Upstart: Director of Product Compliance

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Overview of Upstart

Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace that works in conjunction with banks and credit unions to widen access to affordable credit. The company focuses on using artificial intelligence to enhance approval rates and minimize loss across diverse demographics, aiming for a seamless digital-first lending experience. More than 80% of borrowers are approved almost instantly, requiring no documentation upload. Upstart encourages a digital-first culture, which allows its employees to work remotely from anywhere in the United States, though it has physical offices in cities like San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas. A new office is planned to open in New York City in the summer of 2026.

Role of Director of Product Compliance

The Director of Product Compliance will become part of a vital team at Upstart that ensures the company's innovations align with regulatory standards. This position will oversee compliance measures for existing and new products. The role involves acting as a primary compliance advisor to several departments including Product, Engineering, Operations, and executive leadership. It aims at ensuring that Upstart's offerings not only meet regulatory standards but also create exceptional user experiences. This position is targeted at individuals who are motivated by contributing to a company that is reshaping lending through technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Ownership and Regulatory Governance:

  • Continuously improve the product compliance framework, including procedures and policies governing marketing, underwriting, servicing, collections, and credit reporting.
  • Conduct risk assessments and gap analyses to ensure regulatory readiness.
  • Develop key risk indicators and dashboards for compliance health reports to executive leadership and the board.

• Cross-Functional Influence and Stakeholder Management:

  • Serve as a senior advisor across multiple teams, fostering alignment between customer experience, business needs, and regulatory expectations.
  • Effectively communicate compliance risks and recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
  • Represent the Compliance team in various governance forums.

• Operational Excellence and Issue Management:

  • Oversee the management of compliance issues, ensuring systematic resolution and improvement of controls.
  • Collaborate with Legal, Internal Audit, and external regulatory exam teams to facilitate audits and compliance inquiries.
  • Develop compliance training tailored for cross-functional partners.

• Team Building and Leadership:

  • Promote a compliance-first culture throughout the organization to encourage early engagement and proactive risk identification.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for the Director of Product Compliance role, candidates must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 8 years of experience in consumer lending, fintech, risk management, or a related field, with a deep understanding of regulations concerning unsecured credit products.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state consumer lending laws, including TILA, ECOA, FCRA, and others.
• Proven experience in advising and launching fintech products, preferably in high-scale environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates looking to stand out may have:

• Experience in designing compliance controls for digital products and automated decision-making.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills for effective stakeholder management.
• Advanced certifications in compliance like JD or CRCM.

Position Details

The role operates remotely, with a preference for candidates residing in time zones favorable for cooperation with teams based in the East and West U.S. coasts. The organization promotes a culture of collaboration, allowing employees to meet in person for a couple of days every quarter for team-related activities. Upstart values a work-life balance and encourages employees to work from their desired locations while facilitating periodic in-person collaboration.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary for the Director of Product Compliance position ranges between $195,000 and $270,000 depending on geographic location, skillset, and experience level. Compensation includes:

• Base salary plus bonuses and equity.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• A 401(k) plan with matching contributions by Upstart up to $15,000 per year.
• Stock Purchase Plan and life/disability insurance.
• Generous leave policies, including holiday, vacation, and family care programs.
• Wellness and work-from-home reimbursement programs, alongside opportunities for social activities and team events.

Conclusion

Upstart promotes equal opportunity within its hiring practices, welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds. This role is suitable for individuals who are passionate about the intersection of technology and finance while ensuring compliance and responsible innovation. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this rewarding position, contributing to a transformative company in the lending landscape.

This job offer was originally published on weworkremotely.com