Vice President, Fraud Operations

Industry: Consumer and Commercial Banking, Financial Services

Position Overview

Our client, a rapidly scaling financial institution recognized for its data-driven approach and customer-centric innovation, is seeking a Vice President of Fraud Operations to lead enterprise-wide fraud management and prevention initiatives.

Our leader will oversee all facets of fraud operations through driving modernization, optimizing controls, and building a best-in-class fraud ecosystem. The role requires a strategic yet hands-on leader who excels at collaborating across departments, leveraging technology to strengthen controls, and developing high-performing teams.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across card, payments, and digital fraud prevention, strong regulatory fluency, and the ability to navigate a dynamic, technology-forward organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and scale the Fraud Operations division comprising managers, analysts, and operational specialists, ensuring alignment with enterprise risk and business objectives.
• Drive execution of a multi-year Fraud Modernization Strategy focused on automation, analytics, and next-generation case management tools.
• Partner cross-functionally with Customer Service, Credit Risk, Compliance, and Technology to build seamless fraud prevention and detection workflows.
• Oversee chargeback, recovery, and loss mitigation programs with a focus on measurable performance improvement and cost reduction.
• Evaluate operational processes and metrics, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
• Act as a strategic advisor to Executive Leadership, providing data-driven insights and recommendations on emerging threats, fraud typologies, and operational effectiveness.
• Manage vendor and outsourcing relationships, negotiating service levels, optimizing performance, and ensuring adherence to risk standards.
• Serve as a key stakeholder during regulatory examinations, internal audits, and compliance reviews related to fraud operations.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and accountability within the Fraud function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Data Analytics, or a related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in fraud operations, financial crimes, or enterprise risk within a bank, fintech, or payments institution.
• Proven expertise in card fraud, synthetic identity, account takeover, and transaction monitoring controls.
• Experience managing large-scale chargeback and recovery functions.
• Demonstrated success in implementing automation, AI/ML tools, robotic process automation, APIs, and case management platforms to enhance operational performance.
• Deep understanding of relevant fraud and consumer protection regulations and experience leading through audits and regulatory reviews.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Track record of building and developing teams, particularly within multi-layered leadership structures.
• High sense of urgency, prioritization, and organizational agility in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.