Wire Transfer Specialist (Banking Operations)

Wire Transfer Specialist (Banking Operations) | Safra National Bank | New York, NY

About Safra National Bank of New York

Safra National Bank of New York ("Safra National") is a nationally chartered U.S. Bank supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and member of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Headquartered in New York, with branches in the United States and representative offices in Latin America, Safra National is a leading private bank with a devoted team of relationship managers serving many sophisticated U.S. and international high net worth clients.

Job Summary:

The Banking Operations Specialist/Wire Specialist is responsible for processing, verifying, and monitoring domestic and international wire transfers within the banking operations. This role ensures compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices while maintaining a high level of accuracy, efficiency, and customer service. The Wire Specialist collaborates with various internal departments, including compliance, treasury, and relationship managers, to support high-net-worth clients with their wire transfer needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Wire Processing & Verification:

• Process and review domestic and international wire transfers via SWIFT, Fedwire, and internal payment systems.
• Verify transaction details for accuracy, including beneficiary information, amount, and currency conversions.
• Monitor wire queues and resolve processing exceptions to ensure timely execution.
• Escalate discrepancies and potential fraudulent transactions to the appropriate teams.
• Perform the final review and release of wire transfers initiatives through internal systems
• Monitor real time queues for pending wires and prioritize based on urgency and value

Essential Duties:

• Process Investigation
• Process Swift Messages
• Input USD & FX Wire Transfer
• Process Incoming Wires
• Process General Ledger
• Filing

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure all wire transfers adhere to AML (Anti-Money Laundering), BSA (Bank Secrecy Act), and OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) regulations.
• Conduct due diligence on wire instructions to detect potential fraud or suspicious activity.
• Work closely with compliance teams to address flagged transactions and follow up on necessary documentation.

Client Support & Communication:

• Provide high-touch support to private banking clients, relationship managers, and internal stakeholders regarding wire-related inquiries.
• Assist in troubleshooting wire transfer issues and provide status updates to clients.
• Educate internal teams on wire policies and best practices.

Reconciliation & Reporting:

• Perform daily reconciliations of wire transactions and investigate any discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate records of all wire activities and generate reports for management and audit purposes.
• Assist with month-end and year-end reporting related to wire transactions.

Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to enhance wire processing efficiency and automation.
• Participate in system upgrades, testing, and implementation of enhancements.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices related to wire transfers.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelors degree in finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 2 years of wire operations experience within a private bank or financial institution – Prior release and verification duties within a wire room is a must.
• Technical Skills:

o Proficiency in SWIFT, Fedwire, CHIPS, and other wire transfer systems.

o Familiarity with core banking systems and treasury platforms.

o Strong knowledge of AML, OFAC, and regulatory compliance in wire processing.

o Banking Experience, wire transfer, general Ledger helpful but willing to train.

o Intermediate skills in computer operations, word processing, and spreadsheet and account opening software. Jack Henry AS400, Payplus, Finastra, Banno, Treasury, Silverlake Wires

• Soft Skills:

o High attention to detail and accuracy.

o Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client-facing interactions.

o Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline- driven environment.

• Multi-task between back-office duties and customer service duties. Must be able to work under pressure.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to carry out instructions, instruct others, understand procedures, and to speak clearly to customers and co-workers.
• Punctuality and an appropriate sense of time commitment and time management skills.
• Self-motivation.
• An awareness of appropriate behavior in all facets of professional interaction, and an ability to conduct oneself in an appropriate and professional matter at all times.

Working Arrangement & Location:

• Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site, 5 days a week.
• Location: New York, NY

Safra National Bank of New York is an Equal Employment Opportunity