Senior Risk Strategist - Fraud

Mercury•Portland, OR

2d•$200,700 - $250,900

About The Position

Mercury is seeking a Senior Risk Strategist with deep domain expertise in fraud to join their Risk Strategy team. This role will focus on identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial, regulatory, and reputational risks, particularly in fraud. The team utilizes data-driven insights and process improvements to ensure a stellar customer experience and build trust on the platform. The Senior Risk Strategist will shape and execute Mercury’s fraud strategy across various payment rails and fraud types, contributing to both Personal and Business Banking fraud programs. This role requires a blend of data analysis, strategic problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration with Product, Engineering, Operations, and Compliance to deliver scalable solutions that reduce fraud losses while protecting customer experience.

Requirements

6+ years of experience in an analytical role, including 4+ years in fraud detection and strategy
Consumer fintech experience strongly preferred
Proven ability to design and execute fraud strategies across multiple payment rails and fraud types (ACH, checks, RTP, onboarding, ATO, friendly fraud)
Hands-on experience contributing to consumer / personal banking fraud programs, including familiarity with consumer-specific fraud patterns and regulatory context
Skilled in customer risk scoring/modeling and process automation
Strong SQL proficiency and ability to translate data into actionable strategy
Track record of balancing risk, compliance, and customer experience in cross-functional settings
Excellent communication skills to simplify complex risk concepts into clear recommendations
Proven ability to operate in ambiguity and make high-quality decisions with imperfect information
Highly self-motivated with a strong work ethic
Curious, growth-oriented, and motivated to work on fraud problems at all lifecycle stages (new product launches, scaling, and legacy optimization)

Responsibilities

Own strategy and execution across multiple fraud domains – including ACH, Check Deposits, Checkbooks, RTP, onboarding, and ATO – with a bias toward action and a high bar for results
Drive Mercury’s Personal Banking fraud program build-out, applying consumer fintech expertise to design controls and strategies tailored to consumer account holders
Use data and quantitative analysis to design fraud controls, mitigate risk, and improve customer experience while balancing trade-offs
Partner with Compliance and Legal to ensure solutions align with regulatory requirements
Lead cross-functional efforts with Product, Engineering, and Operations to design and implement scalable risk solutions
Serve as a domain expert across fraud types, proactively identifying gaps and driving systemic improvements across fraud programs
Define and track metrics that measure both risk effectiveness and customer impact
Take initiative without waiting to be directed – identify problems, build the case, and push work across the finish line