Senior Principal Investigator, Cyber Fraud Unit

FINRA•Rockville, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Principal Investigator is an expert-level professional who independently leads FINRA’s highest-risk and most complex investigations across assigned misconduct areas, working under minimal supervision. The role develops and executes risk-based investigative strategies, assesses evidence and potential rule violations, evaluates supervisory and compliance failures, and produces comprehensive findings that support regulatory outcomes and protect investors and market integrity. The position has specialized expertise in cyber-enabled fraud, including account takeovers, business email compromise, identity-based fraud, ransomware-related extortion, and other cyber threats affecting member firms and investors. It applies knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, digital forensics, cyber threat actor tactics, and fraud investigation methodologies to assess incidents, cybersecurity controls, supervisory systems, incident response practices, and compliance obligations. As a subject matter expert, the Senior Principal Investigator advises, trains, and mentors staff; identifies emerging risks and investigative opportunities; and contributes to regulatory initiatives and improvements to analytics, investigative tools, and processes. The role collaborates with FINRA teams, external regulators, law enforcement, and industry information-sharing organizations. It represents FINRA with member firms and other stakeholders and may provide testimony in litigation. The position is hybrid, with defined in-person presence requirements; extended hours and some travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
At least eight 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.
Demonstrated experience providing guidance to staff and leading projects and initiatives in an investigative, examination, or enforcement team environment.
Familiarity with investigative technologies, data analysis tools, and data strategies.
Expert knowledge of relevant FINRA and other SRO rules, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and federal securities laws, and responsibility for staying current on regulatory developments.
Expert knowledge of securities markets, member firm operations, books and records, firm business models, products, and services relevant to assigned misconduct areas.
Advanced to expert knowledge of risks, products, and emerging threats relevant to assigned misconduct areas, and comprehensive understanding of related regulatory compliance issues and risks.
Expert ability to assess investigative strategy independently, develop risk-based approaches, interpret complex data and evidence, make sound decisions, and progress complex investigations to resolution with minimal supervision.
Expert written and verbal communication skills, including interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder-engagement abilities; ability to discuss cases accurately and succinctly and provide effective testimony in litigation.
Advanced to expert analytical ability to identify patterns and anomalies and apply findings to investigative strategies.
Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and build networks across Regulatory Operations and the broader organization.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters, meet timelines, and balance independent work with team coordination.
Expert ability to identify, prioritize, and escalate risks and proactively recognize emerging trends, threats, and regulatory issues.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and train staff, provide expert guidance, and develop and deliver effective training programs.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, identify needs and opportunities, adapt to uncertain and fast-paced conditions, and build and manage relationships.
Ability to comply with FINRA’s Code of Conduct requirements for financial disclosures and securities accounts, including applicable investment restrictions and account-transfer requirements.
Ability to execute FINRA’s Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement without qualification or modification and comply with the company’s nepotism policy.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree, such as an MBA or JD.
A professional certification such as CFE, ACAMS, CPA, CISSP, CISM, or an equivalent credential.
Experience with analytical platforms, tools, and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

Independently lead and conduct the highest-risk and most complex investigations, developing and executing effective, risk-based strategies with minimal supervision.
Gather evidence through document review, data analysis, written correspondence, and verbal communication, including on-the-record testimony; ensure findings are thorough, accurate, and clearly documented.
Conduct advanced data analysis using established methodologies, explain findings and analytical assumptions or exceptions, resolve questions about analytical approaches, and recommend new techniques as appropriate.
Partner with Enforcement attorneys to develop factual records within legal frameworks and assess whether evidence supports potential charges and sanctions.
Prepare clear and persuasive summaries, investigative reports, referrals to Enforcement and external agencies, and recommendations; communicate findings to FINRA staff, respondents, regulators, and other stakeholders.
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 expert guidance and consultation to investigators and FINRA staff, including helping resolve conflicts in investigative approaches or inconsistent findings.
Coach, train, and mentor staff; develop and deliver training; and review work product and provide constructive feedback as directed by management.
Lead or contribute to special projects, regulatory initiatives, thematic reviews, and the development of analytics, investigative tools, or processes.
Represent FINRA in engagements with member firms, external regulators, and industry stakeholders, including education events and meetings.
Collaborate in person and virtually in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity, and demonstrate FINRA’s values.

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, with eligibility for an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution.
Tuition reimbursement.
Commuter benefits.
Adoption assistance, backup family care, and 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 where applicable.
Two volunteer service days for full-time schedules.
Paid military, jury duty, bereavement, voting and election official, family-care, childbirth, and parental leave, subject to the stated eligibility and availability conditions.
Nine paid holidays for full-time employees.