Merchnt Acquirng Sponsrship RM

Description

As the RM Sponsorship Mgmt., you will protect the Citizens Financial Group against potential risks associated with sponsoring an acquirer, processor or payment facilitator in the payment networks. You will ensure effective methodologies, programs, policies, and procedures for the overall goal of knowing our customers' customers and ensuring that Citizens remains in compliance with regulatory expectations. This is accomplished by collaborating with our sponsored entities, payment networks, Commercial Risk Management and Internal Audit; gathering and evaluating data; and designing, developing, and delivering comprehensive reporting on client and underlying merchants' due diligence information.

Primary responsibilities include

• Responsible for reviewing State, Federal, MasterCard and Visa rules and regulations while independently developing comprehensive internal policies and procedures ensuring Citizens and our processing partners are compliant with all State, Federal, MasterCard and Visa rules and regulations.
• Perform in depth research resulting in concurrent approval or decline of high-risk, large merchants and ISOs weighing potential regulatory, reputational and financial risk in an effort to protect Citizens and our partners.
• As Citizens sponsors processors into MasterCard and Visa through its banking license, IT is imperative the sponsor Oversight Specialist sponsored acquirers are compliant with State and Federal regulatory Agencies and just as important, MasterCard and Visa rules and regulations. This is accomplished by taking a risk based approach to audit processing partners including onboarding, underwriting (AML BSA, OFAC, UDAAP, ROSCA) risk, periodic Reviews Oversight by a seasoned payments professional.
• Ensure remediation/compliance plans are delivered accurately and timely to the payment networks:(as) the sponsor bank, Citizens is responsible for delivering detailed compliance oversight and reporting to MasterCard and Visa to avoid costly audits, fines, reputational and financial risk. Responsible for delivering to MasterCard and Visa remediation plans and developing guidance to WorldPay that is based upon FTC and CFPB (consumer Financial Protection Bureau) regulations and other regulatory agencies' rules.
• Partners with risk, internal and external Auditors ensuring compliance with bank policy/Procedure. Responsible for developing and managing ongoing client complaint process per OCC guidance. Reviews settlement activity throughout the day to ensure funds settle according to schedule and within expectations. Monitor daylight overdrafts when applicable. Act as a liaison between Visa and MC and client in order to provide excellent service to all parties.

Qualifications, Education, Certifications and/or Other Professional Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in payments, risk management, or regulatory compliance, preferably within a financial institution or payment processor.
• In-depth knowledge of State and Federal regulations, as well as MasterCard and Visa rules and requirements.
• Proven ability to develop and implement internal policies and procedures that align with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in evaluating high-risk merchants and ISOs, with a strong understanding of reputational, regulatory, and financial risk factors.
• Familiarity with AML/BSA, OFAC, UDAAP, and ROSCA compliance frameworks and audit methodologies.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills with the ability to interpret complex data and deliver actionable insights.
• Experience in regulatory reporting and remediation planning, particularly with MasterCard, Visa, FTC, and CFPB.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal stakeholders, auditors, and external partners.
• Ability to manage client complaint processes in accordance with OCC guidance.
• Proficiency in monitoring settlement activity and daylight overdrafts, ensuring timely and accurate fund movement.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Hours & Work Schedule

• Hours per Week: 40
• Work Schedule: M-F

Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.