What Chief Risk Officer Jobs are in Chicago?

Chief Risk Officer

CFTC-Regulated Business Unit

Location: Chicago, IL. Fully remote to start, transitioning to 3 days/week in office.

About Smarkets

Smarkets is a prediction market exchange for sports and political trading that has handled over $50 billion in volume since 2010. We are upending the sports betting industry by growing a platform that offers the best value for traders, with not only the fairest prices but also the best technology, alongside a superior customer experience.

We believe the foundation to our success is attracting the best people to our organisation and creating a high-performance environment where they can thrive. We are searching for an atypical candidate with a wealth of regulated business experience to support the development of our CFTC business.

This is a senior leadership role sitting within our CFTC-regulated business unit, with responsibility for the enterprise risk management function across our Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO). You will be the most senior risk voice in the business, owning the identification, assessment, and mitigation of every risk facing the entity. This is a founding build: our licensing applications are in‑flight and you will stand up the risk management framework from the ground up through to go‑live, then operate and mature it as the business scales. You will work directly with the CEO and board, with the support of the Smarkets UK team behind you.

• Senior risk leader with 7+ years of senior experience in risk management, ideally within derivatives markets, exchanges, clearinghouses, or other financial infrastructure providers.

• 4+ years of hands‑on experience owning enterprise or operational risk within a DCM, DCO, or comparable regulated market infrastructure in the United States, with direct responsibility for risk and system safeguards, not advisory or supporting experience.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proven track record working in a small scale fast‑paced creative work environment.

• Deep understanding of the CFTC's risk and system safeguards expectations, including Core Principle 20 (System Safeguards), stress testing, and operational resilience requirements.

• Strong background identifying and analysing technology risk, counterparty exposures, and internal control weaknesses, and translating them into a defensible, audit‑ready risk framework.

• Proficiency with established risk assessment frameworks (COSO ERM, ISO 31000) and control testing, applied across financial, operational, and systemic risk. CFA or FRM certification is desirable.

• Experience partnering with the CEO and board on risk strategy, board‑level governance, and risk reporting, including engagement with regulators at an institutional level.

• Own the end-to-end enterprise risk management programme for Smarkets Board of Trade (DCM): policies, controls, monitoring, stress testing and reporting, ready for go‑live.

• Establish and maintain risk assessment processes across market volatility and trading disruptions, technology failures and cyber threats, vendor and third‑party dependencies, and compliance and internal control weaknesses.

• Own Core Principle 20 (System Safeguards): embed system safeguards testing, cyber resilience, business continuity and recovery planning into day‑to‑day operations.

• Oversee or conduct stress testing and backtesting relevant to market and technology risk, and maintain the risk register with clear escalation of significant events to the CEO and regulatory authorities.

• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor risk indicators across all business units, including those operating across jurisdictions (for example, engineering in the UK).

• Work in coordination with the CISO and Compliance to ensure regulatory and operational risk is fully embedded across the business.

• Report on risk exposures and mitigation plans to the CEO, board, and designated risk committees, ensuring documentation, dashboards and controls are audit‑ready and CFTC‑compliant.

• Contribute to incident response and recovery planning, with a focus on risk impact analysis and controls testing.

• Personal interest in sports, exchanges, or trading

• Experience with system safeguards testing, cybersecurity risk, and business continuity and disaster recovery planning in a regulated trading environment.

• Experience engaging with self‑regulatory organisations (SROs) such as the NFA, and participating in industry working groups.

• Prior experience at the CFTC as a staff member or examiner, subsequently transitioning to industry, this background is highly valued.

• Familiarity with event contracts, prediction markets, or similar novel futures products and their treatment under the CFTC framework.

• Push to win

• Make others better

• Give a shit

• Be a pro

• Bring the energy

Our values are at the heart of everything that we do. We believe these are the fundamentals to ensure we are delivering what's expected of us in the best way possible for ourselves and for those around us.

We offer a competitive salary package and benefits, along with a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Your work with us will make an impact and your voice will be heard. We are a diverse team with a strong work ethic and plenty of hunger to win. We have designed our benefits offering around Health, Wealth, Lifestyle and Development.

EVP/Chief Risk Officer

Devon Bank, Chicago, IL
Job Type : Full‑time

At Devon Bank, we don’t just accept diversity—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our customers and our community. We provide a welcoming culture that comes from our desire to make diversity, respect and service a priority.

The Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer is responsible for leading Devon Bank’s enterprise‑wide risk management program. This role focuses on identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating key risks such as operational, liquidity, compliance, strategic, and reputational while ensuring the bank remains safe, sound, and fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

The primary responsibility of this position is the coordination, scheduling, and oversight of all external audits and regulatory examinations conducted by independent third parties (external auditors, FDIC or state regulators, etc.).

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Risk Management Framework, including risk policies, risk appetite statement, and risk reporting dashboards.
• Identify, measure, monitor, and report on all material risks across the organization.
• Facilitate the quarterly Risk Committee meetings and present risk reports to executive management and the Board of Directors.
• Oversee the Bank’s annual Enterprise Risk Assessment process.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all external audits and regulatory examinations.
• Develop and maintain the annual schedule of external audits and regulatory exams.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and internal departments to ensure timely and efficient completion of all examinations and audits.
• Manage the collection, review, and submission of all requested documentation and data to external parties.
• Track and monitor all findings, recommendations, and Matters Requiring Attention (MRAs) arising from external audits and exams.
• Ensure timely and complete responses to audit and examination reports, including corrective action plans.
• Verify that all follow-up items are properly remediated and documented.

• Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on the bank’s risk profile and operations.
• Work closely with department heads to ensure ongoing compliance with federal and state banking regulations (including BSA/AML, CRA, fair lending, and consumer protection laws).
• Maintain and update the bank’s compliance risk assessment.

• Prepare and deliver clear, concise risk management reports for the Audit Committee Board of Directors, senior management, and regulatory agencies as required.
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer and external auditors on the annual financial statement audit coordination (risk‑related portions only).

• 15+ years in risk management/compliance at a financial institution
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree; candidates with a Master’s degree are strongly preferred
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical guidance
• Comprehensive understanding of financial services regulations, laws, and compliance frameworks
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with external auditors.

• Base pay of $145,000 to $165,000 depending on experience
• Life Insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability fully paid by Devon Bank
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage and 401k with employer match

EOE AA - Devon Bank is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidavit of Employment and AffAffirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at or you may call us at (773)- .

Please click here to apply.

The Symicor Group is a boutique talent acquisition firm based in Lincolnshire, IL & Rockport, TX. Our nationally unique value proposition centers around providing the very best available banking and accounting talent. In fact, most of our recruiters are former bankers or accountants themselves!

We know how to evaluate the very best banking and accounting talent available in the market. Whether you are a candidate seeking a new opportunity or a bank or company president trying to fill an essential position, The Symicor Group stands ready to deliver premium results for you.

• Directing, administering and overseeing risk management activities in accordance with the goals and objectives established by the CEO and the Board of Directors.
• Serving as the primary liaison between bank management and the Board of Director’s Committee.
• Assuring that the bank and its business units adequately identify, measure, monitor and control the bank’s credit, interest rate, liquidity, price, operational, compliance, strategic and reputation risks relative to the products, services, and activities for which they are responsible.
• Integrating risk management with strategic goal setting and business planning.
• Reviewing third party independent reviews of risk, including but not limited to external loan review reports, compliance reports, regulatory examination reports, stress test results and any other reports or information that identifies, measures, monitors or assesses risk.
• Establishing and maintaining a compliant enterprise-wide Risk Appetite Framework, Risk Assessment System and risk management methodologies, tools and techniques.
• Establishing an early warning or trigger system for breaches of the bank’s risk appetite or limits.
• Ensuring policies and procedures meet legal, regulatory or contractual requirements.
• Providing clear directions and oversight on strategic goals and their accomplishments, translating and prioritizing them into business and performance measures for responsible business units.
• Contributing to the development of business unit strategy by providing a view on potential improvement for risk management policies and procedures, including an assessment of the existing situation and anticipated changes in the external environment.
• Managing and developing comprehensive processes for assessing, identifying, monitoring and reducing business risks that could impede the Bank’s objectives and goals, while minimizing duplication and maximizing efficiency.
• Developing and implementing plans for the infrastructure of risk management systems, processes, and personnel designed to accommodate the growth objectives of the Bank and associated regulatory compliance responsibilities.
• Directing the assigned staff in executing the risk-based plan for all internal reviews, compliance reviews, loan reviews, internal audits, and fraud investigations.
• Participating and consulting with management on emerging issues through effective, timely, and relevant communications.
• Attending Board of Director meetings, Audit Committee meetings, Regulatory meetings, management meetings, and other meetings as required.

You’re someone who wants to influence your own development. You’re looking for an opportunity where you can pursue your interests and your passion. Where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but merely the starting point for your future.

You also bring the following skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting or Finance or related experience. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Ten or more years of experience in the risk management and/or compliance function in the financial industry, with extensive knowledge of laws and regulations from the regulatory agencies.
• Working knowledge of information security and cybersecurity practices and methodologies and understanding of technology.
• Detailed and extensive knowledge and comprehension of Banking policies and procedures.
• Proven leadership ability with excellent interpersonal communication skills necessary to maintain positive working relationships with all management and personnel at all levels.
• Ability to effectively communicate through written presentations and individual discussions with all levels in/out of the Bank.
• Strong organizational skills needed to coordinate multiple Bank priorities.
• Excellent judgment, decision-making, problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, including the ability to negotiate, compromise and demonstrate diplomacy in sensitive situations and to interact effectively with senior management.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Ability to manage numerous simultaneous priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage and develop personnel resources.
• Ability to disseminate information and guidelines clearly to employees and check for understanding.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as a team member.
• Exhibit a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality in handling and having access to sensitive information.
• Professional in appearance, and in verbal and written communication
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet.

The next step is yours. Email us your current resume along with the position you are considering to:

Smarkets is seeking a Chief Risk Officer to lead risk management across its CFTC-regulated business. This role involves building risk frameworks from the ground up and overseeing critical risk assessments. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of senior experience in risk management, particularly within derivatives markets.

Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in CFTC regulations and possess a robust understanding of technology risk and operational resilience. A dynamic work environment awaits, and your contributions will significantly impact Smarkets' success.

Devon Bank is looking for an experienced Credit Manager to oversee the development and implementation of credit policies. You will lead the credit approval process, manage the assessment team, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's in finance or Business, 9+ years of relevant experience, and strong knowledge of credit management. The pay range is competitive, ranging from $135,000 to $165,000 based on experience, along with comprehensive benefits including life insurance and medical coverage.

Insight Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago is seeking a Director of Quality, Risk and Patient Safety to lead quality improvement efforts and ensure compliance with accreditation standards. The successful candidate will oversee the patient safety program and develop management strategies to enhance care quality.

Applicants should have at least 5 years of experience in risk management or patient safety, and a bachelor's degree. Benefits include health, vision, dental coverage, and paid time off.

Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience seeks a Director of Quality, Risk and Patient Safety to lead the design and implementation of patient safety and quality management programs. This role is crucial in ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing the safety culture within the organization.

The director will oversee various safety initiatives, educate staff on quality improvement methodologies, and manage patient safety metrics. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in healthcare, risk management, and data analysis.

Wintrust Financial Corporation is seeking a Chief Fiduciary Officer (CFO–Fiduciary) responsible for overseeing all fiduciary activities within the firm. The CFO will ensure adherence to fiduciary duties and partner with the leadership team to align strategies while safeguarding the company's reputation.

Applicants should have over 10 years of experience and an advanced degree. The position offers a competitive salary range of $117,000 – $158,000, alongside an annual bonus and extensive benefits including medical and 401(k) plan.