Risk Officer

About the Role

The Risk Officer is responsible for a wide variety of supervisory, compliance, and risk functions. This role has dual reporting to the Complex Manager and Senior Risk Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Surveillance and Supervision

• Primary responsibility for all risk, supervisory, and compliance functions for respective branch location(s).
• Facilitates any supervisory inquiry or process that requires escalation from the Senior Complex Risk Officer and/or the Regional Risk Officer.
• Focuses on business ethics and regulatory and compliance practices.
• Provides coaching and guidance on policies and procedures to promote risk awareness and a compliant environment.
• Ensures proper procedures are in place for timely and appropriate handling of approvals.

Risk Management/Compliance/Legal

• Monitors and implements procedures to manage all facets of risk, including data security.
• Facilitates regular and consistent communication of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management policies and other regulations.
• Liaises with the Legal and Compliance Division for customer complaints and litigation.
• Ensures appropriate supervisory coverage is maintained at all times, in conjunction with the Complex Manager and Senior Risk Officer.
• Oversees responsibilities outlined in the Branch Supervisory Manual, as well as new policies, to ensure the Complex has procedures in place.
• Supports preparation for and response to audits, and ensures remediation of audit findings.
• Monitors people risk and ensures appropriate action is taken, working with the Complex Manager and Senior Risk Officer.
• Responsible for proactive client contact in determining suitability and managing risk.
• Active involvement with the region regarding matters presented to the Credit Committee.
• Primary source for intelligence on risk regarding clients and Financial Advisors (FAs).

Administrative

• Works closely with the Special Investigation Unit on Human Resources issues related to risk and compliance.
• Facilitates training on Morgan Stanley Wealth Management compliance policies and procedures, together with the Senior Risk Officer.
• Assists in the review and on-boarding of FA recruits.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• SEC knowledge
• FINRA knowledge
• Firm Compliance Policies and Procedures knowledge
• Active Series 7, 8 (or 9 and 10), and 63, 65 (or 66)
• Other licenses as required for the role or by management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent education or experience.
• Previous industry experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and resolve complex problems and escalate as necessary.
• Ability to identify issues and trends to anticipate change and provide comprehensive solutions and remedies.
• Evidence of strong leadership capabilities or previous supervisory experience.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workflow and assignments in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to interact with Financial Advisors and clients.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to be discreet in all matters.
• Strong work ethic.

Reports to

• Senior Risk Officer