Director, Investigations Operations
Circle is a pioneering finance technology firm positioned at the forefront of the developing Internet of money, revolutionizing global digital value transactions. The company's innovative platform facilitates instant and cost-effective movement of value on a global scale. This transformative internet layer enables unprecedented opportunities for enhanced payments, commerce, and market accessibility, fostering global economic advancement and inclusivity. Alongside our key infrastructure like USDC, a blockchain-based dollar, Circle empowers businesses, institutions, and developers to leverage these advancements and seize the pivotal moment in the merging realms of money and technology.
Your Role:
As an essential member of Circle, you will be involved in a dynamic, remote work environment characterized by adaptability, collaboration, and innovation. Embodying our core company values of Multistakeholder, Mindfulness, Driven by Excellence, and High Integrity, you will contribute towards the organization's growth and penetration into robust jurisdictions, driven by a spirit of speed, efficiency, and teamwork.
Key Responsibilities:
Circle is currently seeking a seasoned leader to helm the Global Investigations Operations team. In this role, you will be tasked with overseeing all aspects of financial crimes investigations operations, supervising a team of specialized investigators, and managing the relevant transaction monitoring workflows and escalation protocols. The team's duties encompass the review of all transaction monitoring and blockchain alerts, investigation of suspicious activities, and submission of Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) across various jurisdictions where Circle operates.
Your role will entail close collaboration with various stakeholder departments, Compliance, Legal, Data Science, and Enterprise Risk Management, to ensure the seamless and high-standard functioning of the investigations control environment. The ideal candidate will showcase robust investigative prowess, operational design and implementation experience focused on outcomes, and adaptive change management skills.
Key Focus Areas:
- Develop and execute the Investigations Operations program strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and Circle's risk standards comprehensively.
- Manage the alert review, investigation, and SAR filing processes for all of Circle's global entities.
- Lead global investigative teams to uphold the highest investigative standards throughout operations.
- Provide in-depth investigative analysis, decision support, and critical assessment of case recommendations.
- Collaborate closely with the Financial Crimes Compliance team to reinforce Circle's FCC programs, ensuring consistency across geographies while adhering to local regulatory mandates and promoting an optimal customer experience.
- Play a key role in optimizing transaction monitoring rulesets to cover relevant financial crime typologies effectively and enhance review efficiency.
- Establish and uphold policies, procedures, and processes aligned with internal, legal, and regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance.
- Monitor and analyze trends in alert data for suspicious behavior, making program adjustments to address emerging risks proactively.
- Develop, monitor, and report on a set of KPIs/KRIs for various internal forums, including Executive Leadership and Board-level reporting.
- Stay abreast of regulatory, compliance, and enforcement dynamics within the cryptocurrency sector to ensure ongoing alignment of the control environment.
- Foster a culture of compliance and operational excellence within the investigations teams and engage with regulators, examiners, and auditors reviewing the Compliance program.
What You Bring to Circle:
- More than 12 years of relevant experience in AML/CTF transaction monitoring or related investigative roles, with over 5 years in team management.
- Compliance background in banking, consulting, or cryptocurrency sector required; familiarity with RegTech or Fintech sectors preferred.
- Superior investigative capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to navigate complex issues adeptly, coordinate research and analysis, interpret data fluently, conduct analysis, and synthesize insights.
- Strong operational focus and experience leading large, global teams.
- Profound understanding of payment methods and transaction types, including correspondent banking and merchant acquiring.
- Extensive experience with blockchain analytics tools, such as TRM Labs, Chainalysis, Elliptic, etc.
- Thorough knowledge of SAR filing regulations in the US and globally.
- Excellent communication skills for translating complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences effectively.
- Proven ability to manage complex cross-enterprise projects with multiple work streams and stakeholders.
- Broad expertise in financial crime typologies and risks with insights on developing detection methods to mitigate risks effectively.
- Collaborative work approach with a demonstrated ability to drive results across various stakeholder groups.
- A proactive, results-driven mindset coupled with strategic thinking and initiative to navigate evolving industry landscapes.
- Comfort with rapid industry changes and a willingness to respond flexibly to shifting demands.
- CAMS, CFCS, or CFE certification would be advantageous.
- Familiarity with Slack, Apple MacOS, and GSuite platforms.
Additional Information:
- Eligibility for day-one PERM sponsorship available for qualified candidates.
Adjustments to stated pay result from considerations such as relevant expertise, skills, qualifications, and organizational needs. Compensation may vary for candidates based in different locations.
Base Pay Range: $190,000-$242,500
Annual Bonus Target: 20%
Additional Perks: Equity & Benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). Circle adopts a discretionary vacation policy with 10 days of paid sick leave and 11 paid holidays annually in the U.S.
Circle is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity and inclusive practices within the organization, maintaining neutrality towards race, religion, nationality, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. The company also participates in the E-Verify Program in certain regions as legally required.
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