Trust Associate - Scotiabank, Montreal

AI Summary

This Trust Associate role at Scotiabank in Montreal, Quebec, involves providing proactive administrative and client service support within a Scotia Wealth Management Office. You will assist a Trust Officer with managing a portfolio of client, beneficiary, and Co-Trustee relationships, ensuring day-to-day oversight and account administration. Key requirements include a proactive approach to client experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a foundational knowledge of financial industry concepts.

About the Opportunity

As a Trust Associate, you will play a crucial role in delivering a best-in-class, personalized client experience for high net worth clients and beneficiaries. This involves providing timely and accurate account administration, demonstrating technical expertise, and maintaining personal integrity to respond effectively to both stated and unstated client needs and concerns. You will frequently interact with external contacts, gathering and relaying important information, and serving as a primary point of contact in the absence of the Trust Officer. Your responsibilities will include maintaining daily surveillance over cash positions, preparing reports for remedial attention, and creating accurate accounting entries for payments, asset realization, and fee collection. A detailed knowledge of accounts is essential to provide effective back-up for the Trust Officer, ensuring client and beneficiary needs are met promptly. This position requires a deep understanding of the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture, ensuring adherence to global sales practices and effective day-to-day business controls to mitigate operational risk, regulatory compliance risk, AML/ATF risk, and conduct risk. This includes responsibilities under various management frameworks and guidelines for business conduct. You will also be involved in assembling information for new accounts, including research into the tax costs, and setting up client and asset information on the Trust system, including the creation and maintenance of diaries for fixed remittances, fee processing, and investment reviews. The role also involves preparing routine correspondence and documentation, including draft documentation for internal oversight groups concerning beneficiary or court approval of fees and statements. Your contribution will champion a customer-focused culture, deepening client relationships and leveraging broader Bank relationships, systems, and knowledge.

Skills and Experience Required

To succeed in this Trust Associate position, candidates should demonstrate a proactive approach with a proven track record of providing an excellent client experience. A strong aptitude to learn new concepts and readily apply them to daily tasks is essential. Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills are critical for effective interaction with clients, beneficiaries, Co-Trustees, and internal teams. Strong time management skills and a proven ability to multi-task are also required to manage varying account complexities and administrative duties efficiently. Educational requirements include a High School Diploma, with enrolment in Financial Industry courses being highly valued. Specific certifications such as CSC, IFIC, STEP Canada, or ICB are beneficial. A working knowledge of asset management and administrative procedures, coupled with strong PC skills and basic knowledge of Trust Accounting principles, will be key to your success. Furthermore, in addition to French, the successful candidate must possess sufficient knowledge of English, as the work involves regular interaction and collaboration with groups and individuals based in Toronto, as well as constant communication with other people, including clients, who speak English, both locally and elsewhere. This role demands a commitment to a high-performance and inclusive work environment, ensuring all activities align with Scotiabank's values and operational standards.