IBO Foreign Exchange Specialist

Hancock Whitney Corp.; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Hancock Whitney Corp. in New Orleans, LA, is seeking a Foreign Exchange Specialist 1 to accurately process FX transactions including checks, wires, and banknote exchanges. You will support FX operations by investigations, balance management, and reconciliation of suspense accounts while delivering strong client service.

The role emphasizes regulatory compliance (OFAC, BSA/AML) and may involve special projects within International Banking operations as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting preferred.
• 2 years of relevant experience in foreign exchange or international banking.
• Knowledge of OFAC and BSA/AML regulations is an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process foreign exchange transactions including foreign checks, currency wires, and banknote exchanges.
• Book, instruct, and release foreign currency wires in the FX system.
• Prepare cash letters and handle outgoing/incoming payments.
• Provide rate quotes for foreign exchange wires and forward contracts.
• Monitor and reconcile foreign currency account balances and suspense GLs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with OFAC, BSA/AML, and internal policies.

Job description

The Foreign Exchange Specialist 1 is responsible for the accurate and efficient processing of foreign exchange transactions, including foreign checks, currency wires, and banknote exchanges. This role supports the bank’s foreign exchange operations by handling investigations, managing account balances, reconciling suspense accounts, and providing excellent service to bankers and clients. The Specialist also contributes to maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and may assist with special projects or other areas of International Banking operations as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process foreign checks through Cash Letter and Check Collection.
• Book, instruct, and release foreign currency wires in the FX wire system, including handling investigations and processing returns.
• Prepare cash letters and process outgoing check collections and payments received.
• Provide rate quotes for foreign exchange wires and forward contracts to bankers and clients.
• Place online orders for foreign currency funding and banknotes for downstream banks.
• Monitor and manage the bank's foreign currency account balances.
• Reconcile the department’s suspense general ledgers (GLs) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, including OFAC, BSA/AML, and internal policies.
• Respond to inquiries from bankers and clients, offering guidance on foreign exchange transactions.
• Communicate effectively to explain complex foreign exchange products, including forward contracts.
• Support other areas of International Banking Operations as needed.
• Participate in special projects and contribute to process improvement initiatives.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

• Associate degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting preferred.
• 2 years of relevant experience in foreign exchange or international banking.
• Knowledge of foreign exchange systems and processes is an asset.
• Strong understanding of foreign exchange products, including wires and forward contracts.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements such as OFAC and BSA/AML.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in reconciliation and managing financial accounts.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines
• Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 20 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions.
• If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division an “undue hardship” then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, physical or mental disability or history of disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, disabled veteran, or other protected characteristics as required by federal, state and local laws.

When you choose a career with Hancock Whitney (Nasdaq: HWC), we pledge a heartfelt promise: You can grow. You have a voice. You are important. You also share in a rich regional heritage and embrace core values—timeless ideals vital to our culture since the 1800s that inspire how we serve clients, communities, and each other: Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. A fast-growing organization consistently rated among America’s strongest, safest financial services institutions, our company is based in Gulfport, Mississippi. Our bank and subsidiaries provide contemporary, comprehensive consumer, commercial, and wealth financial products and services at regional headquarters and 200-plus financial centers across a vibrant Southeast corridor including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Each day, our nearly 4,000 associates carry on a mission to help people achieve their financial goals and dreams. We come to work to create opportunities for the people we serve in the communities we call home. Together, we continue building a company solidly focused on being better, going beyond, and doing more to secure success for the people and businesses depending on us. Let our legacy lead to your future.