Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Personal skills
Generic

Karthihan Uthayakumar

Palmerston North

Summary

Dynamic professional with a robust background in banking, finance, and insurance, currently pursuing a legal career as a junior solicitor. Proven expertise in client service, regulatory compliance, and risk management complements strong skills in clear communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. Committed to leveraging these transferable strengths alongside formal legal training to provide exceptional support to clients and legal teams with integrity and diligence. Eager to contribute to the legal field while developing into an experienced and trusted solicitor.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Customer Banking Specialist

Bank of New Zealand
09.2022 - Current
  • Streamlined the home lending process by efficiently managing loan documentation and communication with all parties involved.
  • Support clients in achieving home ownership and financial goals through tailored lending and restructuring strategies.
  • Conducted thorough analyses of applicant credit reports, ensuring accurate assessment of financial risk factors associated with each prospective borrower.
  • Manage mortgage settlements in collaboration with solicitors, ensuring compliance and timely execution.
  • Explain complex financial concepts clearly, building trust and long-term relationships with clients.
  • Maintain a strong focus on compliance with regulatory and ethical obligations, prioritising transparency and client interests.
  • Managed risk effectively by conducting thorough credit assessments and adhering to established lending guidelines.
  • Presented products and services to customers using in-depth knowledge to answer questions.
  • Improved client satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and providing clear explanations of complex loan terms.
  • Contributed to departmental growth by consistently meeting or exceeding performance metrics related to loan processing timeframes and customer satisfaction scores.

Customer Banking Specialist

Westpac NZ Pty Ltd, Wanganui
06.2021 - 09.2022
  • Delivered end-to-end banking support across personal and lending services in a multi-channel environment.
  • Assisted clients with KiwiSaver, retirement planning, and personal risk insurance, ensuring informed decision-making.
  • Established business accounts, trusts, and incorporated societies while ensuring AML/CFT compliance.
  • Applied up-to-date knowledge of FSLA and CCCFA regulations to support responsible lending and client protection.
  • Successfully resolved complex customer complaints, demonstrating empathy and professionalism throughout the process.
  • Maintained excellent client relations, resulting in increased referrals and repeat business.

Associate Adviser

MLC Super Pty Ltd, North Sydney, NSW
01.2021 - 04.2021
  • Prepared Statements of Advice (SOA) using Xplan, ensuring documentation met regulatory and compliance requirements.
  • Conducted client meetings, maintained detailed file notes, and liaised with stakeholders to implement financial advice.
  • Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products, and services based on each clients' individual needs.
  • Trained junior wealth associates in lead conversion and compliance procedures.
  • Worked closely with insurance providers to assess suitable coverage options tailored to individual client requirements for risk management purposes.
  • Applied detailed knowledge of the regulatory framework to support compliant and ethical advice delivery.

Education

Graduate Diploma - Legal Practice

College of Law, Australia
01.2024

Bachelor of Laws - LLB

University of Canberra
01.2023

Ethics and Professionalism in Financial Advice

Kaplan Professional
01.2020

Diploma - Financial Planning and Self-Managed Super Funds

Monarch Institute
01.2018

Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Financial Planning

University of Canberra
01.2015

Skills

  • Relationship management proficiency
  • Financial planning expertise
  • Regulatory compliance expertise
  • NPS champion with a focus on client satisfaction
  • Proficient in Smokeball, Xplan, and Salesforce tools
  • Quickly applies new technologies
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Proven Track Record of Achieving Results
  • Time Management & Organisation
  • Legal Research & Case Preparation
  • Negotiation & Settlement
  • Client-Focused Approach
  • Attention To Detail

Timeline

Customer Banking Specialist

Bank of New Zealand
09.2022 - Current

Customer Banking Specialist

Westpac NZ Pty Ltd, Wanganui
06.2021 - 09.2022

Associate Adviser

MLC Super Pty Ltd, North Sydney, NSW
01.2021 - 04.2021

Bachelor of Laws - LLB

University of Canberra

Diploma - Financial Planning and Self-Managed Super Funds

Monarch Institute

Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Financial Planning

University of Canberra

Graduate Diploma - Legal Practice

College of Law, Australia

Ethics and Professionalism in Financial Advice

Kaplan Professional

Personal skills

  • Communication: Clear and articulate, able to convey complex information in a concise and practical manner to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
  • Collaboration: Experienced working both independently and within team environments, fostering positive relationships and contributing to shared goals.
  • Leadership: Skilled in motivating and guiding colleagues through effective delegation and support, while promoting accountability and professional growth.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess issues logically and deliver fair, well-reasoned solutions under pressure.
  • Ethics and Integrity: Committed to transparency, empathy, and client-centred outcomes, ensuring professional standards and compliance obligations are consistently upheld.
Karthihan Uthayakumar