Director of AI Ethics, Governance & Compliance

Finastra • Atlanta, GA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries. What will you contribute? As part of Finastra’s Risk & Compliance function, the Director of AI Strategy, Ethics & Governance will serve as Finastra’s senior legal and compliance authority on responsible AI. This role bridges legal, regulatory, risk, compliance, and technology functions—ensuring Finastra’s use of AI aligns with global regulatory expectations, emerging AI laws, and enterprise ethical standards. The role will work closely with the Technology AI COE to advise on best practice. The position requires a licensed attorney (JD) with deep experience in AI governance, data protection, regulatory compliance, and technology law. Responsibilities & Deliverables Your deliverables as the Director of Strategy, Ethics & Governance will include, but are not limited to: 1. Enterprise AI Governance Leadership Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive enterprise AI governance framework covering ethics, legal compliance, model lifecycle oversight, transparency, accountability, and use‑case approval. Translate regulatory requirements (e.g., EU AI Act, U.S. AI policy, ISO/IEC 42001, NIST AI RMF) into operational internal standards and controls. Oversee policy development for responsible AI use, data governance, privacy, model documentation, auditability, and bias mitigation. Advising executive leadership on governance and ethical issues. 2. Legal & Regulatory Compliance (Attorney Responsibilities) Serve as Finastra’s legal authority on AI regulatory matters—advising executive leadership, product teams, engineering, and compliance. Provide legal interpretation, risk assessments, and guidance for AI use cases, training data, vendor AI tools, customer-facing AI products, and model deployment. Monitor global AI legislative and regulatory developments (EU AI Act, CPPA ADMT, PIPL, sector banking regulations involving model risk, explainability, and fairness). Review: AI vendor agreements Data processing agreements (DPAs) Model/algorithmic accountability clauses AI product terms and disclosures. 3. Ethical AI & Risk Management Lead and coordinate AI risk assessments, impact assessments (PIAs/DPIAs) in collaboration with the Privacy team, model inventories, testing procedures, and documentation. Ensure responsible and fair development, mitigating risks related to bias, discrimination, safety, and model drift. Partner with Global Risk Management and Technology Risk to integrate AI controls into Finastra’s enterprise risk framework. 4. Cross-Functional Leadership & Culture Building Work with Data Privacy, Legal, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Risk and Compliance to embed AI governance into all product and operational workflows. Develop and deliver AI governance training for business units, engineers, and executives. Represent Finastra with regulators, auditors, customers, and external stakeholders on AI governance and compliance topics.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Legal experience in regulatory law, technology law, data protection, or AI/ML governance.
• Proven experience advising on: AI regulatory frameworks, Data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, HIPAA where applicable), Model governance controls & algorithmic accountability, Technology contracts including AI‑specific terms.
• Demonstrated ability to support innovation while ensuring compliance—balancing legal frameworks with emerging technological domains.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in highly regulated industries (banking, fintech, healthcare, or insurance), particularly in risk- or compliance-heavy settings.
• Hands‑on familiarity with AI/ML development processes, modern LLM‑based systems, and data lifecycle management.
• Experience with financial services regulatory frameworks (model risk, explainability, supervisory expectations).
• Prior leadership of a governance, compliance, or legal function supporting technology or AI initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Enterprise AI Governance Leadership Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive enterprise AI governance framework covering ethics, legal compliance, model lifecycle oversight, transparency, accountability, and use‑case approval.
• Translate regulatory requirements (e.g., EU AI Act, U.S. AI policy, ISO/IEC 42001, NIST AI RMF) into operational internal standards and controls.
• Oversee policy development for responsible AI use, data governance, privacy, model documentation, auditability, and bias mitigation.
• Advising executive leadership on governance and ethical issues.
• Serve as Finastra’s legal authority on AI regulatory matters—advising executive leadership, product teams, engineering, and compliance.
• Provide legal interpretation, risk assessments, and guidance for AI use cases, training data, vendor AI tools, customer-facing AI products, and model deployment.
• Monitor global AI legislative and regulatory developments (EU AI Act, CPPA ADMT, PIPL, sector banking regulations involving model risk, explainability, and fairness).
• Review: AI vendor agreements Data processing agreements (DPAs) Model/algorithmic accountability clauses AI product terms and disclosures.
• Lead and coordinate AI risk assessments, impact assessments (PIAs/DPIAs) in collaboration with the Privacy team, model inventories, testing procedures, and documentation.
• Ensure responsible and fair development, mitigating risks related to bias, discrimination, safety, and model drift.
• Partner with Global Risk Management and Technology Risk to integrate AI controls into Finastra’s enterprise risk framework.
• Work with Data Privacy, Legal, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Risk and Compliance to embed AI governance into all product and operational workflows.
• Develop and deliver AI governance training for business units, engineers, and executives.
• Represent Finastra with regulators, auditors, customers, and external stakeholders on AI governance and compliance topics.

Benefits

• Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.
• Well-being: Access Confidential one-on-one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, find support from our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and a calendar of monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive - Inside and Outside of work.
• Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits
• Sustainability: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.
• DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, Women@Finastra).
• Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.
• Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree