Director, Investigations Operations
Circle is a dynamic financial technology company operating in the realm of the emerging internet of money, enabling the seamless global transfer of value akin to digital data. Our innovative internet layer enhances possibilities for payments, commerce, and markets, aiming to elevate global economic prosperity and foster inclusion. Through our infrastructure, such as USDC, a blockchain-based dollar, we empower businesses, institutions, and developers to leverage these advances and seize the opportunities presented by this transformative juncture in the evolution of money and technology.
What you'll be involved in:
Maintaining transparency and stability is integral to Circle's ethos as we expand our operations globally. Speed and efficiency drive our achievements, and our employees embody our core values of Multistakeholder, Mindfulness, Driven by Excellence, and High Integrity. In our adaptable and diverse work environment that values new ideas and collective success, remote collaboration is key.
Your responsibilities:
Circle seeks an experienced leader to spearhead the Global Investigations Operations team. This role involves overseeing all aspects of financial crimes investigations operations, managing a specialized team of investigators, transaction monitoring workflows, and escalation procedures. The team conducts reviews of transaction monitoring and blockchain alerts, investigates activities, and files Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) in the jurisdictions Circle operates in.
Collaboration with cross-functional partners is essential, as you work closely with Compliance, Legal, Data Science, and Enterprise Risk Management to execute the program's daily functions and ensure the investigations control environment meets the highest standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate robust investigative capabilities, experience in operational design and execution, and a focus on delivering outcomes with agility to adapt to change effectively.
Areas you'll focus on:
- Designing and executing the Investigations Operations program strategy and framework to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and Circle's risk standards.
- Supervising alert review, investigation processes, and SAR filings for various global entities under Circle.
- Leading teams of specialists and investigators, maintaining a commitment to global investigations of the highest quality.
- Providing investigative analysis, decision support, and critical evaluation of case recommendations.
- Collaborating with the Financial Crimes Compliance team to enhance FCC programs and ensure consistency across geographies while accounting for local regulations and customer needs.
- Monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing transaction monitoring rulesets to detect money laundering and terrorist financing risks efficiently.
- Developing, reviewing, and enforcing policies, procedures, and processes to uphold compliance with internal, legal, and regulatory standards.
- Proactively identifying suspicious behavior trends, adjusting programs to mitigate emerging risks.
- Tracking and reporting various KPIs/KRIs to internal stakeholders, including Executive Leadership and the Board.
- Keeping abreast of cryptocurrency industry regulatory developments to maintain a robust control environment.
- Cultivating a culture of compliance and operational excellence within the investigations teams.
- Representing Circle in engagements with regulators, examiners, and auditors reviewing Compliance programs.
Your embodiment of our core values:
- Multistakeholder: Demonstrate dedication to all stakeholders including customers, shareholders, employees, and communities.
- Mindful: Communicate respectfully, actively listen, and pay attention to detail.
- Driven by Excellence: Pursue excellence in all endeavors, demonstrating passion for customer success and goal achievement.
- High Integrity: Maintain high ethical standards in communication and behavior, prioritizing honesty and openness.
Your qualifications:
- Over 12 years of relevant experience in AML/CTF transaction monitoring or related investigative roles, including over 5 years in team management.
- Compliance experience in banking, consulting, or cryptocurrency, preferably with knowledge of RegTech or Fintech.
- Outstanding investigative skills, problem-solving abilities, and data manipulation proficiency.
- Strong operational background with extensive experience leading global teams.
- Proficiency in payment methods, transaction types, and blockchain analytics tools.
- In-depth knowledge of SAR filing requirements in US and global jurisdictions.
- Excellent communication skills to convey complex issues to diverse audiences.
- Ability to manage complex enterprise projects involving multiple stakeholders and work streams.
- Comprehensive understanding of financial crime typologies and risk mitigation strategies.
- Experience fostering collaboration across functions to deliver results.
- Proactive and adaptable mindset in a dynamic industry environment.
- Optional certifications like CAMS, CFCS or CFE and familiarity with relevant tools (e.g., Slack, Apple MacOS, GSuite).
Additional Details:
- This role is eligible for day-one PERM sponsorship for qualified candidates.
Compensation Info:
- Base Pay Range: $190,000-$242,500
- Annual Bonus Target: 20%
- Additional Perks: Equity, Benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k)), discretionary vacation policy, 10 days of paid sick leave per year, and 11 paid holidays per year in the U.S.
Circle is an equal opportunity employer valuing diversity in its workforce. We do not discriminate based on characteristics like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status. As required by law, some locations may participate in the E-Verify Program.
