Head of North American Compliance (NY)

About the Role

KBRA Holdings, LLC is seeking a Head of North American Compliance to serve as its Designated Compliance Officer within its Compliance Department. This role is based in New York and focuses on KBRA’s activities in North America, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) regulated by the SEC.

The Compliance Department is a key control function responsible for regulatory compliance, reporting, examinations, and providing compliance guidance across the organization. This role reports to the Global Head of Compliance and has a reporting line to KBRA’s Board of Managers.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Framework: Advise internal stakeholders on NRSRO regulatory requirements, monitor updates, and ensure compliance policies align with day-to-day activities.
• Internal Controls: Review, refine, and strengthen compliance internal controls, collaborating with other control functions to implement improvements.
• Compliance Program: Assess and enhance KBRA’s compliance program to ensure it meets regulatory requirements for NRSROs.
• Policies and Procedures: Refine and maintain KBRA’s compliance policies and procedures, ensuring usability, accuracy, and accessibility.
• Supervising Monitoring Duties: Oversee KBRA’s internal control monitoring program, develop monitoring plans, and identify additional areas for oversight.
• Regulatory Reporting: Manage and submit regulatory reports (e.g., Form NRSRO, Form 25-101F) in North America, develop affirmation systems, and collaborate with the Technology team on reporting guidance.
• Regulatory Examination Management: Manage interactions with regulators (e.g., SEC OCR, Ontario Securities Commission), prepare responses to inquiries, and maintain constructive relationships.
• Management of Compliance Staff: Lead US-based compliance staff, address staffing needs, and foster professional growth and development.
• Management and Board Reporting: Develop periodic and ad-hoc reports for KBRA’s management and Board on compliance issues and program effectiveness.

Requirements

• JD or equivalent degree.
• At least 10 years of relevant compliance experience, with a focus on SEC regulations, particularly for credit rating agencies.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and refining policies and procedures.
• Proven success in managing teams and large projects in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a detail-oriented and analytical approach.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently while engaging stakeholders.
• Familiarity with securities laws and experience working in compliance for NRSROs or similar regulated entities.
• Familiarity with Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) for research and productivity is a plus.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays in the office).
• Competitive benefits and paid time off.
• Paid family and disability leave.
• 401(k) plan with employer match (100% vested).
• Educational and professional development financial assistance.
• Employee referral bonus program.

Pay

The anticipated annual base salary range for this full-time position is $250,000 to $300,000. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, skills, and geography.