Merrill Lending Solutions Advisor II

Bank of America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 247,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading benefits

Access to paid time off

Annual discretionary incentive

Support for employee growth

Job summary

A leading financial institution is seeking a Lending Solutions Advisor in Chicago to enhance lending solution adoption among UHNW clients. Candidates must have over 12 years of relevant experience and strong communication skills to educate and engage financial advisors. This role involves driving strategic growth, managing multiple opportunities, and partnering closely with advisors to ensure a seamless client experience. The competitive salary ranges from $175,000 to $247,500 annually and offers industry-leading benefits and a collaborative working environment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in wealth management, commercial lending, or credit advisory roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to educate and influence financial advisors on complex lending solutions.
• Strong understanding of UHNW client needs and custom credit structuring.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and deliver a high-quality advisor and client experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth by increasing advisor engagement and UHNW household penetration.
• Conduct book reviews and one-on-one advisor education sessions.
• Lead initial client/prospect calls and gather financial information.
• Pre-screen custom lending opportunities for alignment with guidelines.
• Prepare high-level deal memos and coordinate with Credit Advisors.

Skills

Business Development

Client Management

Loan Structuring

Relationship Building

Active Listening

Credit Analysis

Presentation Skills

Collaboration

Strategic Thinking

Pipeline Management

Problem Solving

Sales Strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Merrill Lending Solutions Advisor is a client- and advisor-facing role focused on driving adoption of lending solutions across Merrill Wealth Management. Lending Solutions Advisor are embedded within the business to lead targeted business development efforts, primarily with Private Wealth Advisors and Merrill Financial Advisors with a concentrated focus on Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) clients. They serve as the first point of contact for early-stage lending conversations and partner closely with GWIM Credit Advisors to deliver a seamless advisor and client experience, from opportunity identification through deal structuring and execution.

Job Description

Responsible for directing and managing credit activities for a group of Private Wealth Management geographic markets including underwriting, risk analysis, approval, and monitoring credit quality for their area. Covers a credit and derivative portfolio that will generally be greater than $5Bn.; responsible for evaluating all credit exposure within the assigned region or territory; talent nurture and development is a key responsibility. Exercises significant joinder credit approval authority, approving and providing expertise on highly complex transactions within markets supported. Balancing risk management goals with the growth and profitability objectives of the groups supported.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth by increasing advisor engagement and UHNW household penetration through education, opportunity identification, and early-stage client engagement
• Conduct book reviews and one-on-one advisor education sessions to uncover lending opportunities
• Lead initial client/prospect calls to discuss lending capabilities and gather financial information
• Pre-screen custom lending opportunities for alignment with GWIM lending guidelines and risk policy
• Prepare high-level deal memos and coordinate on potential opportunities with Credit Advisors
• Serve as advisor contact for key moments and escalations, as needed
• Present and participate in Division, Market, and office-level meetings, lending panels, roadshows, and client events
• Partner on deal structure, terms, and pricing with Credit Advisors (Credit Advisors retain pricing and approval authority)
• Stay current on lending solutions, risk policy, regulatory changes, and industry standards
• Identify incremental lending opportunities through renewals and loan modifications
• Contribute to Merrill Lending Solutions Group strategy, including product innovation and lending practice improvements

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in wealth management, commercial lending, or credit advisory roles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to build trust and credibility with advisors and leadership
• Proven ability to educate and influence financial advisors on complex lending solutions
• Strong understanding of UHNW client needs and custom credit structuring
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and deliver a high-quality advisor and client experience
• Familiarity with credit policy, risk management, and regulatory frameworks
• FINRA licenses: SIE, 7, 63 & 65 or 66 or ability obtain.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience structuring loans secured by commercial real estate, marketable securities, hedge funds, artwork, or other non-traditional collateral
• Skills in business development, relationship management, client engagement, and strategic thinking Skills Required: Skills:
• Business Development
• Client Management
• Loan Structuring
• Relationship Building
• Active Listening
• Credit Analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Pipeline Management
• Problem Solving
• Sales Strategy

Shift

1st shift (United States of America)

Hours Per Week

40

Pay Transparency details

US - IL - Chicago - 110 N Wacker Dr - Bank Of America Tower Chicago (IL4110)

Pay range

$175,000.00 - $247,500.00 annualized salary, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.

Discretionary incentive eligible

This role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary plan. Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary award based on their overall individual performance results and behaviors, the performance and contributions of their line of business and/or group; and the overall success of the Company.

Benefits

This role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry-leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.