We are a leading financial institution, a key player in the Maltese market and part of a highly diversified multi-national group of companies. Employing a team of over 270 employees, the Bank offers a full range of lending and savings solutions to both personal and business customers. We strive to offer a highly personalised service through our network of thirteen retail branches spread across the Maltese Islands.
We are a team of inspired people who believe that opportunities start with a conversation.
Duties & Responsabilites
The Relationship Associate will support the Corporate Real Estate Relationship Manager and Branch Management team in the onboarding, execution and ongoing management of commercial real estate lending relationships.
The role is responsible for assisting with credit analysis, transaction management, customer due diligence, portfolio monitoring and client servicing activities throughout the customer lifecycle.
The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining high standards of credit quality, regulatory compliance and customer service whilst supporting the continued growth of the London Branch's Commercial Real Estate portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
1. Relationship Management Support
• Support the Relationship Manager in the management of client relationships.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients on day-to-day servicing matters.
• Coordinate client information requests and documentation requirements.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to deepen existing client relationships.
• Ensure a high standard of client service is always maintained.
2. Credit and Transaction Support
• Assist in the preparation of credit applications, annual reviews and amendment requests.
• Gather and analyse borrower financial information and supporting documentation.
• Support the preparation of transaction summaries and credit papers.
• Coordinate valuations, legal, due diligence and transaction closing requirements.
• Assist the Relationship Manager in monitoring covenant compliance and facility conditions.
• Maintain accurate credit files and supporting records.
3. Portfolio Management
• Support ongoing monitoring of the commercial real estate portfolio.
• Assist with annual reviews and periodic credit assessments.
• Monitor expiry dates, covenant testing requirements and review schedules.
• Escalate potential risks, covenant breaches or emerging concerns.
• Support portfolio reporting and management information requirements.
4. Customer Due Diligence and Financial Crime Compliance
• Conduct customer onboarding and periodic KYC/CDD reviews.
• Perform customer risk assessments in accordance with Bank policies.
• Ensure all customer files remain complete, accurate and up to date.
• Assist with trigger event reviews and ongoing monitoring requirements.
• Support AML, Financial Crime and Sanctions compliance processes.
• Liaise with Compliance, MLRO and Operations teams as required.
5. Data Management and Reporting
• Maintain accurate client, transaction and portfolio data.
• Ensure information is recorded consistently across all systems.
• Produce management information and portfolio reports as required.
• Support regulatory and internal reporting obligations.
• Assist in maintaining data quality and document management standards.
6. Stakeholder Coordination
• Work closely with Relationship Managers, Credit Risk, Operations, Compliance and Legal teams.
• Coordinate internal approvals and documentation requirements.
• Participate in client meetings, lender meetings and syndication discussions where appropriate.
• Support effective communication between the London Branch and Malta Head Office.
Experience
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience within UK commercial banking, real estate finance or corporate banking.
• Experience supporting lending transactions within a regulated banking environment.
• Exposure to commercial real estate lending is highly desirable.
• Experience in customer due diligence, credit administration or relationship management support.
• Understanding of UK banking and financial services regulations.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Banking, Business, Economics or a related discipline.
• Professional banking qualification will be considered advantageous.
• AML, Compliance or Financial Crime certification would be beneficial.
Skills
• Strong analytical and financial assessment skills.
• Understanding of commercial lending and credit processes.
• Excellent organisational and transaction management capabilities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and banking systems.
Personal Attributes
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach.
• Commercially aware and client focused.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
Success Measures
• Timely completion of annual reviews and credit administration requirements.
• High quality and accuracy of credit and client documentation.
• Strong KYC/CDD compliance performance.
• Effective support of new business origination and transaction execution.
• Positive client and stakeholder feedback.
• Contribution to portfolio growth whilst maintaining strong risk discipline.
What we Offer
BNF Bank plc is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.