Director, Wealth Management Compliance

At Schwab, you’re empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us “challenge the status quo” and transform the finance industry together.

In Compliance, we help our business partners achieve their strategic priorities by promoting principles and practices that build client trust and safeguard the integrity of the firm.  The Compliance Department advises on applicable federal and state rules and regulations, supervisory systems, and policies and procedures; liaises with regulators; provides guidance on communications with the public; conducts surveillance and investigations to monitor for compliance with firm policies and procedures; processes and maintains firm and employee registrations; and, performs a variety of other compliance functions.

In this individual contributor role, you will join a dynamic team that collaboratively partners with members of Wealth and Asset Management Compliance and a variety of internal stakeholders to support the growth and expansion of Schwab’s wealth management business.  You will focus on: (a) strategic initiatives related to the investment advisory activities of Schwab, a dual-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, and Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc., (SWAI), a registered investment adviser; (b) providing thought leadership and compliance guidance to associates and leaders responsible for a number of Schwab’s advisory offers and products, including a third party adviser referral network, specialized wealth partnerships, wrap programs, model portfolio platform, and SWAI’s portfolio transition services; and (c) maintaining and continually evolving the investment adviser compliance programs for Schwab and SWAI.

The work is dynamic, and success is achieved through: (i) strong collaboration and the ability to foster meaningful and deep relationships across the enterprise; (ii) prioritizing and timely addressing numerous efforts simultaneously; (iii) a growth mindset and adaptability; (iv) a desire to create innovative solutions that benefit our clients and the firm; and, (v) serving as a resource and mentor for other members of the Wealth and Asset Management Compliance team.  If you exhibit these qualities, possess an aptitude for continual learning, and want to be an instrumental partner focused on advancing Schwab’s wealth management business, we encourage you to apply.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Utilize broad and deep knowledge to provide high caliber compliance advice and guidance on a variety of topics associated with Schwab’s wealth management business

• Influence and strategically guide compliance, regulatory, and business initiatives associated with Schwab’s advisory programs, recommending creative solutions that advance the business

• Execute compliance monitoring activities for adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies

• Partner with the adviser Chief Compliance Officers to ensure comprehensive and robust compliance programs for SWAI and Schwab, identifying opportunities for enhancement and increased efficiency

• Identify, investigate, and assist in the resolution of potential compliance issues, including those that are the most complex and ambiguous

• Interpret and assess laws, rules, and regulations affecting the operation of the wealth management organization

• Review adviser disclosure documents (e.g. Form ADV) and marketing collateral

• As needed, support and participate in internal audits, risk assessments, and relevant regulatory exams

• Contribute to additional projects and tasks based on business and Compliance needs

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Relevant Education and Work Experience

• 10+ years of direct wealth management compliance, risk, and/or audit experience with broad and deep knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and relevant federal and state securities laws, rules, and regulations  

• Experience providing advice and guidance to registered investment advisers and wrap fee program sponsors, with expertise in managing compliance risk effectively

• Previous involvement in strategic initiatives and significant projects, including those involving senior leaders across an enterprise

• Other relevant wealth management experience may be considered

Skills

• Exceptional at analyzing and creatively solving ambiguous and complex matters with an understanding of how those solutions impact the broader ecosystem

• Excel at developing strong and meaningful networks and partnerships across the organization, establishing trust and confidence with a diverse group of stakeholders

• Adept at influencing outcomes, thinking strategically, and proactively taking initiative

• Comfortable working independently and as a member of a geographically dispersed team

• Highly organized and meticulous, collaborative, and excited to continually learn in a dynamic and growing organization

• Change leader with a positive attitude and forward-thinking approach

• Superb writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills that are effective with a variety of audiences

• Outstanding judgment, strong work ethic, thought leadership, and unwavering integrity

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, with advanced degree or education viewed favorably

• Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP®) designation or FINRA Series 65 or 66 licenses a plus

• Knowledge of ERISA, relevant tax laws, FINRA rules, and Regulation Best Interest

• Experience participating in, and presenting to, internal governance committees

• Strong understanding of Schwab’s product landscape, including product creation and distribution channels