AML and Fraud Principal Investigator

FINRA•Jersey City, NJ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Investigator is an advanced professional who independently leads and conducts high-risk, complex investigations in the securities industry. The role covers improper use of firm or customer assets—including misappropriation, conversion, unauthorized trading, borrowing and lending to and from customers, forgery and falsification, misuse of firm assets, and fraudulent conversion—and anti-money laundering matters. AML investigations may include testing firms’ AML Compliance Programs for compliance with requirements involving suspicious transaction detection and reporting, customer identification, customer due diligence, and due diligence for correspondent accounts for foreign financial institutions, as well as investigating registered representative misconduct related to illicit finance. The investigator develops and executes risk-based investigative strategies, gathers evidence through document review, data analysis, correspondence, communication, and on-the-record testimony, and prepares clear, accurate, thorough, and persuasive investigative findings, reports, referrals, and recommendations. The role serves as a subject matter expert on relevant trends, typologies, threats, and risks, with familiarity in overlapping AML, fraud, and cyber threat vectors. The investigator collaborates with Enforcement, Examinations, Risk and Intelligence, and other RegOps partners; mentors less experienced staff; and leads or supports initiatives to mitigate risks and threats. The work advances FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity. The position operates in a hybrid work environment with defined in-person presence requirements. Extended hours and some travel may be required. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
At least seven years of progressive experience in the securities, financial services, or financial regulatory industry, with substantive knowledge of regulatory compliance.
Demonstrated experience conducting enforcement-oriented, regulatory, or financial investigations of varying complexity.
Experience contributing to team projects, training, or initiatives in an investigative, examination, or enforcement environment.
Familiarity with investigative technologies, data analysis tools, and data strategies.
Advanced knowledge of relevant FINRA rules, applicable SRO rules, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and federal securities laws; ability to stay current on rules, practices, and developments.
Advanced knowledge of securities markets, member firm operations, books and records, firm business models, products, and services relevant to areas of misconduct.
Advanced knowledge of risks, products, and emerging threats specific to areas of misconduct; strong understanding of regulatory compliance issues and risks associated with firm business lines and customer bases.
Awareness of industry events, emerging trends, and regulatory developments pertinent to areas of misconduct; familiarity with FINRA’s organizational structure, departmental mandates, internal applications, and associated data.
Advanced investigative judgment, including the ability to independently assess strategy, develop risk-based approaches, interpret complex data and evidence, make sound decisions, and progress complex investigations under limited supervision.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities, and the ability to discuss cases accurately and succinctly with internal and external parties; ability to provide testimony in litigation when required.
Advanced analytical capability to conduct data analysis, identify patterns and anomalies, and apply findings to investigative strategies.
Advanced collaboration skills and the ability to build productive relationships across RegOps and the broader organization.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters, meet timelines, and balance independent work with team coordination.
Advanced ability to identify, prioritize, and escalate risks and proactively recognize emerging trends, threats, and regulatory issues.
Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor less experienced staff and contribute to training and staff development.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision, proactively identify needs and opportunities, and adapt in uncertain and fast-paced conditions.
Ability to meet defined in-person presence requirements in a hybrid work environment; extended hours and some travel may be required.
FINRA employees must comply with the FINRA Code of Conduct’s brokerage-account disclosure, electronic-feed, and investment restriction requirements, including applicable restrictions by the employment start date and moving eligible accounts to a firm providing an electronic feed within three months of starting.
Employees must execute FINRA’s Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement without qualification or modification and comply with the company’s nepotism policy.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA or JD).
Professional certification such as CFE, ACAMS, or CPA.
Experience with analytical platforms, tools, and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

Independently lead and conduct high-risk, complex investigations, including matters involving complex fact patterns, multiple respondents, and a range of products and strategies; develop and execute effective, risk-based investigative strategies under limited supervision.
Gather evidence through document review, data analysis, written correspondence, verbal communication, and on-the-record testimony; ensure findings are thorough, factually accurate, and clearly documented.
Conduct advanced data analysis, resolve questions about analytical approaches, and clearly explain analysis, findings, exceptions, and assumptions.
Partner with Enforcement attorneys to develop factual records within legal frameworks, assess the sufficiency of evidence, and ensure evidence supports potential charges and sanctions.
Prepare clear, complete, and persuasive summaries, investigative reports, referrals to Enforcement and external agencies, and recommendations; communicate findings with staff, respondents, regulators, and other stakeholders; provide litigation testimony when required.
Identify and escalate emerging trends, threats, novel issues, and regulatory risks; recommend solutions and stay current on rule changes, interpretations, and industry developments.
Provide guidance and consultation to fellow investigators and FINRA staff, including helping identify and resolve inconsistencies in investigative approaches.
Mentor and support less experienced investigators, review work product, and provide constructive feedback as directed by management.
Participate in and, as directed, lead special projects, regulatory initiatives, thematic reviews, and the development of analytics, investigative tools, or processes; contribute to program strategy and continuous improvement.
Engage professionally with member firms, external regulators, and industry stakeholders; participate in member firm and investor education activities, including compliance events, and represent FINRA at meetings as directed.
Demonstrate FINRA’s values and collaborate in person and virtually in furtherance of investor protection and market integrity.

Benefits

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, and legal insurance.
Immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match.
Eligibility for an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution.
Tuition reimbursement.
Commuter benefits.
Adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.
Paid time off starting at 15 days and increasing with years of service up to 25 days.
Five personal days and nine sick days, pro-rated in the first year where applicable.
Two volunteer service days based on a full-time schedule.
Military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave, family-member care leave after 90 days of employment, and childbirth and parental leave after 90 days of employment.
Nine paid holidays for full-time employees.