Principal Investigator, Improper Use of Assets

The Principal Investigator is an advanced professional responsible for independently conducting and completing high risk and complex fraud-related investigations that focus on detection, investigation and mitigation of fraud-related trends, typologies, threats and risks within the securities industry related to improper use of firm or customer assets. This role exercises strong independent judgment in developing and executing fraud-related 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 fraud-related 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 fraud-related trends and risks. 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.

Job Description

· Lead and Conduct Complex Investigations — Independently lead and conduct fraud-related 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. Investigations focus on improper use of firm or customer assets, including misappropriation, conversion, unauthorized trading, borrowing and lending to and from customers, forgery and falsification, misuse of firm assets, or fraudulent conversion.

· 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 fraud-related trends, threats, novel issues, and regulatory risks; escalate matters requiring reprioritization and recommend solutions; stay current on rule changes, interpretations, and industry developments.

· Serve as a Knowledge Resource — Serve as a subject matter expert for FINRA on fraud-related trends, typologies, threats and risks within the securities industry that focus on improper use of firm or customer assets, providing expert-level guidance and consultation to teams within investigations, examination, risk monitoring and enforcement. Familiarity with money laundering and cyber threat vectors given the overlap in AML, Fraud and Cyber threats.

· 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. This includes leading or supporting initiatives focused on mitigation of fraud-related typologies, threats and risks within the securities industry that focus on improper use of firm or customer assets.

· 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 furthera