Head of Risk Strategy & Transformation

Nasdaq; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 274,000; Full time

Job summary

Nasdaq is seeking the Head of Risk Strategy & Transformation in New York to shape Nasdaq's enterprise risk approach and drive modernization across the risk function. This high-impact role requires influencing without direct reports and partnering with CRO and risk leads across the enterprise.

You will lead strategic risk initiatives leveraging AI, automation, and analytics, while advancing a multi-year transformation roadmap in a hybrid, in-office setting in New York.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in risk management within financial services, capital markets, fintech, or exchange/market infrastructure.
• Deep expertise in risk management frameworks, methodologies, and governance.
• Proven track record of delivering results through influence in a matrixed environment without direct reports.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities with the ability to translate complex risk concepts into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage with C-suite executives, regulators, and cross-functional leaders.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business Administration, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop, articulate, and drive execution of Nasdaq's enterprise-wide risk strategy in partnership with the CRO and senior risk leaders.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities from evolving technologies, market dynamics, and regulatory developments, translating them into strategic priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CRO on risk operating model evolution and long-term positioning of the risk function.
• Create and maintain a multi-year risk transformation roadmap aligned with Nasdaq's corporate strategy.
• Design and champion new ways of working to enhance risk assessment accuracy, efficiency, and speed-to-insight.
• Stay at the forefront of risk technology, AI/ML in risk management, and RegTech.
• Partner with enterprise, financial, technology, and division risk leads to ensure alignment and adoption of transformation initiatives.
• Influence senior leadership through structured analysis, compelling narratives, and demonstrated expertise.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical capabilities

Executive communication

Influence in matrixed org

Change agent

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Risk/Business

Master's degree (MBA/MS) preferred

Job description

The Head of Risk Strategy & Transformation is a newly created, high-impact individual contributor role within Group Risk Management (GRM), reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer. This role is responsible for shaping and driving Nasdaq's overall risk strategy and leading transformation initiatives that modernize how the risk organization operates.

This individual will serve as a strategic thought partner to the CRO and a challenger to legacy ways of working within the risk function. They will partner closely with enterprise, financial, technology, and division (business) risk leads to identify, design, and implement forward-looking risk capabilities—leveraging AI, automation, and advanced analytics to re-engineer risk processes and enhance the organization's ability to manage risk in an evolving landscape.

This is not a people management role. Success in this position requires exceptional influence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to drive results through collaboration, credibility, and strategic vision across a matrixed organization.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Strategy

• Develop, articulate, and drive execution of Nasdaq's enterprise-wide risk strategy in partnership with the CRO and senior risk leaders.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities presented by evolving technologies, market dynamics, and regulatory developments, and translate them into strategic priorities for the risk organization.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CRO on risk operating model evolution, organizational capabilities, and long-term positioning of the risk function.
• Create and maintain a multi-year risk transformation roadmap aligned with Nasdaq's corporate strategy.

Transformation & Innovation

• Act as a challenger and disruptor to the status quo—critically evaluating existing risk processes, frameworks, and tools to identify opportunities for re-engineering and modernization.
• Design and champion new ways of working that enhance risk assessment accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and speed-to-insight.
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends in risk technology, AI/ML applications in risk management, and regulatory technology (RegTech).

Cross-Functional Partnership & Influence

• Partner with enterprise risk, financial risk, technology risk, and business/division risk leads to ensure transformation initiatives are aligned, coordinated, and adopted across the function.
• Influence decision-making at the senior leadership level through well-structured analysis, compelling narratives, and demonstrated expertise.
• Act as a change agent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation within Group Risk Management.

Qualifications

Required

• 12+ years of experience in risk management within financial services, capital markets, financial technology, or exchange/market infrastructure organizations.
• Deep expertise in risk management frameworks, methodologies, and governance (e.g., enterprise risk, operational risk, financial risk, technology risk).
• Proven track record of achieving results through influence in a matrixed environment without direct reports—building consensus, driving adoption, and delivering outcomes across organizational boundaries.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities with the ability to translate complex risk concepts into actionable strategies and executive-level communications.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage credibly with C-suite executives, regulators, and cross-functional leaders.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred

• Master's degree (MBA, MS in Risk Management, or related advanced degree).
• Professional certifications such as FRM, PRM, CFA, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations around AI governance, model risk management, and emerging technology risk.
• Experience operating within a publicly traded, global technology or financial services company.
• Knowledge of capital markets, clearing, exchange operations, or market surveillance risk domains.
• Experience leading risk process re-engineering, transformation, or modernization initiatives leveraging technology, AI/ML, or automation.

This position will be based in New York, NY, USA and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement at least three days a week in-office, subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualified candidates.

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities are valued and celebrated.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.

What We Offer

We’re proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq’s overall success.

The base pay range for this role is $148,000 - $274,000. In addition to base salary, Nasdaq provides a generous annual bonus/commission (short-term incentive), and equity (long-term incentive), comprehensive benefits, and opportunity for growth. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, business needs and market demands.

Nasdaq’s programs and rewards are intended to allow our employees to:

• Secure Wealth: 401(k) program with 6% employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, Student loan repayment program up to $10k, Company paid life and disability plans, Generous paid time off
• Prioritize Health: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, Health spending account with employer contribution, Paid flex days to support mental wellbeing, Gym membership discounts
• Care for Family: Hybrid home/office schedule (for most positions), Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits, Paid bereavement leave
• Connect with Community: Company gift matching program, Employee resource groups, Paid volunteer days
• Grow Career: Education Assistance Program, Robust job skills training and Professional development opportunities

For more information, visit Nasdaq Benefits & Rewards Career page.