Associate Principal Investigator, Enforcement

FINRA’s Department of Enforcement (Enforcement) is tasked with investigating potential FINRA Rules and securities law violations and, when warranted, bringing formal disciplinary actions against firms and their associated persons.

The Associate Principal Investigator performs investigative functions for non-complex securities cases in order to develop complete and factual investigative records and make meaningful contributions to more complex securities matters.

We are searching for a candidate with experience in one or more of the following areas: market structure, trading algorithms, retail order routing logic, Reg SHO, trading strategies, Alternative Trading Systems, Regulation NMS, Best Execution Rule ( Rule 5310), and/or Market Access Rule (Rule 15c3-5).

Essential Job Functions:

Develop a complete and accurate factual record with input from managers.

• Determine and execute an effective risk-based investigative strategy
• Identify key documents and compile evidence supporting a charge, demonstrating understanding of evidence, legal requirements, and potential defenses
• Contribute to the creation of investigative plans, in collaboration with other investigators and the legal staff, and keep plan updated throughout an investigation;
• Accurately and objectively assess weaknesses and ambiguities in factual findings, and discuss them with legal staff
• Plan for and participate in testimony of witnesses
• Accurately and succinctly discuss investigative findings
• Provide effective testimony in litigation
• Draft information requests that are clear, complete, and targeted
• Draft clear and complete summaries of factual findings
• Execute effective customer interviews

Perform accurate data analysis in non-complex matters in accordance with well-established methodologies.

• Identify situations where new investigative or analytics tools and techniques could be used
• Effectively describe routine data analysis and findings
• Communicate with other investigative units across FINRA to problem-solve and resolve conflicts in investigative approaches
• Conduct accurate analysis

Efficiently complete investigations in non-complex matters timely.

• Independently meet deadlines
• Actively monitor investigations to ensure they are focused and targeted
• Identify and escalate matters or issues that require re-prioritization
• Participate in case discussions and meetings
• Provide work product that requires minimal change or re-direction

Collaborate with legal staff to produce a sound factual record supported by a clear legal framework in non-complex matters.

• Provide clear and accurate written factual findings to legal staff Work effectively with legal staff to ensure that written descriptions of factual findings are supported by the evidence
• Partner with legal staff to develop and execute an investigative plan to develop the record fully and effectively
• Present and discuss factual findings with legal staff
• Provide legal staff with insight from industry experience and/or subject matter expertise to help objectively assess the sufficiency of evidence

Demonstrate ability to complete non-complex investigations and provide high quality work in team-based environment.

• Work efficiently and accountably as part of a team to implement investigative plans
• Perform work in an efficient manner by leveraging collective knowledge and work across the organization
• Communicate effectively with other team members about factual and legal issues for analysis
• Promote a culture of inclusion in which the views of all team members are heard and considered, and colleagues treat one another with dignity and respect

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field.  Five (5) years of broker-dealer, compliance, financial or operational audits/investigations or related experience. 
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and guidelines governing the securities industry.  Competence using a desktop computer with the full suite of office software applications.

Work Conditions:

• Work outside of business hours and overnight travel may be required.

For work that is performed in CA, Washington, DC, CO, HI, New York, NY, WA and MD the chart below outlines the proposed salary range for the corresponding location. 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 internal peer compensation comparisons.

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