Crypto Regulatory Principal, Membership Application Program

Regulatory Principal, MAP Crypto

The Regulatory Principal, MAP Crypto role demonstrates an expert level of competence in identifying risks and developing regulatory strategies for member firm business activities, with emphasis on crypto operations. The role demonstrates expertise in managing applications, crypto trading platforms, market infrastructure, and distinctions between centralized exchanges, DeFi protocols, and traditional securities markets, utilizing advanced knowledge of custody of crypto asset securities, wallet creation, private key management, operational risk controls, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the Regulatory Principal possesses expert-level understanding of distributed ledger technology, smart contracts, tokenization, and various crypto products, including their risk profiles and investor protection considerations. The role ensures the thorough and timely completion of all applications and provides advice to staff and final definitive determinations with regard to decisions concerning their respective area(s) of expertise. This role mentors, shares expertise and advises staff, and works under minimal supervision.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead or participate in and provide guidance and advice with regard to highly complex applications and special projects. This technical mastery relates to possessing an expert level of knowledge of relevant rules, regulations, guidelines and industry practices.
• Identify notable trends in industry practices, products and procedures.
• Ensure regulatory programs serve departmental goals and FINRA's mission in an efficient and effective manner, utilizing critical thinking, interviewing, research and quantitative skills.
• Support MAP management in conducting reviews of staff work product, including reviewing reports and sign-off on the final decision letter.
• Participate in developing and/or delivering training courses for MAP. Proactively identify ideas for in-house training.
• Participate in developing course content and serving as a Subject Matter Expert to the Business Learning & Talent Team on technical accuracy and skill relevancy of training materials and plans.
• Serve as a mentor to junior staff.
• Present subject matter material for FINRA internal programs and external industry events.
• Demonstration of FINRA's values.
• Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Other Responsibilities:

• Serve as a proxy for a MAP management in meetings on firms and/or applications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Major in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics or related field preferred; advanced degree/certifications a plus.
• Minimum eight (8) years of directly relevant experience.
• Expert level of knowledge of business conduct risk and industry practices, securities industry rules, regulations and best practices required. Crypto assets knowledge highly preferred.
• Expert level knowledge of securities products and activities of member firms and the industry.
• Demonstrate an expertise in risk analysis and proactive risk identification. Possess strong analytical skills. Demonstrate a track record in developing appropriate regulatory responses for risks, not just through the exam process.
• Excellent oral and written communications and presentation skills required. Possess excellent time management skills.
• Exemplifies the FINRA Leadership Characteristics and serve as a role model for staff in the department.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
• Work may be at FINRA, member firm premises or at various conferences.
• Overnight travel is required.
• Extended hours are frequently required.
• Work expectations include timely and high-quality productivity.