AVP, Investment Advisor Compliance (JD Required)

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

The Ares Legal & Compliance Department oversees and manages Ares’ global Legal, Regulatory and Compliance functions and programs.  Under the leadership of the Global Chief Compliance Officer, the Compliance and Regulatory functions are comprised of teams that operate collaboratively with a global focus, including Regulatory, which oversees all global regulatory matters including the Advisers Act, Investment Company Act and FINRA; European and Asia Pacific Compliance, which oversees region-specific compliance and regulatory matters; and Financial Crimes Prevention, which oversees Ares’ adherence to financial crimes-related rules and regulations. 

Ares is seeking a talented Compliance professional to join our Legal and Compliance team to serve as an integral team member in implementing the Firm’s Registered Investment Adviser program.  The ideal candidate will bring significant experience and demonstrated knowledge of compliance with complex regulatory regimes including oversight of the Firm’s 206(4)-7 Compliance program. This role will particularly focus on the implementation and maintenance of core RIA program across all business strategies across the organization with effective conflicts management with investment professionals and coordination of applicable regulatory examinations.

Primary Functions and Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Actively engage with the Chief Compliance and Regulatory Officer to assist in directing the Compliance function throughout the organization

• Provide consistent and ongoing Compliance guidance, partner and advise with the respective Compliance leads and their client groups on regulatory policies and procedures; proactively provide trends and analyses relating to Compliance-related activities

• Present key findings and recommendations to senior leadership.  Elevate issues, identify priorities and track follow-on items to ensure they are appropriately resolved.  Demonstrate initiative and creativity in independently recommending and implementing solutions to business contacts, senior leaders and Compliance leadership.

• Administer and continually improve the organization’s Global Compliance program with particular focus on improvement of workflow efficiencies

• Collaborate closely with internal teams (investment, finance and accounting, operations and investor relations, etc.) to implement the Firm’s regulatory policies and procedures

• Proactively develop, implement, and enforce effective Compliance policies and procedures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations

• Maintain and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the regulations applicable to investment related activities and stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments; research and determine impact of new or revised laws and regulations on the firm’s business

• Coordinate and conduct comprehensive Compliance periodic reviews, annual reviews, and risk assessment as appropriate

• Identify conflicts of interest and business practices that may create risk exposure and adequately address such risk in the Firm’s policies and procedures across multiple business strategies

• Identify potential areas of vulnerability and risk while developing controls to mitigate risks

• Ensure procedures are appropriately implemented and documented in accordance with the Firm's compliance manuals and written supervisory procedures

• Assist the Global Chief Compliance and Regulatory Officer in regulatory examinations and investigations, as appropriate

• Assist in developing a high-performing and efficient Investment Adviser function

Qualifications

Education:

• J.D. required with strong academic background

Experience Required:  

• 3-5 years of relevant investment advisory regulatory experience in the alternative asset management industry, at a law firm or in-house (Big Law Firm experience is highly preferrable)

• A strong understanding of SEC regulations, particularly the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; familiarity with