Private Banking Relationship Banker

About the Role

Liberty, a prominent financial services group, is seeking a dedicated and relationship-focused Private Banking Relationship Banker to join their team in George, Western Cape. This role is central to delivering a sophisticated private banking experience, focusing on building and nurturing deep connections with high-net-worth clients. The core mission is to offer value-added engagement, expert portfolio management, and bespoke financial solutions designed to elevate the client experience, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the sustained profitability of the bank.

As a Private Banking Relationship Banker, your primary responsibility will be the proactive cultivation and maintenance of robust relationships with your assigned portfolio of private banking clients. This involves engaging with them in a manner that provides tangible value, going beyond transactional interactions to truly understand their financial aspirations and challenges.

A significant aspect of your role will be driving the growth of your client portfolio. This will be achieved through a combination of strategies, including client retention, identifying and capitalising on cross-selling opportunities across Liberty's diverse product suite, and actively seeking out new client prospects. You will be expected to deeply understand the unique needs of each client, then expertly recommend and facilitate the implementation of suitable banking, lending, wealth management, and digital solutions.

Furthermore, you will play a crucial role in the operational and risk management aspects of client accounts. This includes supporting the quality of credit applications and annual credit reviews, ensuring effective and compliant portfolio administration. You will also be the first point of contact for managing client queries and complaints, promoting digital adoption among your client base, and diligently adhering to all risk and compliance requirements as set out by the bank.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this position, you will require a solid foundation in financial services, specifically within the affluent or private banking sector, with a minimum of two to four years of relevant experience. A proven track record of successfully managing relationships with affluent or private banking clients is essential.

Your experience should encompass key areas such as sales, client service, and in-depth relationship management. A strong understanding of credit applications and the ability to provide tailored financial solutions within the financial services industry are also critical. Demonstrable experience in managing client portfolios, including the ability to identify client needs, recommend appropriate banking solutions, and actively contribute to client retention, will be highly valued.

While not strictly mandatory, experience in lending, navigating credit processes, conducting financial analysis, and performing client reviews will provide a significant advantage. The ideal candidate will possess a proven aptitude for identifying sales opportunities and delivering value-added solutions that benefit both the client and the organisation.

Academically, candidates should possess a Bachelor of Commerce, an Advanced Diploma, or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7 or higher, with a specialisation in Finance, Business Commerce, Accounting, or a closely related field. Crucially, your qualification must be recognised or aligned with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, and you must meet the "Fit and Proper" requirements as stipulated by regulatory bodies.

Key behavioural competencies for this role include the ability to build rapport and understand people, effective communication and articulation, projecting self-confidence, and the ability to persuade. You should also possess strong analytical skills, including examining information and interpreting data, a decisive approach to making decisions and taking action, and a proactive mindset focused on seizing opportunities and achieving goals. Technical competencies should include a thorough understanding of banking processes and procedures, strong customer insight and product knowledge, and robust financial, commercial, and risk identification and reporting acumen.

In South Africa, roles like this within private banking typically command a competitive salary, often reflecting the experience and client base managed. Common employers include established banking groups and wealth management firms. Career progression can lead to senior relationship management, team leadership, or specialist advisory roles within the financial services sector.

• Bachelor of Commerce, Advanced Diploma or equivalent NQF 7 or higher qualification in Finance, Business Commerce, Accounting or a related field.
• Qualification must be FAIS recognised or FAIS aligned.
• The incumbent must meet the Fit and Proper requirements.

Experience Required:

• 2 to 4 years’ banking experience, with exposure to affluent, private banking or relationship-managed clients.
• Experience in sales, service, relationship management, credit applications and financial solutioning within the financial services industry.
• Sound exposure to client portfolio management, including identifying client needs, recommending suitable banking solutions and supporting client retention.
• Experience in lending, credit processes, financial analysis and client reviews will be advantageous.
• Proven ability to identify sales opportunities and deliver value-adding solutions that support both the client and the bank.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Establishing Rapport and Understanding People
• Interacting with People and Articulating Information
• Conveying Self-Confidence and Convincing People
• Examining Information and Interpreting Data
• Making Decisions and Taking Action
• Seizing Opportunities and Pursuing Goals

Technical Competencies:

• Banking Process & Procedures
• Customer Understanding and Product Knowledge
• Financial Acumen
• Commercial Acumen
• Risk Identification
• Risk Reporting