Fair Banking & CRA Officer

Introduction

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.

Overview

The Fair Banking and CRA Officer will be responsible for implementation and oversight of the Bank’s Fair and Responsible Banking and CRA Program, and serve as the Bank’s CRA Officer. This role will report directly to the Chief Compliance Officer and will collaborate with various business units to ensure compliance strategies are effective, mitigate risk, and enhance operational efficiency. Manage implementation for large compliance projects, such as CFPB Section 1071.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Bank’s fair and responsible banking program and associated procedures, including CRA.
• Chair the CRA and Consumer Lending Steering Committees and effectively communicate state of compliance with the Fair Lending and CRA Programs, including material fair lending developments, risk monitoring results, and key risk indicators. Participate in any Board or Compliance management committees.
• Perform annual Fair Lending and CRA Risk Assessments. Monitor existing controls within business units to identify compliance with relevant regulations and advise on practices.
• Oversee the Fair and Responsible Banking training program for the Bank, the Board of Directors, including training needs assessment, and developing customized training or supporting Business Unit training, as needed.
• Monitor operations (e.g., marketing, origination, processing, underwriting, servicing, collection and loss mitigation) to ensure sound fair lending practices are being applied.
• Assist with Fair Banking reviews, analyses, and testing, which may include comparative file reviews related to underwriting, pricing, redlining, and steering, as applicable.
• Provide credible challenge and oversight of fair lending issues and action plans to effectively resolve issues and ensure corrective action is effectively implemented.  
• Review complaints for alleged discrimination and ensure appropriate investigation and resolution.
• Monitor lending, investment, and service activities to ensure we are meeting the needs of our communities, in particular low-and-moderate income (LMI) areas.
• Contribute to the CRA Performance Evaluation and Public File.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of CRA and HMDA data.
• Maintain proficiency in software tools for regulatory submission and performance of fair lending analysis.
• Serve as liaison and manage document requests from regulatory examinations, internal audits, and RCSAs.
• Maintain close relationships with risk and executive management, Business Unit, and Internal Audit to ensure compliance with compliance risk appetite and to allow for compliant solutions across the Bank.
• Assist Chief Compliance Officer or department with strategic projects or projects, such as 1071, as needed. 
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Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience with regulatory compliance in a banking environment; knowledge of banking regulations and guidance (CFPB and FRB)
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, guidance, and industry leading practices
• Experience with project implementation and management
• Experience managing and developing staff
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel is required

Additional Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., JD, CRCM) are preferred.
• Experience in audit or as regulatory examiner desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; experience communicating with all levels of management, executive, and writing and presenting reports.
• Collaborative and good at building and leveraging relationships.
• Analytical and critical thinking.

Compensation

The base pay range for this position is USD $140,000.00/Yr. - USD $190,000.00/Yr. Exact offers will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Salary : $140,000 - $190,000