Principal Investigator, Investigative Support and Scoping

FINRA•Jersey City, NJ

6d•$112,300 - $202,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Investigator is an advanced professional who independently conducts and completes high-risk, complex investigations across assigned misconduct areas. Working under limited supervision, the role uses independent judgment to develop and execute investigative strategies, identify regulatory risks, and produce comprehensive, well-documented findings that support sound regulatory outcomes. Investigations may involve complex fact patterns, multiple rules and products, multiple respondents, and elevated regulatory risk. The position works in partnership with misconduct-focused investigative teams to analyze investigative data and information, assess risk, identify potential customer and market harm, and surface potential violations to inform FINRA’s regulatory response. The Principal Investigator collaborates with Enforcement, Risk and Intelligence, Examinations, and other Regulatory Operations partners; serves as a knowledge resource; shares expertise with peers and less experienced staff; and identifies trends and risks within areas of expertise. The role gathers and analyzes evidence, develops complete factual records, communicates findings and recommendations, and works with Enforcement attorneys to ensure evidence supports potential charges and sanctions. It also contributes to special projects, regulatory initiatives, thematic reviews, new analytics and investigative tools, program strategy, and continuous improvement. The work is performed in a hybrid environment with defined in-person presence requirements. Extended hours and some travel may be required.

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, and responsibility for staying current on regulatory rules, practices, and developments.
Advanced knowledge of securities markets, member firm operations, books and records, firm business models, products, services, risks, and emerging threats relevant to assigned misconduct areas.
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 assigned misconduct areas.
Familiarity with FINRA’s organizational structure, departmental mandates, internal applications, and associated data.
Advanced investigative judgment, including the ability to independently assess investigative strategy, develop risk-based approaches, interpret complex data and evidence, make sound decisions, and progress complex investigations to resolution under limited supervision.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities, and the ability to accurately and succinctly discuss cases or issues with internal and external parties.
Advanced analytical ability to conduct data analysis, identify patterns and anomalies, and apply findings to investigative strategies.
Advanced ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders and build productive working relationships across Regulatory Operations and the broader organization.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters, meet timelines, and balance independent work with team coordination.
Advanced ability to identify, prioritize, and escalate risk and recognize priority matters and 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 to uncertain, fast-paced conditions.
Ability to meet defined in-person presence requirements in a hybrid work environment; extended hours and some travel may be required.
Compliance with FINRA’s employee investment and securities-account restrictions, disclosure requirements, confidentiality and invention assignment agreement, and nepotism policy.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree such as an MBA or JD, or a professional certification such as CFE, ACAMS, or CPA.
Working knowledge of SQL and PowerBI.
Experience with analytical platforms, tools, and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

Independently lead and conduct complex investigations in partnership with misconduct-focused investigative teams, analyzing information and data to assess risks, identify potential customer and market harm, and identify potential violations.
Develop investigative strategies and gather evidence through document review, data analysis, written correspondence, verbal communication, and on-the-record testimony.
Ensure investigative findings are thorough, factually accurate, and clearly documented; communicate analytical observations and recommendations and support investigative steps and resolution efforts.
Conduct advanced data analysis using established methodologies, resolve questions about analytical approaches, and clearly describe analyses, findings, exceptions, and assumptions.
Partner with Enforcement attorneys to develop factual records within legal frameworks, assess evidence sufficiency, and support potential charges and sanctions.
Prepare clear and persuasive written summaries, investigative reports, referrals to Enforcement and external agencies, and recommendations.
Communicate with FINRA staff, respondents, regulators, and other stakeholders, and provide testimony in litigation when required.
Identify and escalate emerging trends, threats, novel issues, and regulatory risks; recommend solutions and stay current on relevant rules, interpretations, and industry developments.
Provide guidance and consultation to investigators and FINRA staff, help resolve inconsistencies in investigative approaches, and mentor less experienced investigators.
Review work product and provide constructive feedback as directed by management.
Participate in or lead special projects, regulatory initiatives, thematic reviews, and the development of analytics, investigative tools, and processes; contribute to program strategy and continuous improvement.
Engage professionally with member firms, external regulators, and industry stakeholders; participate in education activities and represent FINRA at internal and external meetings as directed.
Demonstrate FINRA’s values and collaborate in person and virtually in support of investor protection and market integrity.

Benefits

Discretionary bonus may be available in addition to base pay.
Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable law.
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 coverage.
Immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match.
Eligibility to participate in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution.
Tuition reimbursement and 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, prorated in the first year.
Two volunteer service days for employees on a full-time schedule.
Military, jury duty, bereavement, voting and election official, and family-member care leave.
Childbirth and parental leave available after 90 days of employment.
Nine paid holidays for full-time employees.