Senior Director, Regulatory & Compliance (Chicago)

Senior Director, Regulatory & Compliance

Location: Chicago, IL

Schedule: Hybrid – Onsite Tuesday through Thursday

Employment Type: Full-Time / Direct Hire

*Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent, indefinite basis. Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Director, Regulatory & Compliance to join the Market Regulation team of a growing financial Exchange. Internally, this position will serve as the Senior Director, Deputy Chief Compliance and Regulatory Officer , partnering closely with the Chief Compliance and Regulatory Officer (CCRO) to lead and evolve the organization's regulatory and compliance function.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for supporting the Exchange's compliance program, regulatory relationships, market integrity initiatives, trade surveillance, investigations, and adherence to CFTC requirements.

As the Exchange continues to introduce new products and scale its offerings, this individual will have the opportunity to help shape and mature the regulatory framework of a growing organization. The ideal candidate brings significant experience within a CFTC-regulated environment and has either helped lead the compliance program of a CFTC registrant or worked extensively with the CFTC and/or NFA.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CCRO to develop, implement, and monitor the Exchange's overall compliance and regulatory program.
• Ensure ongoing adherence to CFTC Core Principles, the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a primary liaison with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
• Manage and coordinate regulatory audits, examinations, inquiries, self-certifications, filings, and reporting.
• Support the Exchange's market regulation function, including market advisories, investigations, trade surveillance, market integrity, and disciplinary matters.
• Help oversee the continued development and enforcement of compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Maintain strong standards across risk management, surveillance, KYC/AML, customer protection, financial integrity, and information security.
• Provide oversight and guidance around trade surveillance and market integrity programs.
• Drive automation and systems integration across compliance monitoring, regulatory reporting, trade surveillance, and clearinghouse risk monitoring.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their potential impact on the Exchange and its products.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level reporting regarding regulatory developments, compliance posture, material risks, and remediation activities.
• Collaborate closely with Legal, Finance, Operations, Technology, Risk, and other internal stakeholders to maintain integrated compliance practices.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in regulatory compliance, market regulation, or related leadership roles.
• Significant experience within a Designated Contract Market (DCM), Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO), CFTC-regulated organization, or relevant regulatory agency.
• Direct CFTC and/or NFA experience strongly preferred.
• Deep working knowledge of the Commodity Exchange Act, CFTC Core Principles, market surveillance, and financial integrity requirements.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing or supporting market integrity and regulatory compliance programs.
• Hands-on experience managing regulatory audits, examinations, and inquiries.
• Experience developing or overseeing AML/KYC programs and surveillance frameworks.
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical policies, controls, and operational processes.
• Experience interacting directly with regulators, external counsel, and executive leadership.
• Strong executive presence with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a growing environment where regulatory infrastructure and processes continue to evolve.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous compliance leadership experience within a DCM or DCO.
• Experience helping build, scale, or mature the compliance function of a CFTC registrant.
• Experience with regulatory reporting and trade surveillance technology, automation, and systems integration.
• JD or advanced legal/regulatory education.
• Relevant regulatory or compliance certifications.
• Interest in innovative financial market structures and emerging Exchange products.