Executive Vice President of Compliance

Job Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Remote)
Industry: Financial Services – Broker-Dealer
Location: New York City (relocation assistance & sign-on bonus available for exceptional candidates outside the tri-state area)
Client: Confidential (Self-Clearing Proprietary Trading Firm)

About the Opportunity

A dynamic, self-clearing broker-dealer—powered by an internal trading desk and proprietary systems—has re-engaged Axe Recruiting to lead the search for an Executive Vice President of Compliance (formerly “Deputy CCO”). In this strategic role, you will:

• Architect and future-proof the firm’s compliance infrastructure across FINRA, SEC, and relevant state regulations

• Oversee both the policy & program management team and the surveillance function (including high-frequency trading alerts such as spoofing and layering)

• Serve as the primary liaison for regulatory exams, audits, and any enforcement actions

• Partner with Legal, Operations, Trading, and Executive Leadership to embed compliance as a strategic enabler

This is a rare opening to step into a senior leadership role—with the potential to succeed the incumbent CCO—and directly shape a best-in-class compliance program within a high-velocity equities trading environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Design, implement, and continuously refine the broker-dealer compliance program and e-surveillance framework, ensuring agility as regulations evolve.

• Regulatory Engagement: Lead all interactions with FINRA, SEC, and state regulators—preparing for and responding to audits, examinations, and enforcement inquiries.

• Surveillance Oversight: Supervise the trade surveillance and market surveillance teams; establish alert thresholds for complex strategies (e.g., spoofing, layering) in Trillium or NASDAQ Smarts.

• Policy Management: Maintain, test, and update internal policies and procedures; drive timely remediation of any findings.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Trading, Operations, Legal, and Technology to ensure consistent compliance controls across front, middle, and back-office functions.

• Risk Initiatives & Investigations: Lead internal investigations, issue escalation, and enforcement of policy violations.

• Talent Development: Mentor and develop junior compliance and surveillance professionals—identifying high-potential candidates (including former traders) and training them in compliance systems and processes.

Requirements

Education & Licenses

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or related discipline

• Active Series 7 and Series 24 licenses required

Experience

• 7–10+ years in compliance leadership within a broker-dealer or comparable regulated entity

• Demonstrable expertise in equities trading compliance—ideally in high-frequency environments

• Proven track record managing regulatory exams, audits, and enforcement responses

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with trade surveillance platforms (Trillium preferred; NASDAQ Smarts, NICE Actimize, or similar acceptable)

• Strong proficiency in policy development, risk frameworks, and internal control testing

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional analytical thinking and attention to detail

• Ability to articulate complex regulatory requirements to senior executives and front-line teams

• Track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing compliance staff

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: Flexible $170,000 – $300,000 USD (sweet spot $200,000 – $250,000, commensurate with experience and internal equity)

• Bonus Structure:

  • Performance-Based Bonus: ~10–20% of base salary

  • Long-Term Incentive Bonus: increases with tenure (typically adding 5–10% over 2–4 years)

• Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; Generous PTO; flexible hybrid schedule

• Relocation & Sign-On Bonus: Available for exceptional candidates outside the tri-state area

Why This Role?

• Strategic Impact: Lead a flagship compliance transformation, with direct visibility to the CEO and Board.

• Career Trajectory: Opportunity to assume the CCO mantle over time—designing and scaling a program that underpins a best-in-class trading franchise.

• Culture & Challenge: Join a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where compliance is valued as a business enabler, not just a cost center.

How to Apply

For confidential consideration, please submit your résumé and a brief note outlining your broker-dealer compliance leadership experience to:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.axerecruiting.com

Regulatory Framework Resource

For an overview of the regulatory framework, visit: https://www.sec.gov/divisions/tradingmarkets.shtml