Merrill Lending Solutions Advisor II

Bank of America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Chicago seeks a Lending Solutions Advisor to drive lending solution adoption in Wealth Management. This role requires 12+ years of experience in wealth management or commercial lending and focuses on UHNW clients. The advisor will educate and influence financial advisors on complex lending solutions and lead client interactions while coordinating closely with Credit Advisors. Strong interpersonal skills and a Bachelor’s degree are preferred. This full-time position offers a 1st shift schedule.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in wealth management or commercial lending.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to educate financial advisors.
• Strong understanding of UHNW client needs.

Responsibilities

• Increase advisor engagement through education and client interaction.
• Conduct book reviews to identify lending opportunities.
• Lead initial client calls to discuss lending capabilities.
• Prepare high-level deal memos and coordinate with Credit Advisors.

Skills

Wealth management

Commercial lending

Credit advisory

Business development

Client engagement

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Credit analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

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 Advisors 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.

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 $5 Bn; 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 to 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
• 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