Financial Crimes Controls Development Associate

Ready to be pushed beyond what you think you’re capable of?

At Coinbase, our mission is to increase economic freedom in the world. It’s a massive, ambitious opportunity that demands the best of us, every day, as we build the emerging onchain platform — and with it, the future global financial system.

To achieve our mission, we’re seeking a very specific candidate. We want someone who is passionate about our mission and who believes in the power of crypto and blockchain technology to update the financial system. We want someone who is eager to leave their mark on the world, who relishes the pressure and privilege of working with high caliber colleagues, and who actively seeks feedback to keep leveling up. We want someone who will run towards, not away from, solving the company’s hardest problems.

Our work culture is intense and isn’t for everyone. But if you want to build the future alongside others who excel in their disciplines and expect the same from you, there’s no better place to be.

At Coinbase, we are steadfast in our commitment to preventing illicit activities, protecting against criminal exploitation of our products & services, and adhering to the highest standards of legal and regulatory compliance. The Controls Development team plays a pivotal role in advancing a wide range of globally impactful initiatives that reinforce Coinbase's control frameworks across all legal entities. Our efforts focus on elevating compliance controls and refining detection mechanisms to ensure risks are identified and addressed with efficiency and precision. The FCC Controls Development Associate will support a wide range of initiatives associated with Compliance control development and maintenance.

What you’ll be doing (ie. job duties):

• Enhancing Compliance Frameworks: Collaborate cross-functionally to design, implement, and strengthen Coinbase's Financial Crimes Compliance controls, ensuring they align with evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Data-Driven Insights: Conduct in-depth sampling across diverse workstreams, analyze trends, and develop data-based strategies to implement effective controls.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain meticulous documentation that demonstrates adherence to regulations and internal policies, supporting transparency and audit-readiness.
• Product Risk Advisory: Actively advise on new product launches, providing insights to mitigate risks, address compliance challenges, and ensure timely intervention for regulatory concerns.
• Regulatory Engagement: Play a key role in regulatory exams by preparing responses to high-priority requests, addressing findings, and showcasing improvements in the compliance environment.
• Continuous Process Improvement: Develop, refine, and optimize existing processes to enhance operational efficiency and embed a culture of proactive compliance. You will also play an active role in training AI models and contributing to initiatives focused on model validation and refinement.

What we look for in you (ie. job requirements):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a relevant field such as finance, economics, business, or blockchain technology.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in areas such as AML blockchain investigations, SAR investigations, controls development, and regulatory compliance within AML frameworks.
• Well-rounded expertise in investigative processes, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and digital asset ecosystems.
• Solid understanding of financial products and services across the traditional and emerging financial landscapes, including crypto-based offerings.
• Ability to clearly and effectively convey findings through written reports, in-person presentations, and direct engagement with third parties such as regulatory agencies, law enforcement, external auditors, and other stakeholders.
• A proactive self-starter with strong curiosity and problem-solving skills, driven to overcome challenges, uncover answers, and find solutions independently.
• Experience in presenting sensitive case matters to senior and executive management, demonstrating an ability to tailor communications for high-impact discussions.
• Strong ability to work cross-functionally, building relationships across teams and departments to achieve shared goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional resilience and composure in high-pressure situations, with the ability to pivot and reprioritize tasks seamlessly in response to changing circumstances.

Nice to haves:

• CAMS or equivalent certifications
• Certifications from industry leade