In the Division of Consumer Services, you will enjoy work-life balance while enforcing consumer financial laws. Consumer protection is at the heart of what we do, whether we are regulating emerging FinTech industries like those dealing in cryptocurrency or more established forms of money transmission, escrow, consumer lending, and loan servicing.
We are responsible for the licensing, examination, and regulation of residential mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers, escrow agents, consumer finance companies, money transmitters, currency exchangers, check casher and sellers, payday lenders, and student education loan servicers. The Division reviews license applications to determine eligibility for licensure in Washington, and then examines the businesses to determine compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Additionally, the Division works on emerging issues involving financial products including activity related to virtual currency, and new consumer finance products.
Position Overview
Management and policy-making power of the Division is vested in the Director of the Department of Financial Institutions and the Director of Consumer Services. The Department and Division Director are responsible for the administration of the laws, regulations, and policies currently in force. The Director of Consumer Services exercises general supervisory control over the approximately 70 employees of the Division including program managers, financial legal examiners, financial examiners, and administrative staff, and also serves as a member of DFI's Executive Management Team setting policies and strategic direction for the agency as whole.
This position plans and directs licensing, examination, and enforcement activities of the division to accomplish the statutory objectives of protecting the public by overseeing compliance with state and federal laws. Portions of this work are performed in coordination with other states and appropriate federal agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Office of Housing and Urban Development.
This position exercises broad statutory discretion over laws and regulations involving non-depositary financial institutions and is expected to participate in national and state regulatory associations setting policy and direction in a rapidly changing financial services environment.
This position is exempt and reports to the Agency Director.
Candidate Profile
We seek candidates who are experienced regulators, and have taken lead roles in enforcement cases, or have had litigation experience. Ideal candidates possess a broad knowledge of laws and policies impacting mortgage banking, mortgage servicing, mortgage brokering, consumer loan companies, escrow agents and officers, check cashers and sellers, payday lenders, and money transmitters. Candidates must have the ability to adapt quickly to the myriad of changes occurring in industries that DFI regulates.
Candidates must have strong negotiating and consensus building skills to work with stakeholders on legislation and policy issues and to negotiate with legal counsel representing respondents in Division enforcement actions. Candidates will be active in regulatory associations and participate in establishing regulatory direction and policy for newly emerging markets, services, and payment systems.
A degree from an accredited law school is strongly desired.
Please DO NOT apply through the WA State online recruiting system. To be considered for this position, email:
Your resume
A letter of interest outlining your qualifications, skills, and abilities as they relate to this announcement
A list of three professional references
To: Tom Grant, Senior Human Resources Consultant/Recruiter
About WA State Department of Financial Institutions
About Our Agency:
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions' (DFI) mission is to regulate financial services to protect and educate the public and promote economic vitality. Collectively and independently, the Department's nearly 200 employees within its 5 divisions - Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions, and Securities - work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington's consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state's general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website at www.dfi.wa.gov.