Senior Principal Intelligence Specialist, Emerging Risk Intelligence

FINRA's Strategic Intelligence group sits at the intersection of financial regulation and intelligence tradecraft — translating complex market signals into the actionable insights that drive better, faster regulatory decisions. Within Strategic Intelligence, the Emerging Risk Intelligence Team (ERIT) is a specialized, high-impact function dedicated to identifying and analyzing sales practice and operational risks that are emerging, evolving, or historically under-examined across the securities industry.
As a Senior Principal Intelligence Specialist, you won't just be analyzing risks — you'll be shaping how FINRA understands and responds to them. You'll collaborate across the organization, engage directly with member firms, and partner with law enforcement and government intelligence counterparts to deliver intelligence products that protect investors and safeguard market integrity.
If you're a seasoned intelligence professional who thrives on complexity, brings deep financial markets knowledge, and is energized by mission-driven work, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the U.S. financial system.
What You'll Do
Drive intelligence initiatives by partnering with subject matter experts across FINRA's regulatory programs to identify emerging threats and translate them into strategic insights
Lead end-to-end intelligence work — independently collecting, analyzing, processing, and disseminating intelligence across the full intelligence cycle
Produce high-quality intelligence products — assessments, briefings, thematic analyses, and publications — that turn complex information into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership, regulatory staff, and external stakeholders
Build and manage a robust network of internal and external partners, including member firms, law enforcement agencies, and government intelligence counterparts
Develop and refine intelligence frameworks, collection strategies, and standards that improve the timeliness and quality of intelligence delivery across the enterprise
Champion continuous improvement by independently identifying and implementing meaningful enhancements to intelligence processes, programs, and frameworks
Represent FINRA externally through conference panels, working groups, roundtables, and member firm engagement on intelligence sharing
Educate and empower FINRA staff by contributing to training events, podcasts, workshops, and webinars
What We're Looking For Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Proven knowledge and advanced expertise across the full intelligence cycle — collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination
Demonstrated ability to apply highly advanced analytical and strategic thinking to assess complex risks and threats
Track record of making meaningful, measurable improvements to intelligence processes or products
Highly advanced written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
Highly advanced organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related productivity tools
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Intelligence Studies, Public Policy, Business, or Law
Prior experience at a broker-dealer, financial institution, or government agency/department with an intelligence focus
Strong knowledge of FINRA rules and federal securities laws
Strong knowledge of securities markets and member firm operations
Why FINRA
FINRA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. We operate at the forefront of financial regulation, combining deep industry expertise with a mission that matters. Joining Strategic Intelligence means working alongside professionals who bring backgrounds in government intelligence, law enforcement, financial regulation, and capital markets — all united around a common purpose.
This role supports FINRA Forward, FINRA's initiative to strengthen its regulatory approach and deliver greater value to member firms and the investing public.
Work Conditions:
Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
Extended hours and travel as needed.
For work that is performed in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA, CO, CT, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, WA, DC, NY, NJ, WA please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.
Los Angeles, CA: $140, 000 - $211,000
San Francisco, CA: $147,000 - $220,000
Boston, MA: $131,200 - $238,300
Chicago, IL: $125,900 - $228,000
Denver, CO: $114,200 - $207,200
Jericho, NY: $131,200 - $238,300
Jersey City, NJ: $137,000- $248,700
Philadelphia, PA: $125,900 - $228,000
New York, NY: $137,000 - $248,700
Rockville, MD: $131,200 - $238,300
Tysons, VA: $131,200 - $238,300
Washington, DC: $131,200 - $238,300
Woodbridge, NJ: $131,200 - $238,300
Connecticut State: $114,200 - $248,700
Washington State: $114,200 - $248,700
#LI-Hybrid
To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.
Please note: If the “Apply Now” button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.
Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.
Time Off and Paid Leave*
FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program starting at 15 days of paid time off (increasing with years of service, up to 25 days), 5 personal days, and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.
*Based on full-time schedule
Important Information
FINRA’s Code of Conduct imposes restrictions on employees’ investments and requires financial d