Role Overview for Chief Compliance Officer with a Global Brokerage – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized brokerage firm in their search for a distinguished Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). This executive-level position, based in their strategic Chicago hub, represents a cornerstone of the firm’s leadership team and is critical to its ongoing success and integrity in the complex global financial markets. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with an impeccable track record, responsible for the architecture, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the firm’s comprehensive compliance framework across all business lines.
As the CCO, you will be entrusted with safeguarding the firm’s reputation and ensuring its unwavering adherence to the highest ethical standards and all applicable laws and regulations. You will serve as the principal advisor to the Board of Directors, CEO, and senior management on all compliance-related matters, providing strategic guidance and actionable insights that navigate the intricate and ever-evolving regulatory landscape. This role demands a proactive, forward-thinking individual who can anticipate regulatory trends, assess potential risks, and develop robust, scalable solutions to mitigate them effectively.
You will lead a dedicated team of compliance professionals, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and excellence. Your leadership will be instrumental in not only maintaining regulatory compliance but also in integrating compliance principles seamlessly into the firm’s business strategy, thereby creating a competitive advantage. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of compliance at a dynamic, market-leading organization and drive a best-in-class program that supports sustainable growth and protects the firm and its clients.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Compliance Officer with a Global Brokerage – Chicago, IL
The Chief Compliance Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s compliance program. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership and Program Development
Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive, firm-wide compliance program that effectively prevents, detects, and corrects violations of laws, regulations, and internal policies. Develop and execute a strategic vision for the compliance function that aligns with the firm’s business objectives and risk appetite.
Regulatory Relationship Management
Serve as the primary liaison with all relevant regulatory bodies, including the SEC, CFTC, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Manage regulatory inquiries, examinations, and audits with professionalism and transparency, fostering positive and constructive relationships with regulators.
Policy and Procedure Governance
Oversee the creation, review, and annual update of all compliance policies, procedures, and the firm’s Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs). Ensure all documentation is current, comprehensive, and effectively communicated across the organization.
Advisory and Consultation
Provide expert compliance advice and guidance to business units on new products, services, and strategic initiatives. Act as a trusted advisor to senior management, offering pragmatic solutions to complex regulatory challenges.
Monitoring and Surveillance
Direct the firm’s monitoring and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with trading rules, sales practices, and communication standards. Oversee the enhancement of surveillance technologies and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Oversight
Supervise the firm’s AML program, ensuring robust Know Your Customer (KYC), customer due diligence, and suspicious activity reporting (SAR) protocols are in place and functioning effectively.
Training and Education
Develop and implement a comprehensive, ongoing compliance training program for all employees, including annual compliance meetings and specialized training for specific roles. Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethical behavior throughout the firm.
Risk Assessment and Reporting
Conduct periodic and annual compliance risk assessments to identify, measure, and mitigate potential risks. Prepare and present regular, detailed reports on the status of the compliance program to the CEO, Board of Directors, and relevant committees, including the annual CCO report.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of compliance professionals. Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment. Manage the departmental budget and resource allocation effectively.
Requirements for the Chief Compliance Officer with a Global Brokerage – Chicago, IL
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned compliance professional with extensive experience and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment governing global brokerage operations.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in compliance, legal, or a related field within the financial services industry. At least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CCO, Deputy CCO, Compliance Director) at a major broker-dealer or investment bank is required.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) is strongly preferred.
Licenses and Certifications
FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63/66 licenses are mandatory. Additional certifications such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) are highly desirable.
Regulatory Expertise
Expert-level knowledge of U.S. securities laws and regulations, including the Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and all applicable FINRA and MSRB rules. Familiarity with international regulatory frameworks is a significant plus.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team of professionals. Must possess exceptional executive presence, with the ability to influence and build consensus among senior stakeholders, including the executive team and Board of Directors.
Communication Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills. The ability to distill complex regulatory concepts into clear, concise, and actionable advice for a business audience is essential.
Analytical Acumen
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Must be able to identify key issues, assess risks, and develop effective and practical solutions in a timely manner.
Integrity and Judgment
Unquestionable personal integrity, ethics, and sound judgment. Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus and potential eligibility for a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) or equity participation.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. The package also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and corporate wellness initiatives.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.
Generous Paid Time Off
A substantial paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, personal days, and company-paid holidays, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Parental Leave
A supportive and comprehensive paid parental leave policy for new parents.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your professional growth, with support for continuing education, industry certifications, and attendance at relevant conferences and seminars.
Workplace Perks
A modern and collaborative office environment in a prime Chicago location, with access to various on-site amenities and transportation benefits.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative compliance leader ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role at the helm of a global financial institution, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy.
For more information about roles like this, we invite you to explore our Financial Services & Compliance practice area. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates.
