Senior Investigation Analyst

About the role

The is entrusted with the critical mandate of safeguarding the platform against sophisticated financial misconduct and ensuring the ongoing trust of its user base. In this capacity, you will spearhead complex inquiries into anomalous trading patterns, dissecting data to uncover evidence of manipulation or fraud. You will serve as the central technical expert in evaluating market integrity, translating ambiguous signals into definitive intelligence that protects the marketplace. Your work will directly influence the strategic decisions that uphold the fairness and reliability of prediction markets. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate investigative findings into procedural enhancements and technological defenses. This role demands a proactive mindset, capable of anticipating emerging threats in the evolving landscape of digital asset trading. Ultimately, you will be a cornerstone in maintaining the legal and ethical foundation upon which Polymarket's reputation is built.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Trace and map transactional flows across multiple blockchain networks to identify suspicious activity clusters and potential collusion rings.
• Configure and refine heuristic models within trade-surveillance platforms to detect novel manipulation tactics specific to prediction market dynamics.
• Conduct forensic examinations of on-chain data, correlating wallet behaviors with observed market movements to substantiate allegations of wash trading.
• Synthesize disparate data points from blockchain explorers and surveillance feeds to reconstruct the timeline of potentially illicit market interventions.
• Draft comprehensive investigative reports that articulate complex technical findings in a clear, concise manner for regulatory and legal stakeholders.
• Evaluate the credibility and relevance of intelligence leads, prioritizing inquiries based on potential impact and risk severity to the platform.
• Partner with legal counsel to ensure that all investigative methodologies and evidence gathering adhere to jurisdictional standards and compliance protocols.
• Liaise directly with cryptocurrency exchange entities and blockchain analytics firms to procure necessary records and support during active investigations.
• Develop and maintain detailed playbooks for handling various forms of market abuse, ensuring consistency and thoroughness in response actions.
• Mentor junior analysts on best practices for evidence handling, case theory development, and the utilization of analytical software tools.
• Monitor emerging regulatory guidance and industry threat landscapes to proactively adjust investigation priorities and safeguard against new vectors of abuse.
• Challenge existing assumptions regarding market behavior by stress-testing hypotheses against historical and real-time on-chain datasets.
• Present findings to internal leadership, translating technical outcomes into strategic recommendations for product enhancements and policy changes.
• Ensure all investigative workflows are meticulously documented to facilitate auditability and support future training initiatives.

Requirements

• Hold a minimum of 5 to 7 years of investigative experience, particularly in areas such as trade surveillance, market regulation, blockchain forensics, financial crime investigations, or law enforcement, with a focus on building cases from ambiguous evidence.
• Possess a solid understanding of order-book mechanics and various manipulation techniques, including spoofing, layering, and wash trading, as well as knowledge of blockchain analysis and on-chain typologies.
• Demonstrate hands-on proficiency with blockchain analysis tools like Chainalysis, TRM Labs, or Elliptic, and familiarity with trade-surveillance platforms such as Eventus/Validus or Nasdaq SMARTS.
• Exhibit a proven ability to construct a coherent case from limited initial information and to document findings clearly for actionable outcomes.
• Show strong decision-making skills when evaluating and responding to legal and regulatory inquiries under strict timelines.
• Display comfort in navigating ambiguous information, as many investigations will involve unique and unprecedented scenarios.
• Maintain strict adherence to data privacy regulations and corporate confidentiality policies in all investigative activities.
• Commit to following established legal and procedural frameworks when interacting with external regulatory and law enforcement entities.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with prediction markets or other platforms that are native to the cryptocurrency space.
• Proficiency in SQL or Python, enabling you to test hypotheses against trade or on-chain data effectively.
• Previous experience serving as a liaison for law enforcement agencies or regulatory bodies, enhancing collaboration and communication.

Practical notes

• The role comes with a range of benefits, including unlimited paid time off (PTO), comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as 401k matching to support your future.
• You will be equipped with a new MacBook Pro, a large display, and all necessary accessories to create an efficient hardware setup for your work.
• The position is based in New York, offering a vibrant environment that is at the forefront of the financial and technology sectors.
• Salary is competitive and includes equity options, reflecting the value placed on your contributions to the team and the company.
• Polymarket fosters a culture of innovation and integrity, making it an exciting place to advance your career in the rapidly evolving field of prediction markets and blockchain technology.

If you are passionate about investigating financial crimes and ensuring the integrity of markets, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity at Polymarket. Join us in our mission to create a fair and transparent trading environment.