Forensic Accountant – Cryptocurrency Investigations, Senior Associate

Forensic Risk Alliance seeks a Senior Associate Forensic Accountant with deep cryptocurrency expertise to join its Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice. You will conduct blockchain forensic analysis, money laundering investigations, and advise on AML/KYC and sanctions compliance for cryptocurrency and fintech businesses. This role supports the continued growth of FRA's cryptocurrency offerings and requires a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency asset tracing, fraud typologies, and financial crime investigation.

What you'll do

• Conduct cryptocurrency and blockchain investigations using blockchain analytics to trace flow of funds, uncover fraud schemes, asset misappropriation, market manipulation, and sanctions evasion.
• Reconcile off-chain data such as email conversations and exchange records with on-chain transaction data to build comprehensive follow-the-money narratives.
• Advise cryptocurrency and fintech businesses on AML requirements including Know Your Customer (KYC), Transaction Monitoring, Suspicious Activity Reporting, sanctions compliance, and anti-bribery and corruption programs.
• Prepare documents, workpapers, and supporting materials that articulate investigative steps performed.
• Communicate results to clients and colleagues through written and oral reports, expert memos, visualizations, and presentations that translate technical findings into clear insights.
• Balance multiple projects and responsibilities, track progress against work plans, and flag potential issues to management.
• Collaborate with FRA teams on cryptocurrency topics for client alerts and thought leadership content.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry and service provider contacts for networking; develop client relationships to drive firm growth; and contribute to pitches and proposals for business development and marketing.
• Display keen interest in technology across the financial crime space and support senior team members in driving innovation to enhance the Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice.
• Stay informed of emerging crypto and Web3 trends, particularly those of non-banks and fintechs.
• Assess AML, sanctions, and fraud risks associated with crypto and Web3 business models in collaboration with engagement teams, aligning with best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Stay current with latest technology and regulatory requirements by independently researching BSA/AML regulations, FinCEN and Federal Reserve Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), and FFIEC BSA/AML Exam Manual.
• Assist in developing cryptocurrency investigation and compliance training for the FRA team.

What you bring

• 3+ years of relevant experience in the cryptocurrency industry, with 2+ years of hands-on experience conducting cryptocurrency and traditional money laundering investigations, including flow of funds analysis.
• Practical experience using commercial blockchain analytics tools such as Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, and Elliptic, as well as open-source blockchain explorers such as Blockchain.com, Etherscan.io, and Solscan.io.
• Knowledge of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, including blockchain and smart contract technologies, underlying blockchain architecture, and uses of cryptocurrency and DeFi.
• Experience in financial crime compliance and risk management within fintech, financial services, or Web3/crypto space, with strong understanding of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Transaction Monitoring (TM), Know Your Customer (KYC), and sanctions compliance relevant to the Web3/crypto space.
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks applicable to financial institutions, with emphasis on FinCEN regulations and FFIEC guidelines, and commitment to staying informed of latest global regulatory changes and evolving cryptocurrency crime trends.
• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent academic qualification at minimum.
• Advanced organizational skills and proven track record of prioritizing incoming tasks to manage concurrent and conflicting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly robust analysis of large datasets in Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, solid work ethic, and an inquiring mind.
• Willingness to support thought leadership in Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Nice to have

• Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, or equivalent blockchain analytics certification.

What we offer

• Base annual salary of £65k-£75k (London); final compensation based on your relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

About Forensic Risk Alliance

FRA is a market leader in regulatory compliance, financial investigations, and data analytics, regularly hired for expertise on major multi-jurisdictional investigations and compliance matters and recognized as a global market leader.