Forensic Accountant – Cryptocurrency Investigations, Senior Associate

As a Senior Associate Forensic Accountant in Cryptocurrency Investigations at Forensic Risk Alliance, you are a subject matter expert in cryptocurrency who conducts blockchain forensic analysis, investigations, and Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions compliance work. You bring a comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency asset transaction tracing and analytics, fraud and money laundering typologies, and forensic investigation experience. You will support the growth of FRA's Cryptocurrency practice through investigations, compliance advisory, and thought leadership.

What you'll do

• Conduct cryptocurrency and blockchain investigations using blockchain analytics to analyse flow of funds, 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 compliance including Know Your Customer (KYC), Transaction Monitoring, and Suspicious Activity Reporting, as well as Sanctions and anti-bribery and corruption program requirements.
• Prepare documents, workpapers, and supporting materials that articulate investigative steps performed.
• Communicate results with clients and colleagues through written and oral form, including drafting expert reports, memos, visualizations, and presentations that translate technical findings into clear insights.
• Balance multiple projects and responsibilities, track progress against work plans, and escalate potential issues to management.
• Collaborate with FRA teams on cryptocurrency topics for client alerts and thought leadership initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry and service provider contacts; develop client relationships to drive firm growth; and collaborate on pitches and proposals for business development and marketing.
• Support senior team members in driving developments and innovation to enhance the Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice, with a keen interest in financial crime technology.
• Maintain familiarity with emerging crypto and Web3 trends, particularly those affecting non-banks and fintechs.
• Assess AML, sanctions, and fraud risks associated with crypto and Web3 business models in alignment with best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Stay current with BSA/AML regulations, FinCEN and Federal Reserve Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), and the FFIEC BSA/AML Exam Manual through independent research.
• 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 the 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 a commitment to staying abreast of the latest global regulatory changes and evolving cryptocurrency crime trends.
• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent academic qualification as a minimum.
• Advanced organisational skills and a proven track record of prioritising incoming tasks to manage concurrent and conflicting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, with particular strength in Excel for analysing large datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, and an inquiring mind.
• Willingness to support thought leadership in the Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Nice to have

• Certification in Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, or equivalent blockchain analytics tools.

About Forensic Risk Alliance

Forensic Risk Alliance is a market leader in regulatory compliance, financial investigations, and data analytics, regularly hired for expertise on some of the world's largest multi-jurisdictional investigations and compliance matters.