Sponsorship Program Rules Analyst, Merchant Services

Description

About the Role:

The Sponsorship Program Rules Analyst works closely with the Merchant Services Risk and Underwriting teams, as well as the Bank Compliance team, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of compliance and risk within the company's merchant and acquiring portfolios. This role requires a robust understanding of the Merchant Acquiring space and its direct channel and will take a strategic approach at how the organization identifies and mitigates risk for our business segment.

Essential Duties:

• Develops and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all Card Brand rules and network regulations related to Payment Acceptance and risk business line activities. Ensuring Bank is in Card Brand compliance and work to implement recommended best practices. 
• Maintains compliance data and reporting on PCI compliance validation progress across the organization for Merchants, Partners, Vendors and Third Parties.
• Communicates with Merchants, ISOs and Card Brands to assist and facilitate resolution of data compromises and security incident response.
• Completes Retro Match Searches. 
• Prepares and submit Monthly, quarterly and annual Card Brand reporting.
• Submits ISO and/or merchant registrations as appropriate.
• Assists with Periodic reviews and portfolio oversight as necessary. 
• Tracks the status of merchant non-compliance and follow through to resolution. 
• Assists with merchant data compromise and security incident response. 
• Provides guidance and respond to daily inquiries from peers and ISO partners.
• Prepares key points for presentation to management pertaining to non-compliant customers that pose heightened risk to the Bank.
• Maintains accurate and thorough documentation and audit trails of merchant assessments, reports, etc. in a timely manner.
• Provides updates to internal and external staff and partners related to updates and changes to Regulatory and Card Brand rules. 
• Ensures Merchant Service Policies and Procedures meet Card Brand rules and regulations. 
• Assists with preparation of on-site visitations to third party payment processors and coordinates audits performed by the business line, Third Party Risk Management and Financial Crimes Risk Management.
• Ensures proper communication and compliance of company and regulatory policies affecting areas managed.
• Embodies the TRAC Values and Critical Behaviors (Teamwork, Relationship, Authenticity, Commitment) as core principles, using them to guide daily interactions and decision-making.
• Completes administrative tasks with a sense of urgency, including required Bank Compliance Training. Responds to internal and external inquiries via email, phone, or messaging platforms in a timely and professional manner. Positively represents the Bank through ethical conduct and community involvement.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to EEO policies. Fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace by valuing cultural differences, preventing harassment of any kind, and supporting a diverse workforce. 
• Ensures adherence to all Bank policies, procedures, and processes, along with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, ensuring confidentiality and data privacy while carrying out AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) responsibilities specific to the role.
• Performs duties in an office or home office environment, involving tasks such as writing, typing, speaking, lifting moderate weights, and operating office equipment. The position requires physical activities like sitting, walking, and reaching. Reasonable accommodation can be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Travels up to 10%, including but not limited to attending company meetings, training sessions, and corporate events, with travel typically being regional or local based on business needs.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Finance, or related) preferred. 
• Minimum 3–5 years of related merchant services, with a focus on Compliance, Fraud, and/or Risk operations required.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in merchant acquiring and underwriting.  
• Strong ability to independently underwrite concurrence applications within approval authority, in alignment with underwriting policies.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of interpreting complex data and providing meaningful insights.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) required.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, and speak clearly to customers, vendors and employees. 
• Strong organizational and time management abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficient teamwork and relationship skills to contribute to cross-functional collaboration and team success. 
• Willingness to take on special projects and perform other duties as assigned, beyond core responsibilities, to support team and organizational needs.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with industry standards and best practices. 
• Ability to maintain authenticity and integrity in all professional interactions, ensuring trust and credibility with stakeholders.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and procedures.
• Current driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive while performing assigned duties and responsibilities.

What It’s Like to Work Here  

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we foster a supportive, collaborative workplace where employees are empowered to grow, contribute ideas, and make a real impact.  
 

Highlights include:  

Employee ownership through our ESOP program  

A collaborative, close-knit culture  

Opportunities to participate in community and networking events 

Benefits:  

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage  
• Life insurance 
• Paid vacation 
• 401(k) retirement plan 
• Training & development opportunities 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Internal job postings and referral program  

Our Values 

 At FFB, we live by our core values: Teamwork, Relationship, Authenticity, and Commitment (TRAC).  

Our team members bring these values to life by collaborating with colleagues, building trust with clients, communicating openly, and taking pride in doing amazing work every day!