James Parks
About James Parks
James Parks is the Director of Product Strategy & Transformation at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where he has worked since 2014. He has extensive experience in financial services, previously holding various leadership roles at FINRA and Cambridge Associates.
Work at FINRA
James Parks has held multiple leadership positions at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) since 2003. He began as Director of Transparency Services Technology from 2003 to 2005, followed by a role as Director of Enterprise Data Intake Products from 2010 to 2014. Currently, he serves as Director of Product Strategy & Transformation, a position he has held since 2014. In these roles, he has been instrumental in implementing new products and business capabilities, as well as leading strategic transformation efforts.
Education and Expertise
James Parks studied at the University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, where he completed the Certified Regulatory Compliance Professional (CRCP) program. He also attended Marymount University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with a focus on Finance from 1993 to 1996. His educational background supports his expertise in regulatory compliance and financial services.
Background
Before joining FINRA, James Parks worked at Cambridge Associates as a Consulting Associate from 1998 to 1999. He also completed an internship at Merrill Lynch in 1996. His early career experiences laid the foundation for his extensive work in the financial regulatory sector.
Achievements
During his tenure at FINRA, James Parks presented transformation strategy findings to executives and membership committees, which led to significant changes and funding for new initiatives. He developed a program to enhance FINRA's digital interface with member firms, focusing on reducing compliance costs and burdens. Additionally, he collaborated with compliance and technology teams through site visits and focus groups to identify and prioritize opportunities.