Senior Principal Investigator, Cyber Fraud Unit

The Senior Principal Investigator is an expert-level professional responsible for independently leading and completing FINRA's highest-risk and most complex investigations across assigned misconduct areas. This role exercises expert judgment in developing and executing investigative strategies, identifying regulatory and investor protection risks, and producing comprehensive, well-supported investigative findings that support sound regulatory outcomes. Working under minimal supervision, the Senior Principal Investigator handles matters involving complex fact patterns, novel regulatory issues, multiple respondents, sophisticated financial products and strategies, cyber-enabled misconduct, significant customer harm, heightened litigation risk, and urgent high-risk activity.

The position independently assesses evidence, identifies potential rule violations, evaluates supervisory and compliance failures, and develops investigative approaches to address emerging threats to investors and market integrity.  As a recognized subject matter expert, the Senior Principal Investigator serves as a key resource within Investigations and across FINRA, providing guidance, consultation, and training to staff at all levels while proactively identifying emerging risks, fraud trends, and investigative opportunities.

The role brings specialized expertise in cyber-enabled fraud typologies, including account takeovers, business email compromise, identity-based fraud, ransomware-related extortion, and other cyber threats impacting member firms and investors, applying deep knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, digital forensics, cyber threat actor tactics, and fraud investigation methodologies to independently assess complex incidents.  Leveraging relevant professional certifications such as CFE, ACAMS, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent credentials, the Senior Principal Investigator evaluates member firm cybersecurity controls, supervisory systems, incident response practices, and compliance obligations to identify regulatory deficiencies and investor protection concerns.

The position collaborates extensively with FINRA partners, including Enforcement, Risk and Intelligence, Examinations, and other Regulatory Operations teams, as well as with external regulators, law enforcement agencies, and industry information-sharing organizations, including the SEC, CFTC, Federal Reserve Board, state securities regulators, FBI, and DHS, to stay abreast of evolving fraud and cyber threat trends, inform regulatory strategy, and advance FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.
* ** Lead Complex Investigations** — Independently lead and conduct investigations of the highest risk and complexity, including matters involving complex fact patterns, novel rules, multiple respondents, sophisticated or emerging products, high likelihood of litigation, and urgent high-risk activity; develop and execute effective, risk-based investigative strategies with minimal 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** — Independently conduct advanced data analysis in accordance with well-established methodologies; identify and resolve questions about analytical approaches to ensure consistency; effectively describe analysis, findings, and any exceptions or assumptions; recommend new analytical techniques as appropriate.
* ** Collaborate with Enforcement & Cross-Functional Partners** — Partner with Enforcement attorneys to develop factual records…