Operational Risk, Senior Associate

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Operational Risk, Senior Associate based in the United States.

We are seeking an experienced Operational Risk professional to strengthen and oversee risk management practices within a dynamic, highly regulated financial technology environment. In this role, you will manage key components of the enterprise risk and control framework, ensuring operational risks are consistently identified, assessed, monitored, and addressed. You will collaborate with business, engineering, compliance, and operations teams to conduct risk assessments, evaluate new products and third-party relationships, and improve internal controls. You will also play a critical role in preparing audit documentation, supporting regulatory examinations, and ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards. Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, you will translate complex risk information into actionable insights and recommendations. This is an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of modern financial infrastructure, including blockchain-based solutions, within an innovative and internationally regulated environment.

Accountabilities:

Lead and coordinate Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) with first-line business, operational, and engineering stakeholders, ensuring risks are consistently identified, evaluated, and rated using established severity and likelihood methodologies.
Maintain and continuously improve enterprise-wide process, risk, and control inventories, ensuring documentation remains accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with the organization's operational activities.
Oversee the implementation and execution of the issues management program, identifying control weaknesses, documenting findings, assigning accountable owners, establishing remediation deadlines, and monitoring progress through resolution.
Assess operational risks associated with new products, services, third-party vendors, blockchain integrations, and regulatory developments before implementation or production launch.
Support the development and continuous improvement of the operational risk management framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and recognized industry best practices.
Prepare and coordinate supporting documentation and evidence for internal audits, external audits, and regulatory examinations.
Respond to regulatory examiner requests, provide relevant risk documentation, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate responses.
Design, implement, and conduct independent monitoring and testing activities to evaluate the effectiveness of key operational controls.
Identify emerging operational risk trends, assess potential business impacts, and develop recommendations to strengthen the overall control environment.
Prepare and present risk reports, key risk indicators (KRIs), and significant risk themes to senior leadership and relevant risk committees.
Partner with business, engineering, compliance, and operations teams to promote accountability, strengthen risk awareness, and ensure effective remediation of identified control gaps.
Leverage AI-powered tools and technologies to improve the efficiency of research, documentation, risk analysis, and reporting activities.
Requirements:
5–7 years of professional experience in operational risk management within a financial services institution, regulated financial technology company, consulting firm, or regulatory organization responsible for developing or enforcing operational risk requirements.
Hands-on experience managing Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), maintaining enterprise risk registers, and evaluating risks using established severity and likelihood assessment methodologies.
Strong understanding of operational risk management frameworks, including risk identification, assessment, control design, monitoring, testing, and remediation.
Working knowledge of Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regulatory expectations, Basel operational risk principles, SOC 2 requirements, and third-party risk management guidance.
Demonstrated experience preparing audit documentation and regulatory examination evidence, including the ability to respond directly and effectively to examiner inquiries.
Experience identifying control deficiencies, documenting operational issues, developing remediation plans, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure timely resolution.
Strong understanding of internal controls, enterprise risk management practices, and regulatory compliance requirements within financial services environments.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to evaluate complex operational processes and identify potential risks and control weaknesses.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to produce clear, concise risk assessments, reports, and recommendations.
Proven ability to collaborate with business and engineering stakeholders, build consensus around risk ratings, and secure agreement on appropriate remediation strategies.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple risk assessments, audit requests, and remediation initiatives simultaneously.
Comfortable using AI-powered tools to accelerate research, improve documentation, support analysis, and enhance operational efficiency.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, cross-functional risk management team.
Desirable Qualifications:
Experience designing and implementing independent monitoring and testing programs for operational controls.
Previous experience developing and maintaining enterprise-wide process, risk, and control inventories.
Familiarity with blockchain technology, digital assets, cryptocurrency, or other emerging financial technology environments.
Experience assessing operational risks associated with innovative financial products, technology integrations, and third-party service providers.
Exposure to regulatory examinations and audits within highly regulated financial services or fintech organizations.
Benefits:
Competitive annual base salary ranging from $123,000 to $141,375, depending on skills, qualifications, and professional experience.
Equity compensation, providing an opportunity to participate in the organization's long-term growth.
Performance-based annual bonus, with a target of 10% of annual salary, subject to eligibility and individual and organizational performance.
Comprehensive total rewards and compensation package.
Fully remote working arrangement within the United States.
Opportunity to work at the intersection of financial services, risk management, and blockchain technology.
Exposure to innovative financial infrastructure and digital asset solutions.
Opportunity to collaborate with leading financial institutions and experienced professionals across risk, compliance, engineering, and operations.
Professional growth opportunities within a rapidly evolving and regulated technology environment.