Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

The Principal Investigator is an advanced professional responsible for independently conducting and completing investigations of high risk and complexity across assigned misconduct areas. This role exercises strong independent judgment in developing and executing investigative strategies, identifying regulatory risks, and producing comprehensive, well-documented investigative findings that support sound regulatory outcomes. Working under limited supervision, the Principal Investigator handles matters involving complex fact patterns, a variety of rules and products, multiple respondents, and elevated regulatory risk. This position contributes meaningfully as a knowledge resource within the team, sharing expertise with peers and less experienced staff, and proactively identifying trends and risks within area(s) of expertise. The 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.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead and Conduct Complex Investigations — Independently lead and conduct investigations of high risk and complexity, including matters involving complex fact patterns, multiple respondents, and a range of products and strategies; develop and execute effective, risk-based investigative strategies under limited 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 — Conduct advanced data analysis in accordance with well-established methodologies; identify and resolve questions about analytical approaches; effectively describe analysis, findings, and any exceptions or assumptions.
• 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; apply industry knowledge and expertise to 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 a Knowledge Resource — Provide guidance and consultation to fellow investigators and FINRA staff on matters within area(s) of expertise; assist in identifying and resolving inconsistencies in investigative approaches.
• Mentor and Support Staff — Mentor and support less experienced investigators in investigative techniques, processes, and responsibilities; review work product and provide constructive feedback as directed by management.
• Contribute to Initiatives — Participate in and, as directed, lead special projects, regulatory initiatives, thematic reviews, and development of new analytics, investigative tools, or processes; contribute to program strategy and continuous improvement.
• Represent FINRA Professionally — Engage professionally with member firms, external regulators, and industry stakeholders; participate in member firm/investor education activities including 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) preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7)years of progressive experience in the securities, financial services, or financial regulatory industry, with substantive knowledge of regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience conducting enforcement-oriented, regulatory, or financial investigations of varying complexity.
• Experience contributing to team projects, training, or initiatives in an investigative, examination, or enforcement environment.
• Familiarity with investigative technologies, data analysis tools, and data strategies.
• FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification or acceptable industry equivalent certification is required upon hire or within 16 months of the start date of the assigned SIE training cohort.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Advanced 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.
• Advanced knowledge of securities markets, member firm operations, books and records, firm business models, products, and services relative to area(s) of misconduct.
• Advanced knowledge of risks, products, and emerging threats specific to area(s) of misconduct.
• Strong 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, and internal applications and associated data.

Skills Requirements:

• Investigative Judgment: Advanced ability to independently assess investigative strategy, develop risk-based approaches, interpret complex data and evidence, make sound decisions, and progress complex investigations to resolution under limited supervision.
• Communication: Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities; demonstrated ability to accurately and succinctly discuss cases or issues with internal and external parties; ability to provide testimony in litigation when required.
• Analytical Capability: Advanced 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: Advanced ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders; contribute to and build productive working relationships 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: Advanced ability to identify, prioritize, and escalate risk; recognize priority matters and proactively identify emerging trends, threats, and regulatory issues.
• Mentorship & Guidance: Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor less experienced staff; contribute to training activities and staff development.
• Initiative & Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision; proactively identify needs and opportunities; adapt effectively in uncertain and fast-paced conditions.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment with defined in-person presence requirements.
• Extended hours and some travel may be required.