Model Risk Management Specialist

Payward is the parent company behind Kraken, NinjaTrader, Breakout, xStocks, Payward Services and CF Benchmarks. Kraken, founded in 2011, is one of the world's longest-standing crypto platforms, trusted by over 10 million individuals and institutions globally. The company offers spot trading, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services for individual investors and institutional clients.

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering).
• 3+ years of experience in model validation, risk management or 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 such as Python, R, and SQL.
• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, products, and services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to have:

• 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.

• Perform independent validation of Transaction Monitoring, Customer Risk Assessment, Screening models, and AI models (built in Claude or ChatGPT).
• Review model documentation, data quality, accuracy, access, and testing methodologies.
• Assess model performance, accuracy, stability, and identify potential biases.
• Ensure compliance with EU AML/CFT Directives, US BSA/AML regulations, and FATF recommendations.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify AML/CFT risks, higher-risk segments, products, and geographies.
• Develop and implement procedures for ongoing model monitoring and maintenance, including annual reporting, tracking performance, and conducting reviews.
• Collaborate with Model Engineering, AML/CFT experts, business units, and risk management teams.
• Prepare and maintain documentation such as model validation reports, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance reports.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of model validation methodologies and frameworks.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis unless a specific deadline is stated. Applicants may redact personal date information from resumes. The company considers qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. The employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on protected characteristics.