Senior Director, Surveillance and Market Intelligence

Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years in the securities/financial services industry or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in a regulatory setting.
  • Expert project management and process improvement skills in surveillance development.
  • In-depth knowledge of FINRA, MSRB, and various securities regulations.
  • Proficiency in data analytics tools like Power BI and Dataiku.
  • Strong written, verbal communication, and interpersonal presentation skills.
  • Organizational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

  • Direct short- and long-term strategic and operational plans for the Surveillance Optimization team.
  • Develop and implement solutions for identified program risks and coordinate quality control assessments.
  • Oversee daily operations of the team, ensuring excellence in surveillance activities.
  • Foster a culture of innovation and creativity, driving collaborative idea generation within teams.
  • Lead testing and optimization of surveillance tools and departmental reporting.
  • Ensure compliance with Surveillance function policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate on surveillance enhancements and analyze ROI for operational improvements.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Immediate participation in 401(k) plans with company match and FINRA-funded retirement contributions.
  • Generous paid time off including 15 vacation days, 5 personal days, and 9 sick days annually.
  • Support for professional development such as tuition reimbursement and wellness programs.
  • Additional benefits including adoption assistance, backup family care, and employee assistance programs.
Full Job Description

The Senior Director of the Testing and Risk Optimization team in Surveillance Optimization and Innovation is a key member of Regulatory Operations’ leadership team and is responsible for overseeing the execution of the strategic direction of their section. This includes directing the section’s responsibilities relating to the Surveillance team and the development and optimization of surveillance patterns to ensure a center of surveillance excellence (e.g., Idea Incubator, Reg Ops Coordination, Surveillance Governance, and Testing and Risk Optimization). This role also communicates and innovates with peers across the organization to facilitate sharing of surveillance intelligence to improve our ability to meet FINRA’s mission.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Works closely with senior management to direct short term/long term strategic and operational plans. 
  • Monitors for program risks and develops solutions, including the coordination of quality control assessments.
  • Responsible for directing their team’s day to day operations, demonstrates advanced expertise of the work in their specific area and has an understanding of the work performed by the entire Surveillance group. 
  • Promotes a culture of continuous innovation and creativity within the Surveillance team, inspiring and empowering team members to generate ideas and solutions (e.g., Idea Incubator). 
  • Directs the testing and risk optimization of the section’s surveillance tools, patterns and other departmental/Reg Ops reports, in conjunction with Surveillance teams. 
  • Coordinates the maintenance of the Surveillance function/Reg Ops policies and procedures. 
  • Coordinates with senior management and Surveillance teams on recommended surveillance enhancements, including an analysis of return on investment (e.g., replacing manual processes). 
  • Works in a proactive collaborative manner with internal/external constituents including interactions with exchanges, SEC, ISG and law enforcement personnel. 
  • Participates in internal and external discussions to advance regulatory programs impacting FINRA. 
  • Represents FINRA in internal/external meetings and speaking engagements. 
  • Demonstrates FINRA’s values of Responsibility, Innovation, Collaboration and Expertise in interactions with colleagues, management, FINRA members, and outside parties. 
  • Responsible for monitoring initiatives to achieve the section’s measures of success. 
  • Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
  • Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Represents FINRA at speaking engagements with various internal and external constituencies
  • Leads multi-level initiatives across Regulatory Operations 
  • Provides subject matter expertise in regulatory area to advance FINRA and industry initiatives (e.g., CAT, Notice to Members, rule filings, market events, congressional testimony preparation)
  • Remains current on industry and technology trends, practices, and regulatory impacts 

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the securities/financial services industry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in positions of increasing responsibilities.
  • Minimum five (5) years supervisory experience required.
  • Demonstrated project management, process improvement, understanding of surveillance development lifecycle and goal attainment skills.
  • Extensive working knowledge of FINRA, MSRB and other SRO rules and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
  • Working knowledge of data analytics and data analytic platforms (e.g., Power Bi and Dataiku)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead regulatory program and produce outstanding measurable results.
  • Requires excellent written and verbal communications skills, including interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent detail orientation. 
  • 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.

Working Conditions:

  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Hours may extend beyond normal business hours.
  • Travel will be required, as necessary. 

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 $221,000, Maximum Salary $332,00

San Francisco, CA: Minimum Salary $231,000, Maximum Salary $347,000

CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $158,000, Maximum Salary $308,900

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $173,600, Maximum Salary $340,200

MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $181,500, Maximum Salary $355,400

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $181,500, Maximum Salary $370,700


#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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