Senior Principal, MRS Strategic Innovation & Research

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree with 8+ years in securities, compliance, or financial regulation; or equivalent experience.
  • Preferred: Advanced degree and/or relevant industry certifications.
  • Strong understanding of equity, debt, derivatives, and financial regulation, especially regarding U.S. broker-dealers.
  • Experience assessing strategic investment opportunities.
  • Proven ability to deliver executive-level reporting using data analytics.
  • Experience presenting as a subject matter expert to internal and external audiences.
  • Ability to operate independently in unstructured environments.

Responsibilities

  • Develop comprehensive assessments of new or enhanced products and services.
  • Conduct detailed market research for fact-based evaluations.
  • Engage industry stakeholders for insights on market practices and demand.
  • Collaborate across FINRA business units to leverage existing capabilities.
  • Partner with Finance, Legal, and Technology teams for feasibility assessments.
  • Evaluate strategic fit of opportunities against FINRA's investment principles.
  • Synthesize findings into actionable recommendations for executives.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and FINRA-funded retirement contribution.
  • Generous paid time off: 15 days, plus personal and sick days.
  • Two volunteer service days to support community engagement.
  • Tuition reimbursement and commuter benefits.
  • Wellness programs, including adoption assistance and backup family care.
Full Job Description

The Senior Principal Analyst in Market & Regulatory Services (“MRS”) Strategic Innovation & Research performs essential analysis and research to enable MRS to effectively innovate and expand its portfolio through securities industry experience, market research, operational assessments, and industry engagement. MRS operates, coordinates, and invests in a range of technology-dependent and operationally complex facilities and services that benefit FINRA and other regulators, market participants, and investors. This role is responsible for analyzing potential opportunities to expand MRS’ facilities and services offerings and makes recommendations on the extent to which new initiatives may add value to broker-dealers, investors, and financial markets. This position is a seasoned individual contributor who is a developing subject matter expert and works independently with minimal oversight.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Develops comprehensive assessments of opportunities, risks, benefits, and costs for new or enhanced products and services across FINRA business units, including market data products, licensing and registration offerings, and regulatory reporting services.

  • Conducts detailed market research and analysis to support fact-based evaluations, including current market offerings, stakeholder needs, competitive landscape, implementation costs, and projected revenue.

  • Engages industry stakeholders—including broker-dealers, market infrastructure providers, and regulatory agencies—to gather insights on market practices, unmet needs, and potential demand for new offerings.

  • Collaborates with FINRA business units to identify existing functions, roles, and process flows that can be leveraged to support new product development and delivery.

  • Partners with Finance, Office of General Counsel, and Technology teams to ensure assessments incorporate cross-functional perspectives, legal and compliance considerations, and technical feasibility requirements.

  • Evaluates strategic fit of opportunities against FINRA's guiding principles for investment decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational mission, priorities, and risk tolerance.

  • Synthesizes research findings and stakeholder input into clear, actionable recommendations that inform executive decision-making on product development and strategic investments.

  • Demonstrates FINRA’s values.

  • Collaborates, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in securities, compliance or financial regulation required; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
  • Advanced degree and/or relevant industry certification(s) preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of equity, debt, and listed derivatives markets, industry trends, and the regulation and operation of U.S. broker-dealers, as well as familiarity with the broader landscape of financial regulation. Experience with securities market structure issues, associated data, regulations and/or market surveillance business processes is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with contributing to the assessment of strategic investment opportunities.
  • Proven record of creating and providing executive level reporting using metrics, analysis, and data analytics.
  • Experience making internal and external presentations as a subject matter expert.
  • Proven record of acting independently in an unstructured environment to identify and address challenges, make risk-based decisions, develop new initiatives, and strengthen existing programs.
  • Strong collaborator and team builder, with excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, with an attention to detail and an ability to administer multiple complex assignments concurrently and execute against tight deadlines.
  • Able to interact effectively and in a positive manner with people from a variety of backgrounds in order to reach timely, informed decisions.



Working Conditions:

  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Extended hours may be required.

For work that is performed in 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. 


CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $114,200, Maximum Salary $207,200

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $125,900, Maximum Salary $228,000
MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $238,300

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $248,700

#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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Ready to take the next step in your career? Review open positions, prepare your resume, and apply through the FINRA Careers portal. Tailor your application to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. The interview process at FINRA is designed to identify and recruit the most talented professionals in the industry.

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