Senior Associate

The Role:

Blackpeak (an ION company) is seeking a Senior Associate to join our team in New York, Washington DC, or Chicago. This role will primarily support our US offices in conducting and managing English-language reputational due diligence projects. We are looking for bright, inquisitive, and self-motivated individuals with experience in investigative research and risk consulting. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training and mentoring in industry best practices and advanced research methodologies. In addition to due diligence work, the role will involve overseeing and contributing to other investigative and bespoke research projects.

• Conduct research and analysis through desktop research, database reviews and interviews
• Produce high quality written reports
• Carry out intensive research (both primary and secondary) and analysis of large amounts of data and then assess accuracy, reliability, and relevance
• Oversee a team of researchers and help manage full lifecycle of research projects
• Support client communications and help manage key accounts to ensure timely, high-quality project delivery
• Collaborate with other cross-functional teams or offices as needed

• At least 2–3 years of experience conducting research projects related to due diligence, investigative research, or compliance assessments
• Extremely strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail; strong editing and proofreading skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive projects in a deadline-driven environment
• Discretion, good judgment, and the ability to maintain client confidentiality
• Bachelor’s degree or higher; many educational backgrounds are potentially relevant, including journalism, English, international relations, history, communications, philosophy, pre-law, and others
• Familiarity with basic business concepts (e.g. balance sheets, basic accounting, the functioning of capital markets, investment trends, etc.)
• Must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the US (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN visa or any other non-immigrant status)

• Experience managing due diligence or investigation projects, preferably in a client-focused role
• 3–4 years of experience conducting research projects related to due diligence, investigative research, or compliance assessments
• Proficiency with research databases, OSINT tools, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FCPA, AML)
• Experience conducting source inquiries, site visits, or other HUMINT methodologies
• Advanced education (e.g., Master’s degree) or certifications in relevant fields
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to distill complex information clearly
• Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic) is a plus
• Familiarity with financial analysis and basic business concepts

Salary Range: 

The estimated salary range is $85,000 - $95,000. Salary is negotiable depending on experience and skills.

About us:

We’re a diverse group of visionary innovators who provide trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics, and strategic consulting to corporations, central banks, financial institutions, and governments. Founded in 1999, we’ve achieved tremendous growth by bringing together some of the best and most successful financial technology companies in the world.

• Over 2,000 of the world’s leading corporations, including 50% of the Fortune 500 and 30% of the world’s central banks, trust ION solutions to manage their cash, in-house banking, commodity supply chain, trading and risk.

• Over 800 of the world’s leading banks and broker-dealers use our electronic trading platforms to operate the world’s financial market infrastructure.

ION is a rapidly expanding and dynamic group with 13,000 employees and offices in more than 40 cities around the globe. Our ever-expanding global footprint, cutting edge products, and over 40,000 customers worldwide provide an unparalleled career experience for those who share our vision.

ION is committed to maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We respect the varied identities, abilities, cultures, and traditions of the individuals who comprise our organization and recognize the value that different backgrounds and points of view bring to our business.

ION adheres to an equal employment opportunity policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor.

Salary : $85,000 - $95,000