Model Risk Management Specialist

Model Risk Management Specialist

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Validate and enhance models for transaction monitoring and customer risk assessments in the crypto space.
  • Company: Join Kraken, a leading global crypto platform with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diverse team environment with a commitment to equal opportunity and personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving world of finance while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field and 3+ years in model validation or risk management.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

Building the Future of Open Finance. Payward - the parent company behind Kraken, NinjaTrader, Breakout, xStocks, Payward Services and CF Benchmarks - has spent the last 15 years building one of the most modern and globally accessible financial infrastructure platforms in the industry, built to advance an open, global financial system.

The team founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world's longest-standing crypto platforms, trusted by over 10 million individuals and institutions across the globe. It offers spot trading, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services, with products built for both individual investors and institutional clients.

The opportunity: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Model Risk Management Specialist to join our team, focusing on Transaction Monitoring and Customer Risk Assessments models for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) purposes. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that our Transaction Monitoring, Customer Risk Assessment and Screening models are robust, effective, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

  • Model Validation: perform independent validation of Transaction Monitoring / Customer Risk Assessment / Screening models, AI models (built in Claude or ChatGPT), including but not limited to:
    • Reviewing model pre & post development documentation, data quality, accuracy, access and testing methodologies.
    • Assessing model performance, accuracy, and stability.
    • Evaluating model risk and identifying potential biases.
    • Reviewing AI Models for AML/CFT Program.
  • AML/CFT Regulatory Compliance: ensure that Transaction Monitoring and Customer Risk Assessment models comply with relevant AML/CFT regulations, including but not limited to:
    • EU AML/CFT Directives.
    • US BSA/AML regulations.
    • FATF recommendations.
  • Risk Assessment: conduct risk assessments to identify potential AML/CFT risks associated with Transaction Monitoring and Customer Risk Assessment models, including but not limited to:
    • Identifying higher-risk customer segments, products, and geographies.
    • Assessing the effectiveness of controls and mitigants.
  • Model Monitoring and Maintenance: develop and implement procedures for ongoing model monitoring and maintenance, including but not limited to:
    • Annual reporting & certification.
    • Tracking model performance and identifying degradation.
    • Conducting regular model reviews and updates.
  • Collaboration and Communication: collaborate with various stakeholders, including but not limited to:
    • Model Engineering and owners.
    • AML/CFT subject matter experts.
    • Business units and risk management teams.
  • Documentation and Reporting: prepare and maintain high-quality documentation, including but not limited to:
    • Model validation reports.
    • Risk assessments.
    • Regulatory compliance reports.
  • Methodology Development: contribute to the development and maintenance of model validation methodologies, including but not limited to:
    • Developing and refining model validation frameworks.
    • Identifying best practices and industry standards.

What you bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering).
  • 3+ years of experience in model validation, risk management, or a related field, preferably in AML/CFT.
  • Strong understanding of machine learning and statistical modeling techniques.
  • Deep understanding of fiat and crypto payment flows.
  • Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
  • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
  • Strong understanding of financial markets, products, and services.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to haves:

  • Professional certifications (e.g., FRM, CDA, CAP).
  • Experience with AML/CFT transaction monitoring and Customer Risk Assessment systems.
  • Knowledge of cloud-based technologies.
  • Experience with agile development methodologies.

Unless a specific application deadline is stated in the job posting, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Our commitment: Payward is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate the diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions, and unique perspectives that everyone brings to the table. We hire based on merit, seeking out people with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don't fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you're passionate or knowledgeable about crypto.

We may ask candidates to complete job-related skills or work-style assessments as part of our hiring process. These assessments evaluate competencies relevant to the role and are applied consistently across candidates for similar positions. Results are considered alongside experience and interviews, and are not the sole basis for any employment decision.

As an equal opportunity employer, we don't tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, whether based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Location: Canada; Brazil; Cyprus; Ireland; Poland; Portugal; United Kingdom

Employment Type: Full time

Location Type: Remote

Department: Compliance

Model Risk Management Specialist employer: Kraken

At Kraken, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to innovate and excel. As a Senior AI Safety Engineer, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge projects but also benefit from extensive growth opportunities and mentorship within a collaborative environment. Located in a vibrant tech hub, our team enjoys a flexible work-life balance and access to industry-leading resources, making Kraken an exceptional place to advance your career in AI safety.

K

Contact Details:

Kraken Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Model Risk Management Specialist

Join Compliance Communities

Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.

Leverage Your University Career Services

If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.

Showcase Your Knowledge Online

Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Kraken looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Model Risk Management Specialist

Model Validation
Transaction Monitoring
Customer Risk Assessment
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT)
Data Quality Assessment
Machine Learning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Kraken. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kraken

Master the Regulations

Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!

Show Your Analytical Skills

Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!

Know Your Tools

Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!

Align with Company Culture

Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Kraken’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!