Head of Compliance

We are seeking a Compliance and BSA/AML Officer to oversee and enhance our enterprise compliance framework as we scale. The Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring Grad Bridge’s lending operations, partnerships, and data practices meet all federal and state regulatory requirements, including those governing consumer lending, data privacy, and fair lending practices.

Grad Bridge is an innovative fintech redefining access to higher education financing. Backed by $20 million in Series A funding led by Acorn Investment Partners, a portfolio company of funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, we’re building a first‑of‑its‑kind platform that helps qualified students who fall just below traditional approval cutoffs secure the funding they need to finish their degrees. With national reach and plans to open our Delaware headquarters in 2026, we’re growing a mission‑driven team to shape the future of student lending.

Compliance Officer /Head of Compliance/BSA Officer

Location: Hybrid (Greater Wilmington, DE area)

Reports To: TBD

We are seeking a Compliance and BSA/AML Officer to oversee and enhance our enterprise compliance framework as we scale. The Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring Grad Bridge’s lending operations, partnerships, and data practices meet all federal and state regulatory requirements, including those governing consumer lending, data privacy, and fair lending practices.

Position Summary

The Compliance Officer will design, implement, and maintain Grad Bridge’s compliance management system (CMS), ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. This leader will advise senior management and the Board on compliance risks, partner with product and operations teams to embed compliance into business processes, and represent the company before regulatory and audit bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Oversight & Program Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Compliance Management System (CMS) aligned with FFIEC and CFPB standards and industry best practices.
• Administer and maintain all aspects of the BSA/AML program, including as it relates to the Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC, USA Patriot Act, Anti‑Money Laundering, and Customer Identification Program.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state consumer protection laws and monitor and interpret regulatory developments including, but not limited to student lending, consumer finance, UDAAP, ECOA, FCRA, TILA, FDCPA, GLBA, BSA/AML/OFAC, CAN‑SPAM, EFTA, E‑SIGN, SCRA, TCPA, and state licensing requirements.
• Oversee compliance testing, monitoring, and audit remediation efforts.
• Policy Development & Governance
• Draft and maintain compliance and BSA/AML policies and procedures across all business lines.
• Conduct regular compliance and BSA/AML risk assessments and report compliance status and findings to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Lead the annual compliance training program for all employees and ensure completion.

Licensing & Regulatory Interaction

• Manage and maintain state lending licenses and ensure timely renewals and filings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators and state licensing authorities.
• Prepare and coordinate responses to regulatory inquiries, exams, or audits.
• Oversee fair lending and UDAAP compliance programs, including risk assessments and periodic testing.
• Ensure compliance with GLBA, CCPA/CPRA, and other applicable data privacy laws.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Legal, Product, Operations, and Technology teams to embed compliance into product design, underwriting, and customer experience.
• Advise on new initiatives, marketing, vendor partnerships, and product launches from a compliance perspective.
• Collaborate with origination and servicing vendors to monitor compliance and act as the primary escalation point for regulatory topics.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; JD, MBA, or related advanced degree preferred.
• CRCM, CAMS, or similar professional certification preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10+ years in consumer financial services compliance and BSA/AML compliance, including at least 5 years…