Associate Principal Analyst, Surveillance

Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 4+ years in the securities/financial services sector or equivalent experience.
  • Strong understanding of the surveillance development lifecycle and goal-oriented skills.
  • Knowledgeable about FINRA, MSRB, and other SRO rules, as well as the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
  • Experience identifying potential securities rule violations.
  • Ability to work independently on routine projects.
  • FINRA SIE certification required within 16 months of hire.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze trading activity to uncover potential violations of securities laws.
  • Research and share updates on evolving regulations and advisories.
  • Assist in testing and developing new analytics and surveillance technologies.
  • Prepare organized, detailed reports documenting findings.
  • Document review processes and outcomes comprehensively.
  • Act as a subject matter expert, coaching and training colleagues.
  • Complete special projects that align with departmental goals.

Benefits

  • Flexible hybrid work environment with both remote and in-office opportunities.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and additional FINRA-funded retirement contributions.
  • Generous time-off program including 15 days of paid leave, personal days, and sick days.
  • Access to wellness programs and employee assistance services.
Full Job Description

The Opportunity
Are you a sharp analytical thinker who thrives on uncovering patterns others might miss? Join our Surveillance team and play a front-line role in detecting and deterring market misconduct. As an Associate Principal Analyst, you'll dig into complex trading activity, spot red flags, and help hold bad actors accountable — all while sharpening your expertise alongside some of the industry's best regulatory professionals. This role offers real ownership: you'll drive moderate-to-high complexity reviews independently, while still having senior mentors in your corner for the trickiest cases.

What You'll Do
  • Investigate with purpose:Analyze trading activity within your area of focus to detect potential violations of federal securities laws, FINRA rules, and RSA client rules.
  • Stay sharp on the rules:Research evolving regulations, guidance, and advisories, and share timely updates with your team.
  • Build better tools:Contribute to testing and developing new analytics, surveillance technology, and detection methods that keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.
  • Tell the story clearly:Prepare well-organized, detailed, and accurate reports that document your findings.
  • Close the loop:Document review steps and outcomes, including referrals to Enforcement and outside agencies.
  • Lead by example:Serve as a subject matter expert, coaching and training colleagues on techniques and best practices.
  • Take on special projects:Deliver high-quality, timely work on initiatives that advance departmental and organizational goals.
  • Grow with support:Work on routine projects with guidance from management as you build toward greater independence.
  • Live our values:Embody FINRA's values of Responsibility, Innovation, Collaboration, and Expertise, and help foster our culture of diversity and inclusion.
Other Ways You'll Contribute
  • Participate in cross-team initiatives across Surveillance.
  • Stay current on industry trends, practices, and regulatory developments.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four (4) years of experience in the securities/financial services industry — or an equivalent combination of education and experience in roles of increasing responsibility.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the surveillance development lifecycle and strong goal-attainment skills.
  • Working knowledge of FINRA, MSRB, and other SRO rules, along with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and its associated rules and regulations.
  • Experience identifying potential securities rule violations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work on routine projects independently.
  • FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification — or an acceptable industry equivalent — required upon hire or within 16 months of your assigned SIE training cohort start date.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior hands-on experience with surveillance analytics tools or platforms.
  • A track record of mentoring or training colleagues on regulatory techniques and processes.
  • Experience contributing to the development or enhancement of surveillance methodologies.
Working Conditions
  • Hybrid work environment (a flexible mix of remote and in-office time).
  • Some hours may extend beyond standard business hours to meet the demands of the role.
  • Occasional travel as needed.

For work that is performed in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA, CO, FL, TX, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, Washington, DC, NY and NJ, please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations. 

Los Angeles, CA: Minimum Salary $$96,600, Maximum Salary $$118,804

San Francisco, CA: Minimum Salary $100,800, Maximum Salary $123,976

CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $83,900, Maximum Salary $150,300

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $92,400, Maximum Salary $165,300

MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $96,600, Maximum Salary $172,800
NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $96,600, Maximum Salary $180,400

 


#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.

Please note: If the “Apply Now” button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.

Time Off and Paid Leave*

FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.

*Based on full-time schedule

About Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Careers

Joining the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) presents a unique opportunity to become part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering fair and honest financial markets. As the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States, FINRA is at the forefront of the financial industry, offering unparalleled job opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Work You’ll Do

At FINRA, professionals work to protect investors and ensure the market's integrity through effective and efficient regulation of broker-dealers. Team members are engaged in a wide range of critical functions from market regulation to enforcement, and from legal compliance to dispute resolution. This variety ensures that employment at FINRA is not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful professional growth and career advancement.

Join a Leading Team

FINRA’s team is composed of highly skilled professionals who lead through innovation and steadfast leadership in the financial sector. With a commitment to diversity and inclusive culture, FINRA fosters an environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Joining this team means collaborating on projects that enhance the security and integrity of the financial marketplace.

Innovative Work and Career Development

Professionals at FINRA are encouraged to take initiative and innovate within their roles. The authority offers a robust career development program that supports professional growth through training, workshops, and continued learning opportunities. This focus on professional development ensures that every employee has the tools and knowledge to advance their career.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

For those starting their career, FINRA offers a range of internship and entry-level positions that provide a solid foundation in financial regulation. Interns and new employees work alongside industry experts and gain invaluable hands-on experience. These positions are crucial stepping stones for building a career filled with leadership opportunities and professional advancement.

Benefits and Culture

FINRA is committed to supporting its employees’ well-being both inside and outside of the workplace. The company offers a competitive package of benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Moreover, FINRA’s culture of ethics and leadership is reflected in its daily operations, making it a prime environment for personal and professional growth.

Explore Job Opportunities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is continuously seeking passionate, curious, and skilled individuals to join its team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests in the financial regulatory field. FINRA is hiring individuals who are driven to excel and ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, competence, and dedication.

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