Brian Zaldana
Placentia,CA
Summary
Dynamic Personal Financial Advocate with a strong focus on the intersection of complex banking, legal compliance, and human advocacy. Expertise includes high-stakes fiduciary management, Trust and Estate settlements, fraud intervention, and court-ordered accounts. Proven ability to bridge the gap between stringent regulatory requirements and the compassionate support individuals require during sensitive life events, such as the loss of a loved one, debt recovery, or elder financial protection. Committed to empowering clients through informed decision-making and personalized financial strategies.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Personal Financial Advocate
Kinecta Federal Credit Union
06.2018 - Current
- Expertly managed the lifecycle of technical accounts, guiding Successor Trustees through the California Probate Code and complex fiduciary requirements to streamline estate settlements and court-mandated account administration.
- Utilized technical authentication resources and stringent KYC protocols to intercept fraudulent account openings, illicit wire transfers, and social engineering scams, directly preventing elder financial exploitation and institutional loss.
- Engineered personalized financial recovery plans by streamlining the lending process for vehicle and credit products, leveraging debt consolidation to successfully restructure member finances and improve long-term credit health.
- Led internal audits and detailed documentation workflows to ensure regulatory compliance, while mentoring junior staff on the intricacies of Power of Attorney and Trust verification to minimize operational errors.
- Conducted empathetic, data-driven consultations to analyze financial profiles and develop actionable plans that address immediate needs while establishing long-term stability and member trust.
Universal Personal Banker
US Bank
09.2016 - 06.2018
- Analyzed member financial situations and provided tailored recommendations for debt consolidation and credit solutions, promoting improved financial wellness.
- Led efforts to integrate digital banking solutions, enhancing user experience through comprehensive training on mobile deposits and secure payment methods.
- Implemented agile operational strategies to maintain peak efficiency in managing daily transactions and administering new accounts and consumer loans in a fast-paced retail setting.
- Conducted thorough KYC and AML assessments, partnering with security teams to identify and address potential risks related to identity theft and fraudulent fund transfers.
- Engaged with mortgage, small business, and wealth management teams to ensure seamless transitions for members with intricate banking requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy (Concentration in Moral, Legal, and Social Philosophy)
California State University, Fullerton
Associate of Arts - Philosophy
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CAAssociate of Arts - Religious Studies
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CASkills
- Legal & Fiduciary: Living Trusts, Power of Attorney Authentication, Court-Ordered Blocked Accounts, and Minor/UTMA management
- Estate Affairs: Deceased account handling, Successor Trustee validation, and navigating asset distribution
- Lending & Recovery: Debt consolidation strategies, vehicle loans, and credit card management
- Security: Fraud detection, Elder Abuse intervention, and AML/BSA compliance
Certification
- Fraud Detection and Prevention in Banking: SBI Certificate
- Money, Risk, and Ethics: The Psychology of Decision-Making: UPenn/Wharton Online
- Languages: Spanish (Fluent); English (Fluent)
Timeline
Senior Personal Financial Advocate
Kinecta Federal Credit Union
06.2018 - Current
Universal Personal Banker
US Bank
09.2016 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy (Concentration in Moral, Legal, and Social Philosophy)
California State University, Fullerton
Associate of Arts - Philosophy
Fullerton College
Associate of Arts - Religious Studies
Fullerton College