Director of Risk & Trends Surveillance

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities** + Leads the development and execution of enterprise-wide risk assessments focused on prioritized risk topics, identifying emerging risks and recommending mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives.

+ Synthesizes complex data from surveillance, compliance, and operational sources to produce actionable insights that inform risk mitigation and strategic decision-making.

+ Collaborates cross-functionally with business units, compliance, legal, and operations to ensure risk assessment findings are integrated into business processes and controls.

+ Designs and maintains a risk taxonomy and risk register to ensure consistent identification, classification, and tracking of firm-wide risks.

+ Develops and presents risk trend analyses and dashboards to senior leadership, highlighting key risk indicators (KRIs), root causes, and potential impact to the firm.

+ Monitors internal and external risk environments, including regulatory developments, industry trends, and competitor actions, to proactively adjust risk strategies.

+ Oversees the documentation and communication of risk mitigation plans, ensuring accountability and timely execution across impacted departments.

+ Partners with internal audit, testing, oversight and monitoring and compliance teams to align risk assessments with audit findings and regulatory expectations.

+ Evaluates the effectiveness of existing risk controls and recommends enhancements to improve resilience and reduce exposure.

+ Champions the use of advanced analytics, automation, and technology to enhance risk detection and reporting capabilities.

+ Performs human resource management activities including identifying performance problems, approving recommendations for remedial action, evaluating performance, and interviewing and selecting staff.

+ Plans, assigns, monitors, reviews, evaluates, and leads the work of others.

+ Develops and maintains compliance programs, systems, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and self-regulatory regulations.

Minimizes the firm's risk exposure while balancing business concerns.

+ Coordinates the preparation and submission of regulatory filings and maintains required compliance documents.

+ Coaches and mentors subordinates, identifies training needs and recommends appropriate development programs.

+ Maintains the required compliance systems for the firm while fostering positive business relationships with department associates and branch associates/affiliates.

+ Serves as the primary liaison between the organization and industry regulators by responding to inquiries, audits, complaints, and investigations.

+ May serve as a liaison between the organization and industry committees such as SIA, FSI, and the FINRA.

+ Reviews compliance and risk management controls and recommends appropriate changes, as required.

+ Serves as a subject matter expert on compliance issues by maintaining proficient knowledge of applicable compliance statutory regulations and interpretations.

+ Continually evaluates the department structure and strategic plan, considering future growth.

Promotes overall efficiency while maintaining a commitment to compliance standards and excellent service.

+ Ensures processes and procedures support efficient and timely workflow.

+ Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities** **Advanced knowledge of:** + Risk assessment frameworks and methodologies (e.g., COSO ERM, ISO 31000) used to evaluate and mitigate operational, regulatory, and reputational risks.

+ Quantitative and qualitative risk analysis techniques, including root cause analysis, scenario modeling, and trend forecasting.

+ Data analytics tools and platforms (e.g., SQL, Qlik Sense, SmartSheet) for synthesizing surveillance data and identifying risk patterns.

+ Key risk indicators (KRIs), risk appetite statements, and risk tolerance thresholds used in financial services firms.

+ Regulatory expectations related to risk governance and oversight (e.g., FINRA Rule 3110, SEC Risk Alerts, Reg BI, DOL fiduciary standards). + Internal control design and testing strategies, including integration with compliance monitoring and audit functions.

+ Risk reporting and escalation protocols for senior leadership and governance committees.

+ Emerging risks in the financial services industry, including conduct risk, third-party dependencies, regulatory change, reputational exposure, and evolving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, with a focus on proactive identification and mitigation strategies.

+ Cross-functional collaboration strategies to embed risk mitigation into business operations and strategic planning.

+ Surveillance and exception reporting systems used to detect anomalies and potential misconduct.

+ Change management and business continuity planning as they relate to risk mitigation and resilience.

+ Knowledge of investment and compliance concepts, practices, and procedures used in the securities industry.

+ Rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC); Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA); and state securities regulatory agencies.

**Advanced skill in:** + Administering regulatory notifications, filings, and documentation with precision and timeliness.

+ Planning, prioritizing, and coordinating work to meet organizational goals and evolving regulatory requirements.

+ Investigating compliance issues, anomalies, and irregularities using structured methodologies and sound judgment.

+ Applying rule-based and analytical decision-making to assess risk and ensure regulatory alignment.

+ Designing and executing effective compliance monitoring procedures, controls, and testing strategies.

+ Communicating complex information clearly and professionally across diverse internal and external audiences.

+ Preparing high-quality written and verbal reports, presentations, and executive summaries.

+ Leading and managing projects of varying scope and duration, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder alignment.

+ Utilizing office productivity tools and analytics platforms to produce reports, dashboards, and data-driven insights.

**Ability to:** + Work under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently, manage delegated responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities.

+ Maintain attention to detail while applying a strategic, big-picture perspective to risk and compliance initiatives.

+ Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, across all organizational levels to drive alignment and accomplish objectives.

+ Establish and communicate clear directions, priorities, and expectations to teams and stakeholders.

+ Gather, analyze, and synthesize data to identify linkages, trends, and emerging risks, and apply findings to operational and strategic decision-making.

+ Maintain up-to-date knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations relevant to compliance and risk management in assigned functional areas.

+ Plan, assign, monitor, review, and lead the work of others, while coaching and mentoring team members to build analytical and compliance capabilities.

+ Manage associates across various functions and levels, including technical, professional, and supervisory roles.

+ Work independently and collaboratively to resolve complex problems and implement risk mitigation strategies.

+ Translate risk assessment findings into actionable recommendations and influence business units to adopt appropriate controls.

+ Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to embed risk awareness and mitigation into business processes.

+ Present risk trends, assessments, and mitigation strategies to senior leadership and governance committees in a clear and compelling manner.

**Educational/Previous Experience Requirements** + Bachelor's Degree (B.A./B.S.) in a related discipline required with a Master's degree preferred.

Minimum of ten (10) years of Compliance, Legal, Banking and/or regulatory experience in the financial services industry.

+ Minimum five (5) years management experience within the financial services industry.

~or~ + Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.

**Licenses/Certifications** + None Required.

+ Additional licenses/certifications demonstrating the candidate's knowledge/expertise in industry regulation and concepts preferred.