Who are we?

At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.

What will you contribute?

As part of Finastra’s Risk & Compliance function, the Director of AI Strategy, Ethics & Governance will serve as Finastra’s senior legal and compliance authority on responsible AI. This role bridges legal, regulatory, risk, compliance, and technology functions—ensuring Finastra’s use of AI aligns with global regulatory expectations, emerging AI laws, and enterprise ethical standards. The role will work closely with the Technology AI COE to advise on best practice.

The position requires a licensed attorney (JD) with deep experience in AI governance, data protection, regulatory compliance, and technology law.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

Your deliverables as the Director of Strategy, Ethics & Governance will include, but are not limited to:

1. Enterprise AI Governance Leadership

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive enterprise AI governance framework covering ethics, legal compliance, model lifecycle oversight, transparency, accountability, and use‑case approval.

• Translate regulatory requirements (e.g., EU AI Act, U.S. AI policy, ISO/IEC 42001, NIST AI RMF) into operational internal standards and controls.

• Oversee policy development for responsible AI use, data governance, privacy, model documentation, auditability, and bias mitigation.

• Advising executive leadership on governance and ethical issues.

2. Legal & Regulatory Compliance (Attorney Responsibilities)

• Serve as Finastra’s legal authority on AI regulatory matters—advising executive leadership, product teams, engineering, and compliance.

• Provide legal interpretation, risk assessments, and guidance for AI use cases, training data, vendor AI tools, customer-facing AI products, and model deployment.

• Monitor global AI legislative and regulatory developments (EU AI Act, CPPA ADMT, PIPL, sector banking regulations involving model risk, explainability, and fairness).

• Review:

  • AI vendor agreements

  • Data processing agreements (DPAs)

  • Model/algorithmic accountability clauses

  • AI product terms and disclosures.

3. Ethical AI & Risk Management

• Lead and coordinate AI risk assessments, impact assessments (PIAs/DPIAs) in collaboration with the Privacy team, model inventories, testing procedures, and documentation. 

• Ensure responsible and fair development, mitigating risks related to bias, discrimination, safety, and model drift.

• Partner with Global Risk Management and Technology Risk to integrate AI controls into Finastra’s enterprise risk framework.

4. Cross-Functional Leadership & Culture Building

• Work with Data Privacy, Legal, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Risk and Compliance to embed AI governance into all product and operational workflows.

• Develop and deliver AI governance training for business units, engineers, and executives.

• Represent Finastra with regulators, auditors, customers, and external stakeholders on AI governance and compliance topics.

Required Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. 

• Legal experience in regulatory law, technology law, data protection, or AI/ML governance.

• Proven experience advising on: AI regulatory frameworks, Data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, HIPAA where applicable), Model governance controls & algorithmic accountability, Technology contracts including AI‑specific terms.

• Demonstrated ability to support innovation while ensuring compliance—balancing legal frameworks with emerging technological domains.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in highly regulated industries (banking, fintech, healthcare, or insurance), particularly in risk- or compliance-heavy settings.

• Hands‑on familiarity with AI/ML development processes, modern LLM‑based systems, and data lifecycle management.

• Experience with financial services regulatory frameworks (model risk, explainability, supervisory expectations).

• Prior leadership of a governance, compliance, or legal function supporting technology or AI initiatives.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we uphold:

·       Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.

·       Well-being: Access Confidential one-on-one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, find support from our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and a calendar of monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive - Inside and Outside of work.

·       Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits*

·       Sustainability: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.

·       DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, Women@Finastra).

·       Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.

·       Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best.

*Specific benefits may vary by location.

At Finastra, each individual is unique, bringing their own ideas, thoughts, cultural beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences together. We learn from one another, embrace and celebrate our differences, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

Be unique, be exceptional, and help us make a difference at Finastra!

Applicants for this position need to be located in posted location or their immediate surrounding areas. Due to the requirements of this position, this job posting is not available for, and Finastra will not be considering any applicants who currently reside in New York City or California.