Rating Bauer Financial 

What You Should Expect While Working at FFB:

• Company ownership through our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• A friendly, close-Knit work culture that encourages growth 
• Opportunities to Participate in Community Networking Events 
• Benefits Package

o Medical/Dental/Vision

o Life Insurance

o Paid Vacation

o 401(k) Retirement Plan

o Training & Development

o Tuition Reimbursement

o Employee Assistance Program

o Internal Job Posting & Referral Program

Ideal Candidate: 

FFB prides itself on its core values of Teamwork, Relationship, Authenticity, and Commitment (TRAC). We expect that our team members will reflect these values in the workplace in various ways: 

• Teamwork – We collaborate, hold each other accountable, and win together. 
• Relationship – We are trustworthy, transparent, and respectful. 
• Authentic – We are humble, vulnerable, and we speak up. 
• Commitment – We are owners...Be hungry, responsive, and have a sense of urgency.

About the Position:

The Merchant Risk Analyst works closely with its Merchant Risk peers as well as the Compliance team and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of risk and underwriting within the company's merchant and acquiring portfolios. This role requires a robust understanding of Merchant Acquiring space and will take a strategic approach at how the organization identifies and mitigates risk for our business segment. 

Essential Duties: 

• Primary focus is to review, analyze, to make confident decisions and recommendations for merchant applications.
• Provides guidance and respond to daily inquiries from peers and ISO partners.
• Prepares key points for presentation to management pertaining to customers that pose heightened risk to the Bank.
• Maintains accurate and thorough documentation and audit trails of Merchant assessments, reports, etc. in a timely manner.
• Responsible for evaluating existing relationships and the timely identification and escalation of unusual activity.
• Scheduling of on-site visitations to third party payment processors and evaluates reviews performed by the business line, Third Party Risk Management and Financial Crimes Risk Management.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive understanding of all card brand rules and network regulations related to Payment Acceptance and Risk business line activities. Ensuring bank is in compliance and work to implement recommended best practices. 
• Ensures proper communication and compliance of company and regulatory policies affecting areas managed.
• Analyzes financial and bank statements to assess credit worthiness and develop a view of merchant financial health and any risk to the Bank’s operations.
• Analyzes a wide range of data - business models, credit scores, external & internal processing data, bank statements peer comparisons, etc. to develop a view on a Merchant risk profile & Bank relationship.
• Conducts other related duties assigned.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes working environment free of harassment of any type; builds a diverse workforce and supports affirmative action. 
• Assures compliance with all Bank policies, procedures and processes, and all applicable state and federal banking laws, rules, and regulations, and adheres to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) responsibilities that are specific to the position.
• Follows policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time, including mandatory Bank Compliance Training; supports the Bank’s goals and values; benefits the bank through outside activities.
• Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspire the trust of others; work ethically and with integrity; uphold organizational values; accept responsibility for own actions.

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable professional experience
• Minimum of 3 years of merchant services experience in Fraud and/or Risk operations is preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of merchant underwriting experience.
• Minimum 1 Merchant Acquiring experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrate proficiency to independently underwrite concurrence applications, within approval authority, consistent with underwriting policies.
• Ability to take initiative and effect change through consensus building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.