Virtual Currency Specialist (Financial Services Specialist 4 (Compliance), SG-27)

The Department of Financial Services is seeking candidates for the position of Virtual Currency Associate, SG-27, in the Virtual Currency Unit. The Virtual Currency Associate serves as a specialist for regulated Virtual Currency entities, including companies holding licenses to engage in virtual currency business activities ("BitLicenses"). The successful candidate must be available to travel within and outside of New York State. Duties will include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: • Conducts the supervision (e.g. cadence meetings, ad hoc supervisory engagements), examination (e.g. desk-based and onsite exams, horizontal thematic reviews) and licensing review work of assigned higher risk, complex BitLicensees, Virtual Currency Trust Company charters, and other DFS-regulated Virtual Currency entities, for compliance with relevant laws, regulations, guidance, and supervisory expectations; • Conducts peer reviews and supports team members in conducting on-going supervision, periodic exams, and licensing reviews; • Maintains a thorough understanding of the business models of assigned Licensees and identifies and assesses relevant current and emerging risks and presents recommendations for supervisory actions; • Conducts risk-based assessments of applicants' and Licensees' governance, compliance, and internal audit controls; BSA/AML program; operational, regulatory and legal risks and controls; risk management program; financial condition; etc; • Meets with Licensees' management to get periodic business updates, discuss examination scope, request information and materials needed for supervision and examination, and maintain an understanding of the institution's operations and the scale and scope of its business; • Prepares comprehensive Reports of Examination (ROE) as well as reports, memos, letters, and guidance documents, etc. for external stakeholders; • Leads the development of, and enhancements to, internal policies and procedures related to the BitLicense supervisory process, such as examination manuals and internal best-practice guides; • Leads ad hoc projects and new initiatives regarding policy supervision and internal processes related to the Virtual Currency Unit. • Remains up-to-date on industry best practices, including skills involving blockchain monitoring/analytics, transaction sampling and monitoring model validation, and sanctions screening systems; the verification of claimed Virtual Currency holdings; validation of stablecoin backing assets; and the auditing of the self-certification of coin listings by regulated companies; • Communicates with and presents to senior and executive management, both orally and in written memoranda and presentations; • Travel up to 50% may be required and • Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Preferred Qualifications Experience engaging in or regulating Virtual Currency business activity and relevant business models and ability to read and write fluently in English is a must, as well as experience with two or more of the following: • 3+ years of direct experience working in the crypto industry; • Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-money Laundering (BSA/AML), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and related laws, regulations, and best practices; • Trust company operations; • cybersecurity laws, regulations, and issues; • governance and internal controls; • Internal audit; • financial analysis; • accounting; and • the use of blockchain analytics software. 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) or more of the following of which two (2) year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level: • Evaluating the adequacy of board and management oversight of the financial institutions' compliance programs. • Reviewing lending, deposit, insurance and other transactions to determine compliance with Financial Service's applicable laws/regulations. • Identifying financial institutions' potentially unfair, deceptive, abusive or discriminatory acts or practices. • Reviewing financial institution programs, policies and procedures for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. • Evaluating financial costs for the failure of financial services entities to adhere or comply with New York State, federal, or other states financial services laws. 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: Contingent Permanent 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 November 5, 2026 to the email address listed below. Please include the Box # (Box VCA-FSS4C-10448) 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 VCA-FSS4C-10448 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