VP, Compliance

As Trellis Financial prepares to bring a new fixed indexed annuity carrier to market, compliance is not a function we are bolting on after the fact. It is part of how the company is being built. This isn't a maintain-the-status-quo position. We're looking for someone energized by the chance to design a suitability and compliance program from the early stages, shaping the standards, workflows, and controls that protect the policyholders who trust us with their retirement, rather than inheriting decades of legacy practice.

The right candidate thrives in a fast-paced, technology-driven, regulated environment where their judgment directly influences the integrity of the business and the experience of the producers and distribution partners who place business with us.

If you're the kind of compliance leader who wants a seat at the table, not just a sign-off at the end of the process, this is your opportunity.

The VP of Compliance will support the launch and ongoing operation of a U.S. suitability and compliance function for a new fixed indexed annuity carrier preparing to launch in 49 states and the District of Columbia (excluding New York). The role will support the design, structure, workflow, execution, and reporting of Trellis's regulatory compliance program tailored to fixed and fixed indexed annuity products.

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this is a leadership position for a candidate with deep annuity and compliance knowledge, ideally in fixed and fixed indexed annuities, operating as a senior individual contributor.

• Support the ongoing maturing of Trellis's regulatory compliance program to ensure adherence to newer and evolving state and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to fixed and fixed indexed annuities.
• Monitor, interpret, and implement regulatory requirements related to fixed indexed annuity products and services to ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal laws.
• Implement and maintain compliance programs, governance practices, and risk management processes aligned with state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Provide input to Trellis's annuity distribution market conduct program and represent Trellis on industry groups so the company stays current on issues impacting the fixed and fixed indexed annuity industry.
• Support compliance monitoring, assessments, and internal control activities to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Independently manage department-specific projects and support broader cross-functional initiatives impacting the Trellis annuity business.

• Support the launch and operation of Trellis's suitability and compliance function for our fixed indexed annuity program, including supporting the suitability program's design, structure, workflow, execution, and reporting.
• Make and oversee suitability decisions as a senior individual contributor, in accordance with the NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation, applicable state-adopted versions, other federal laws and regulations, and Trellis organizational standards and guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies and procedures as well as state and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to the annuity suitability review process.
• Manage suitability workflows to ensure suitability reviews are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with Trellis service‑level standards.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries in respect of the suitability program, including from producers, distribution partners, and regulators.
• Oversee the third‑party suitability consultant relationship, partnering with the consultant on case review, calibration, and program design as Trellis's suitability program matures.
• Identify reviews appropriate for escalation and engage directly with distribution partners, where required, to resolve escalated suitability matters.

• Serve as a compliance partner to Trellis Operations, Distribution, Product, Actuarial, and Finance leadership, helping balance business objectives with regulatory and compliance expectations.
• Partner closely with the Chief Legal…