Savvy Wealth
Head of Legal and Compliance
Savvy Wealth, New York, New York, us, 10261
About Savvy
Wealth management is a massive industry in the US ($545 billion annual revenue), but remains archaic and inefficient with low technology penetration. 75% of financial advisors do not offer any digital communication beyond emails and 62% of them conduct financial planning manually (for example, in Excel), resulting in a poor client experience and over 70% of a financial advisorâ€s time spent on non-client facing tasks.
Savvy is a digital-first platform for financial advisors centered around modernizing human financial advice. Financial advisors who partner with Savvy leverage the integrated technology platform to help supercharge growth with AI-powered software, sales and marketing automation, and back office workflows. Savvyâ€s proprietary technology empowers financial advisors to help scale revenue faster and spend more time focused on growth.
We are a team of former founders and operators who have started and sold two companies and have helped build iconic companies including Airbnb, Square, Robinhood, Facebook, and more.
Weâ€ve raised $34M from top-tier VC firms, including Canvas Ventures, Thrive Capital, Index Ventures, Brewer Lane Ventures, The House Fund, and a panel of A-list founders & executives from the technology & wealth management industry.
Savvy is at a pivotal point in its growth trajectory, having established strong product-market fit by providing a modern platform to financial advisors. Weâ€ve grown 700%+ in the last 12 months and are entering the next phase of the company, which involves rapid expansion of our product offering and revenue growth. Apply below to help us scale!
The Role Savvy is seeking an experienced and dynamic Legal and Compliance leader to join our fast-growing, early stage firm. As the first legal and compliance hire, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring that our firm remains compliant with all regulatory requirements while driving our business strategy forward. You will also serve as the firmâ€s in-house expert for all things related to contracting, employment agreements, risk assessment, and more.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and manage our legal and compliance framework, from maintaining our SEC-registered RIA status to preparing for potential registration as a broker-dealer with FINRA. You will be expected to exude an executive presence in order to work with and foster strong relationships with the relevant regulatory agencies. You will serve as a strategic advisor to Savvyâ€s leadership team, balancing legal risk with business objectives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives on building and scaling compliance and legal functions in innovative organizations. In order to succeed in this role, the right candidate should be adept at navigating an ambiguous and dynamic environment with limited guidance.
Responsibilities
Lead all legal and compliance functions, including maintaining our compliance program as an SEC-registered RIA and serving as Savvyâ€s CCO.
Facilitate all corporate legal matters, including employment contract negotiations, client agreements, transactions, partnerships, and corporate governance issues.
Manage the corporate affairs of the parent company and its subsidiaries, including compliance with relevant federal, state, and regulatory laws, oversee maintenance of subsidiaries, and advise on entity structuring.
Serve as the expert on a range of corporate matters including corporate governance best practices, equity plans, and stock administration.
Oversee the development, implementation, and management of compliance policies, procedures, and controls in accordance with applicable regulatory standards (SEC, FINRA, state regulations).
Monitor and interpret regulatory developments and their impact on the firmâ€s operations, providing strategic legal and compliance advice to leadership and business units.
Prepare and file required regulatory documents (e.g., Form ADV, Forms U4/U5, Form CRS, etc.), ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
Conduct internal audits and compliance reviews, including SEC mock audits, to assess risks and ensure regulatory adherence.
Develop and deliver compliance training programs for all employees, fostering a strong culture of compliance across the organization.
Serve as the primary liaison with regulators and external legal and compliance advisors, managing regulatory examinations and inquiries.
Assist in the timely support of obtaining new and renewal licenses, certifications, registrations, and exemptions.
Collaborate with internal teams, such as Operations, Growth, Marketing, and Product, to integrate legal and compliance guidance into business processes and mitigate risks.
Support strategic initiatives, such as expansion into new markets or product offerings, by advising on legal and regulatory implications.
Implement structure and processes in an ambiguous environment with limited guidance.
Define and reinforce our ethical culture; ensure we set the appropriate tone from the top.
Qualifications Must have
Extensive experience (10+ years) in compliance and legal roles, with a focus on Fintech and SEC-registered RIAs and/or broker-dealers.
Proven track record of managing compliance functions, including preparing regulatory filings (ADV, U4/U5, CRS), conducting audits, and navigating regulatory examinations.
Strong knowledge of relevant regulations, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, SEC rules and regulations, and FINRA requirements.
Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth environments, preferably within the fintech or wealth management sectors.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence senior stakeholders.
Ability to manage all company legal matters such as employment contract drafting and review, negotiations, and corporate governance.
High level of integrity and the ability to balance legal and compliance obligations with business objectives.
Able to operate in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and have the ability to work under pressure and identify, prioritize and resolve issues quickly and independently.
Track record of quickly learning and leveraging various pieces of software including project management tools, CRM systems, and compliance software.
Holds a BA/BS and JD.
Nice to have
Experience with broker-dealer registration and compliance, particularly with FINRA.
Background in technology-driven financial services or fintech companies, with an understanding of how technology can enhance compliance programs.
Proven ability to build and scale legal and compliance functions within a growing organization.
Qualities
Problem solving
: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, capable of thinking on your feet to handle objections in real time, and able to interpret non-verbal cues to drive the sales process forward.
Communication
: Incredible communications and collaboration skills to work effectively across cross-functional teams. Phenomenal presentation and storytelling skills that can distill a firehose of information into a cohesive and inspirational story.
Fast learner
: Track record of quickly learning and leveraging various pieces of software, third-party vendors, and other resources to get the job done. You thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment with limited guidance while handling several deadlines simultaneously.
Ownership mindset
: Self-starter, low ego attitude, willing to roll up your sleeves and sweat the details, and have an incredible ownership mentality to get the job done.
Strategy
: Strategic operator that has experience critically thinking about and executing at both the 30,000 foot level and boots on the ground; you are comfortable at and know when to be at both of these levels.
Leadership
: You want to help shape the culture of the company and help us to build and scale a best-in-class team. You have the ability to hold others accountable and provide direct, constructive feedback, no matter their seniority in the company.
Additional Information Savvy Wealth is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions.
Benefits
Competitive salary and equity package
Unlimited PTO + paid company holidays
Access to best in class medical, dental, and vision plans
Company 401(k), Commuter, and HSA/FSA plans
NYC office in the heart of Manhattan
Lunch, dinner, and snacks provided in the office
Parental leave coverage (8 weeks) and support (Tilt)
Access to virtual mental health care (Spring Health), vision related benefits (XP Health), and health concierge (Rightway) to help you find the right care
Access to counseling for stress management, dependent care, nutrition, fitness, legal, and financial issues (Guardian WorkLifeMatters EAP)
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Savvy is a digital-first platform for financial advisors centered around modernizing human financial advice. Financial advisors who partner with Savvy leverage the integrated technology platform to help supercharge growth with AI-powered software, sales and marketing automation, and back office workflows. Savvyâ€s proprietary technology empowers financial advisors to help scale revenue faster and spend more time focused on growth.
We are a team of former founders and operators who have started and sold two companies and have helped build iconic companies including Airbnb, Square, Robinhood, Facebook, and more.
Weâ€ve raised $34M from top-tier VC firms, including Canvas Ventures, Thrive Capital, Index Ventures, Brewer Lane Ventures, The House Fund, and a panel of A-list founders & executives from the technology & wealth management industry.
Savvy is at a pivotal point in its growth trajectory, having established strong product-market fit by providing a modern platform to financial advisors. Weâ€ve grown 700%+ in the last 12 months and are entering the next phase of the company, which involves rapid expansion of our product offering and revenue growth. Apply below to help us scale!
The Role Savvy is seeking an experienced and dynamic Legal and Compliance leader to join our fast-growing, early stage firm. As the first legal and compliance hire, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring that our firm remains compliant with all regulatory requirements while driving our business strategy forward. You will also serve as the firmâ€s in-house expert for all things related to contracting, employment agreements, risk assessment, and more.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and manage our legal and compliance framework, from maintaining our SEC-registered RIA status to preparing for potential registration as a broker-dealer with FINRA. You will be expected to exude an executive presence in order to work with and foster strong relationships with the relevant regulatory agencies. You will serve as a strategic advisor to Savvyâ€s leadership team, balancing legal risk with business objectives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives on building and scaling compliance and legal functions in innovative organizations. In order to succeed in this role, the right candidate should be adept at navigating an ambiguous and dynamic environment with limited guidance.
Responsibilities
Lead all legal and compliance functions, including maintaining our compliance program as an SEC-registered RIA and serving as Savvyâ€s CCO.
Facilitate all corporate legal matters, including employment contract negotiations, client agreements, transactions, partnerships, and corporate governance issues.
Manage the corporate affairs of the parent company and its subsidiaries, including compliance with relevant federal, state, and regulatory laws, oversee maintenance of subsidiaries, and advise on entity structuring.
Serve as the expert on a range of corporate matters including corporate governance best practices, equity plans, and stock administration.
Oversee the development, implementation, and management of compliance policies, procedures, and controls in accordance with applicable regulatory standards (SEC, FINRA, state regulations).
Monitor and interpret regulatory developments and their impact on the firmâ€s operations, providing strategic legal and compliance advice to leadership and business units.
Prepare and file required regulatory documents (e.g., Form ADV, Forms U4/U5, Form CRS, etc.), ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
Conduct internal audits and compliance reviews, including SEC mock audits, to assess risks and ensure regulatory adherence.
Develop and deliver compliance training programs for all employees, fostering a strong culture of compliance across the organization.
Serve as the primary liaison with regulators and external legal and compliance advisors, managing regulatory examinations and inquiries.
Assist in the timely support of obtaining new and renewal licenses, certifications, registrations, and exemptions.
Collaborate with internal teams, such as Operations, Growth, Marketing, and Product, to integrate legal and compliance guidance into business processes and mitigate risks.
Support strategic initiatives, such as expansion into new markets or product offerings, by advising on legal and regulatory implications.
Implement structure and processes in an ambiguous environment with limited guidance.
Define and reinforce our ethical culture; ensure we set the appropriate tone from the top.
Qualifications Must have
Extensive experience (10+ years) in compliance and legal roles, with a focus on Fintech and SEC-registered RIAs and/or broker-dealers.
Proven track record of managing compliance functions, including preparing regulatory filings (ADV, U4/U5, CRS), conducting audits, and navigating regulatory examinations.
Strong knowledge of relevant regulations, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, SEC rules and regulations, and FINRA requirements.
Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth environments, preferably within the fintech or wealth management sectors.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence senior stakeholders.
Ability to manage all company legal matters such as employment contract drafting and review, negotiations, and corporate governance.
High level of integrity and the ability to balance legal and compliance obligations with business objectives.
Able to operate in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and have the ability to work under pressure and identify, prioritize and resolve issues quickly and independently.
Track record of quickly learning and leveraging various pieces of software including project management tools, CRM systems, and compliance software.
Holds a BA/BS and JD.
Nice to have
Experience with broker-dealer registration and compliance, particularly with FINRA.
Background in technology-driven financial services or fintech companies, with an understanding of how technology can enhance compliance programs.
Proven ability to build and scale legal and compliance functions within a growing organization.
Qualities
Problem solving
: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, capable of thinking on your feet to handle objections in real time, and able to interpret non-verbal cues to drive the sales process forward.
Communication
: Incredible communications and collaboration skills to work effectively across cross-functional teams. Phenomenal presentation and storytelling skills that can distill a firehose of information into a cohesive and inspirational story.
Fast learner
: Track record of quickly learning and leveraging various pieces of software, third-party vendors, and other resources to get the job done. You thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment with limited guidance while handling several deadlines simultaneously.
Ownership mindset
: Self-starter, low ego attitude, willing to roll up your sleeves and sweat the details, and have an incredible ownership mentality to get the job done.
Strategy
: Strategic operator that has experience critically thinking about and executing at both the 30,000 foot level and boots on the ground; you are comfortable at and know when to be at both of these levels.
Leadership
: You want to help shape the culture of the company and help us to build and scale a best-in-class team. You have the ability to hold others accountable and provide direct, constructive feedback, no matter their seniority in the company.
Additional Information Savvy Wealth is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions.
Benefits
Competitive salary and equity package
Unlimited PTO + paid company holidays
Access to best in class medical, dental, and vision plans
Company 401(k), Commuter, and HSA/FSA plans
NYC office in the heart of Manhattan
Lunch, dinner, and snacks provided in the office
Parental leave coverage (8 weeks) and support (Tilt)
Access to virtual mental health care (Spring Health), vision related benefits (XP Health), and health concierge (Rightway) to help you find the right care
Access to counseling for stress management, dependent care, nutrition, fitness, legal, and financial issues (Guardian WorkLifeMatters EAP)
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