Principal Investigator, Anti-Money Laundering

FINRA•Rockville, MD

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Investigator is an advanced professional who independently conducts and completes high-risk, complex money laundering-related investigations focused on detecting, investigating, and mitigating trends, typologies, threats, and risks within the securities industry. Working under limited supervision, the role exercises strong independent judgment to develop investigative strategies, identify regulatory risks, and produce comprehensive, well-documented findings. Matters may involve complex fact patterns, multiple respondents, varied rules and products, and elevated regulatory risk. Investigations may test whether a firm's AML Compliance Program is reasonably designed to meet requirements such as detecting and reporting suspicious transactions, customer identification, customer due diligence, and due diligence for correspondent accounts of foreign financial institutions. The work may also address registered representative misconduct related to illicit finance. The Principal Investigator gathers and analyzes evidence, collaborates with Enforcement attorneys and other Regulatory Operations partners, communicates findings, identifies emerging risks, and serves as a knowledge resource for FINRA teams. The role also supports staff development and regulatory initiatives, and represents FINRA in engagements with member firms, regulators, and industry stakeholders. The position is in a hybrid work environment with defined in-person presence requirements. Extended hours and some travel may be required. Salary ranges vary by location, from $97,700 to $211,400 as listed for the specified locations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus, and non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable law.

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.
FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification or acceptable industry equivalent certification is required upon hire or within 16 months of the start date of the assigned SIE training cohort.
Advanced knowledge of relevant FINRA and applicable SRO rules, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and federal securities laws; ability to stay current on regulatory 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, and a strong understanding of compliance issues and risks associated with firm business lines and customer bases.
Familiarity with FINRA’s organizational structure, departmental mandates, internal applications, and associated data.
Advanced investigative judgment, including the ability to assess investigative strategy independently, develop risk-based approaches, interpret complex evidence, make sound decisions, and progress complex investigations to resolution under limited supervision.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to discuss cases accurately and succinctly with internal and external parties and provide testimony in litigation when required.
Advanced analytical capability, including conducting data analysis, identifying patterns and anomalies, and applying findings to investigative strategies.
Strong collaboration, prioritization, organization, attention to detail, risk identification, mentorship, initiative, and adaptability skills.
Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters, establish and meet timelines, work independently with limited supervision, and adapt to uncertain and fast-paced conditions.
Familiarity with fraud and cyber threat vectors, given the overlap among AML, fraud, and cyber threats.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree such as an 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 money laundering-related investigations, developing and executing risk-based investigative strategies under limited supervision.
Test firms’ AML Compliance Programs, including controls for suspicious transaction detection and reporting, customer identification, customer due diligence, and correspondent account due diligence; investigate registered representative misconduct related to illicit finance.
Gather evidence through document review, data analysis, written correspondence, verbal communications, and on-the-record testimony; ensure findings are factually accurate and clearly documented.
Conduct advanced data analysis using established methodologies, resolve questions about analytical approaches, and explain 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, complete, and persuasive written summaries, investigative reports, referrals to Enforcement and external agencies, and recommendations.
Communicate with FINRA staff, respondents, regulators, and other stakeholders; provide testimony in litigation when required.
Identify emerging money laundering trends, threats, novel issues, and regulatory risks; escalate matters requiring reprioritization and recommend solutions.
Stay current on regulatory rules, interpretations, industry developments, and relevant risks.
Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance and consultation to investigations, examination, risk monitoring, and enforcement teams on money laundering-related trends, typologies, threats, and risks.
Mentor and support less experienced investigators, review work product as directed, and provide constructive feedback.
Participate in or 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 education activities and represent FINRA at meetings as directed.
Collaborate in person and virtually in support of FINRA’s investor protection and market integrity mission, and demonstrate FINRA’s values.

Benefits

Discretionary bonus eligibility.
Overtime pay for non-exempt employees in accordance with applicable law.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
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 insurance.
Long-term care insurance.
Business travel accident insurance.
Legal insurance.
Immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match.
Eligibility to participate in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution.
Tuition reimbursement.
Commuter benefits.
Adoption assistance.
Backup family care.
Surrogacy benefits.
Employee assistance program.
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 as applicable.
Two volunteer service days for employees on a full-time schedule.
Military, jury duty, bereavement, voting and election official, family-member care, childbirth, and parental leave, subject to stated eligibility and terms.
Nine paid holidays for full-time employees.