Full Job Description
The Department of Financial Services is seeking candidates for the position of Virtual Currency Financial Crimes Risk Specialist in the Virtual Currency Unit. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Conducts BSA/AML program reviews and control testing on applicants identifying deficiencies and communicating said deficiencies clearly and concisely in written reports to management as well as verbally in meetings with internal and external stakeholders;
• Consults on and leads financial crime examinations of licensed and chartered entities, identifying programmatic deficiencies and communicating said deficiencies clearly and concisely in written reports to management as well as verbally in meetings with internal and external stakeholders;
• Utilizes blockchain analytics and other relevant tools when performing applicant program reviews and conducting examinations of licensed and chartered entities.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on crypto related financial crime matters for all functions of the Virtual Currency and Limited Purpose Trust Units, including applications, ongoing supervision and examinations;
• Maintains an expert understanding of the BSA/AML laws, regulations, guidance, financial crime typologies, and best practices relevant to transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting and investigative techniques required to detect illicit activity within the virtual currency space;
• Maintains a solid understanding of existing and emerging blockchains, tokens, and technologies impacting the industry and identifies areas for enhancing the Virtual Currency and Limited Purpose Trust Units' financial crime monitoring processes;
• Assists management in the development, review and revision of Financial Crime related policies/procedures and other related materials;
• Presents analyses and findings to colleagues and leadership at DFS, often making reasoned recommendations for agency action;
• Ability to read and write fluently in English
• May supervise lower-level staff;
• Travel may be required up to 25%; and
• Other appropriate and occupationally related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Preferred Qualifications
Subject matter expertise and/or experience in one or more of the following are not required, but are preferred:
• 3+ years of direct experience working in the crypto industry utilizing blockchain analytics and OSINT tools;
• Subject matter expertise in financial crime, fraud, virtual assets, and/or blockchain analytics;
• Solid knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML), Sanctions (OFAC), and related laws, regulations, guidance, and best practices;
• General knowledge of cybersecurity laws, regulations, and issues;
• Valid (non-expired) certifications held:
o Blockchain Analytics Tool Certification(s)
o Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Certified Cryptoasset AFC Specialist, Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist, Certified Global Sanctions Specialist, Advanced AML Audit Certification, Advanced Financial Crimes Investigations Certification,
o Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists: Certified Financial Crime Specialist
o Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: Certified Fraud Examiner
o American Bankers Association: Certified AML and Fraud Professional; ABA Certificate in BSA and AML Compliance; ABA Certificate in Fraud Compliance; Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager
• Deep knowledge and experience with virtual currency
Appointment Method:
Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications listed below in order to be eligible for appointment.
Non-Competitive: Nine (9) years of specialized experience in one (1) of the following of which two (2) year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level:
• Evaluating financial institution financial crime risk (BSA/AML, CIP, OFAC/Sanctions, CTF) in a management, compliance or audit environment.
• Developing and implementing financial crime risk management or compliance policies, programs and procedures.
An associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute for five years of specialized experience; J.D. may substitute for six years of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for seven years of specialized experience.
Additional Comments Please note that a change in negotiating unit may affect your salary, insurance and other benefits.
Salary: The starting salary for this position is $111,708 with periodic increases up to $137,590
Positions located within the New York City metropolitan area, as well as Suffolk, Nassau, Rockland, and Westchester Counties, are also eligible to receive an additional $4,150 annual downstate adjustment.
Appointment Status: Permanent
Appointment to this position is pending Governor Appointment's Office and Division of Budget approval.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Kara Waters
Telephone
Email Address NCE.Notifications@dfs.ny.gov
Address
Street One Commerce Plaza
Suite 301
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12257
Notes on Applying To Apply: Interested qualified candidates must submit a resume and letter of interest no later than October 14, 2026 to the email address listed below. Please include the Box # (Box VCFCRS-10578) in the subject line of your email to ensure receipt of your application. Email submissions are preferred.
Please be advised that the New York State Department of Financial Services does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.
Kara Waters
Box VCFCRS-10578
New York State Department of Financial Services
Office of Human Resources Management
One Commerce Plaza, Suite 301
Albany, NY 12257
Email: NCE.Notifications@dfs.ny.gov
Fax: (518) 402-5071
All candidates that apply may not be scheduled for an interview.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Employment with New York State qualifies an individual for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This program forgives the remaining balance on any Direct Student Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization. To learn more about the program and whether you would qualify, please visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
