Principal Investigator

FINRA; Port Reading (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

FINRA is seeking a Principal Investigator to independently conduct high-risk investigations across misconduct areas. You will develop strategies, gather evidence, and produce comprehensive findings to support regulatory outcomes.

Under limited supervision, you will handle complex matters with multiple respondents, collaborate with Enforcement and cross-functional partners, and mentor junior investigators while contributing to regulatory initiatives and analytics development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field; MBA/JD or cert preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in securities, financial services, or financial regulation with regulatory knowledge.
• Experience conducting enforcement-oriented, regulatory, or financial investigations of varying complexity.
• Experience contributing to team projects, training, or initiatives in an investigative 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Conduct Complex Investigations — Independently lead and conduct investigations of high risk and complexity, including multiple respondents and products; develop risk-based strategies.
• Develop Complete & Accurate Factual Records — Gather evidence through document review, data analysis, and testimony; ensure findings are thorough and clearly documented.
• Perform Advanced Data Analysis — Use established methodologies to analyze data and explain findings, exceptions, or assumptions.
• Collaborate with Enforcement & Cross-Functional Partners — Work with Enforcement attorneys to build factual records within legal frameworks.
• Document & Communicate Findings — Prepare clear investigative summaries and reports; provide testimony when required.
• Identify & Escalate Emerging Risks — Identify trends and regulatory risks; adjust priorities and propose solutions.
• Serve as a Knowledge Resource — Advise fellow investigators and staff on methodologies and best practices.
• Mentor and Support Staff — Guide less experienced investigators and review work.
• Contribute to Initiatives — Lead special projects and development of analytics/tools; support program strategy.
• Represent FINRA Professionally — Engage with member firms, regulators, and stakeholders; participate in education activities.

Skills

Investigation skills

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics/Business Administration or related field

MBA or JD preferred

Professional certification (CFE/ACAMS/CPA) preferred

Job description

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; elevate 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