Elliott Zakem is a dynamic digital executive and accomplished team leader, currently heading the Commercial Credit Client Experience (CX) team at Bank of America. With over 13 years of experience at the institution and nearly two decades in the financial services industry, Elliott has built a reputation for delivering transformative change through innovative digital strategies. Known for his client-focused approach, he has led multiple initiatives that reimagine the end-to-end commercial lending experience, impacting both small and large-scale business clients. Elliott’s work focuses on digitalizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and creating an exceptional user experience that aligns with Bank of America’s commitment to superior service.
Elliott’s career at Bank of America showcases his expertise in leveraging data-driven insights and competitive intelligence to shape the company’s strategic direction. His ability to balance the “voice of the client” and the “voice of the employee” allows him to prioritize enhancements that truly make a difference in service delivery and employee productivity. As a result, the digital tools and innovations he leads have garnered significant adoption rates, positively impacting Bank of America’s digital ecosystem and earning him recognition as a forward-thinking leader in digital transformation.
In his role as Digital Executive for the Business CXO team, Elliott has spearheaded the implementation of a streamlined commercial credit experience, overseeing a talented team of eight senior leaders. Through strategic investments, including securing $15 million in foundational funding, Elliott has introduced critical digital capabilities, such as enhanced document exchange and employee-driven digital credit requests, which have reduced processing times and increased digital adoption rates. His leadership style is characterized by cross-functional collaboration and a deep understanding of the financial industry, making him an invaluable asset to Bank of America’s leadership team.
Before leading the CX team, Elliott served as Director on the Commercial Rates & Currencies team within Bank of America’s Capital Markets division. In this role, he provided financial risk management solutions for middle-market clients, helping companies effectively manage foreign exchange and interest rate exposure. His expertise in managing capital markets and structuring complex financial instruments, such as derivatives and swaps, has been instrumental in optimizing risk strategies for his clients. His client advisory skills are bolstered by his technical knowledge and his ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
Elliott’s prior experience with JPMorgan Chase in the Foreign Exchange and Interest Rate Derivatives space laid the foundation for his expertise in risk management and cross-border transactions. He has a well-rounded understanding of derivatives, interest rate swaps, and currency options, and has advised clients across the U.S. and Canada. His background in structured finance and risk management contributes to his unique ability to assess and mitigate financial risks effectively, an essential skill in today’s volatile markets.
A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder, Elliott has both the technical expertise and strategic vision required for leadership in financial services. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Notre Dame, where he first developed his passion for financial analysis and client service. His academic background, coupled with his CFA certification, provides a strong foundation for his analytical and strategic approach to digital transformation and client experience.
Beyond his technical skills, Elliott is known for his mentorship and dedication to talent development. He is an advocate for professional growth within his teams, encouraging junior bankers and associates to develop skills that align with both personal and organizational goals. In addition to his mentoring efforts, Elliott serves as Co-Chair of the Boston Chapter of Bank of America’s Inter-Generational Employee Network and actively participates in the Year-Up Program, underscoring his commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
Elliott’s interpersonal skills and relationship-building capabilities have been vital throughout his career, allowing him to communicate effectively with senior executives, clients, and team members alike. His ability to navigate matrixed organizations and work collaboratively across departments speaks to his strengths as a leader who values diverse perspectives and open communication. Known for his influential presentation style, Elliott simplifies complex information to drive decision-making and inspire confidence among stakeholders.
Outside of work, Elliott is a family-centric individual who enjoys high-intensity fitness activities, cooking, golfing, and reading. His personal interests reflect his values of discipline, continuous learning, and balance, which he brings into every professional endeavor. Elliott remains active in professional circles as a member of the CFA Boston Chapter and the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association, further expanding his network and staying informed of industry trends.
Character:
Elliott Zakem is a principled leader who combines integrity with a client-centric mindset, prioritizing solutions that enhance user experience and foster trust. He brings both compassion and discipline to his work, making him a reliable and inspiring figure within his teams.
Knowledge:
With a deep expertise in digital transformation, financial risk management, and client experience, Elliott’s knowledge spans technical and strategic areas, positioning him as a leading authority on digitalization in financial services.
Strategic:
Elliott’s approach to strategy emphasizes data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and scalability. He is skilled in developing and executing initiatives that not only improve client satisfaction but also align with long-term business goals.
Communication:
Elliott is an exceptional communicator, adept at translating complex financial and digital concepts into clear, actionable insights. His influential presentation style allows him to connect with diverse audiences, from executive leadership to junior team members.
