Senior Principal Investigator

Location: Rockville, MD (Job Posting)

The Senior Principal Investigator is an expert-level professional responsible for independently conducting and completing investigations of the highest risk and complexity across assigned misconduct areas. This role exercises expert judgment in developing and executing investigative strategies, identifying regulatory risks, and producing comprehensive, well-documented investigative findings that support sound regulatory outcomes.

Working under minimal supervision, the Senior Principal Investigator handles matters involving complex fact patterns, novel rules, multiple respondents, sophisticated products or strategies, high likelihood of litigation, and urgent high-risk activity. This position serves as a subject matter expert and key resource within the team and across FINRA, providing guidance, training, and consultation to staff at all levels while proactively identifying emerging trends, threats, and investigative opportunities.

The Senior Principal Investigator collaborates effectively with Enforcement, Risk and Intelligence, Examinations, and other Regulatory Operations (RegOps) partners to advance FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Lead Complex Investigations — Independently lead and conduct investigations of the highest risk and complexity, including matters involving complex fact patterns, novel rules, multiple respondents, sophisticated or emerging products, high likelihood of litigation, and urgent high-risk activity; develop and execute effective, risk-based investigative strategies with minimal supervision.

Develop Complete & Accurate Factual Records — Gather evidence through document review, data analysis, written correspondence, and verbal communication including on-the-record testimony; ensure investigative findings are thorough, factually accurate, and clearly documented.

Perform Advanced Data Analysis — Independently conduct advanced data analysis in accordance with well-established methodologies; identify and resolve questions about analytical approaches to ensure consistency; effectively describe analysis, findings, and any exceptions or assumptions; recommend new analytical techniques as appropriate.

Collaborate with Enforcement & Cross-Functional Partners — Partner with Enforcement attorneys to develop factual records within clear legal frameworks and ensure that evidence supports potential charges and sanctions; provide insight from industry experience and subject matter expertise to objectively assess the sufficiency of evidence.

Document & Communicate Findings — Prepare clear, complete, and persuasive written summaries, investigative reports, referrals to Enforcement and external agencies, and recommendations; communicate effectively in meetings with FINRA staff, respondents, regulators, and other stakeholders; provide testimony in litigation when required.

Identify & Escalate Emerging Risks and Threats — Proactively identify notable and emerging trends, threats, novel issues, and regulatory risks; escalate matters requiring reprioritization and recommend solutions; stay current on rule changes, interpretations, and industry developments within area(s) of expertise.

Serve as Subject Matter Expert — Provide expert-level guidance and consultation to other investigators, and FINRA staff on matters within area(s) of expertise; assist in resolving conflicts in investigative approaches or inconsistent findings across teams.

Train and Mentor Staff — Coach, train, and mentor investigators and other staff in investigative techniques, processes, and responsibilities; develop and deliver staff training; review work product and provide constructive feedback as directed by management.

Lead and Contribute to Initiatives — Lead or participate in special projects, regulatory initiatives, thematic reviews, and development of new analytics, investigative tools, or processes that detect and deter violative activity; contribute to program strategy and continuous improvement.

Represent FINRA Externally — Engage professionally with member firms, external regulators, and industry stakeholders; conduct or participate in member firm/investor education including conference panels and compliance events; represent FINRA at internal and external meetings as directed.

Demonstrate FINRA's values.

Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Advanced degree (MBA, JD) or professional certification (e.g., CFE, ACAMS, CPA) strongly preferred.

Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in the securities, financial services, or financial regulatory industry, with substantive knowledge of regulatory compliance.

Demonstrated experience providing guidance to staff, and leading projects and initiatives in an investigative, examination, or enforcement team environment.

Demonstrated experience conducting enforcement-oriented, regulatory, or financial investigations of varying complexity.

Familiarity with investigative technologies, data analysis tools, and data strategies.

Knowledge Requirements

• Expert knowledge of relevant FINRA rules, applicable SRO rules, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and federal securities laws, with responsibility for staying current on regulatory rules, practices, and developments.
• Expert knowledge of securities markets, member firm operations, books and records, firm business models, products, and services relative to area(s) of misconduct.
• Advanced to expert knowledge of risks, products, and emerging threats specific to area(s) of misconduct.
• Comprehensive understanding of regulatory compliance issues and risks associated with firm business lines and customer bases.
• Awareness of industry events, emerging trends, and regulatory developments pertinent to area(s) of misconduct.
• Familiarity with FINRA's organizational structure, departmental mandates, cross-functional priorities, and internal applications and associated data

Skills Requirements

Investigative Judgment: Expert ability to independently assess investigative strategy, develop risk-based approaches, interpret complex data and evidence, make sound decisions, and progress complex investigations to resolution with minimal supervision.

Communication: Expert written and verbal communication skills, including strong interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder engagement abilities; demonstrated ability to accurately and succinctly discuss any case or issue with internal and external parties; ability to provide effective testimony in litigation.

Analytical Capability: Advanced to expert ability to conduct data analysis, identify patterns and anomalies, and apply analytical findings to investigative strategies; experience with analytical platforms, tools, and data-driven decision-making preferred.

Collaboration: Expert ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders; proactively build networks across RegOps and the broader organization.

Prioritization & Organization: Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail; ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters simultaneously, establish and meet timelines, and balance independent work with team coordination.

Risk Identification: Expert ability to identify, prioritize, and escalate risk; recognize priority matters and proactively identify emerging trends, threats, and regulatory issues.

Mentorship & Training: Demonstrated ability to mentor and train staff; provide expert guidance; and develop and deliver effective training programs.

Initiative & Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision; proactively identify needs and opportunities; adapt and thrive in uncertain and fast-paced conditions; highly effective at building and managing relationships.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work environment with defined in-person presence requirements.

Extended hours and some travel may be required.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Additional Locations: Jericho, NY (Job Posting), Denver, CO (Job Posting), Chicago, IL (Job Posting), Boston, MA (Job Posting), Boca Raton, FL (Job Posting), Plano, TX (Job Posting), Tysons, VA (Job Posting), Jersey City, NJ (Job Posting), Woodbridge, NJ (Job Posting), Washington, DC (Job Posting), Philadelphia, PA (Job Posting), New York, NY (Job Posting), Los Angeles, CA (Job Posting)