VP, Compliance

As Trellis Financial prepares to bring a new fixed indexed annuity carrier to market, compliance is not a function we are bolting on after the fact. It is part of how the company is being built. This isn't a maintain-the-status-quo position. We're looking for someone energized by the chance to design a suitability and compliance program from the early stages, shaping the standards, workflows, and controls that protect the policyholders who trust us with their retirement, rather than inheriting decades of legacy practice. The right candidate thrives in a fast-paced, technology-driven, regulated environment where their judgment directly influences the integrity of the business and the experience of the producers and distribution partners who place business with us.

If you're the kind of compliance leader who wants a seat at the table, not just a sign-off at the end of the process, this is your opportunity.

The VP of Compliance will support the launch and ongoing operation of a U.S. suitability and compliance function for a new fixed indexed annuity carrier preparing to launch in 49 states and the District of Columbia (excluding New York). The role will support the design, structure, workflow, execution, and reporting of Trellis's regulatory compliance program tailored to fixed and fixed indexed annuity products. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this is a leadership position for a candidate with deep annuity and compliance knowledge, ideally in fixed and fixed indexed annuities, operating as a senior individual contributor.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory Compliance

• Support the ongoing maturing of Trellis's regulatory compliance program to ensure adherence to new and evolving state and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to fixed and fixed indexed annuities.
• Monitor, interpret, and implement regulatory requirements related to fixed indexed annuity products and services to ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal laws.
• Implement and maintain compliance programs, governance practices, and risk management processes aligned with state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Provide input to Trellis's annuity distribution market conduct program and represent Trellis on industry groups so the company stays current on issues impacting the fixed and fixed indexed annuity industry.
• Support compliance monitoring, assessments, and internal control activities to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Independently manage department-specific projects and support broader cross-functional initiatives impacting the Trellis annuity business.

Suitability

• Support the launch and operation of Trellis's suitability and compliance function for our fixed indexed annuity program, including supporting the suitability program's design, structure, workflow, execution, and reporting.
• Make and oversee suitability decisions as a senior individual contributor, in accordance with the NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation, applicable state-adopted versions, other federal laws and regulations, and Trellis organizational standards and guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies and procedures as well as state and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to the annuity suitability review process.
• Manage suitability workflows to ensure suitability reviews are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with Trellis service-level standards.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries in respect of the suitability program, including from producers, distribution partners, and regulators.
• Oversee the third-party suitability consultant relationship, partnering with the consultant on case review, calibration, and program design as Trellis's suitability program matures.
• Identify reviews appropriate for escalation and engage directly with distribution partners, where required, to resolve escalated suitability matters.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as a compliance partner to Trellis Operations, Distribution, Product, Actuarial, and Finance leadership, helping balance business objectives with regulatory and compliance expectations.
• Partner closely with the Chief Legal Officer on policy, procedure, and governance practice development supporting regulatory adherence and effective risk management.
• Partner with Legal, Operations, Product, Distribution, Claims, and Actuarial teams to ensure consistent application of regulatory requirements across the business.
• Provide leadership visibility to initiative progress, risks, and key decisions to support effective governance and decision making at the Trellis Management Committee level.
• Facilitate communication, problem-solving, and alignment across business, operational, and technical stakeholders to ensure compliance and suitability initiatives progress effectively.

ABOUT US

At Trellis Financial, we're on a mission to change how Americans plan for retirement.

We're an annuity company built to deliver simple, competitive products through independent distribution channels. We have the fundamentals every annuity company needs (regulatory footing, capital, and decades of experience) without any of the traditional constraints. Our proprietary technology stack allows us to modernize how an annuity company operates and pursue opportunities beyond traditional retirement products.

We're hiring problem solvers and builders who thrive in a high-stakes, regulated environment. Every role at Trellis is a skill position, and every employee gets to watch their work impact policyholders, agents, and the industry in real time. If that sounds like a company you'd want to join, we'd like to hear from you.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in U.S. annuities and compliance, ideally relating to annuities in an independent distribution environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of annuity products and the independent and broker-dealer channels, with particular depth in suitability and other annuity processing related items.
• Strong knowledge of insurance regulations, including state insurance codes, the NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation, and relevant federal regulations such as GLBA, HIPAA, and TCPA.
• A practical problem solver, comfortable balancing the company's commitment to compliance with its passion for serving policyholders and distribution partners well.
• Experience dealing directly with stakeholders, where required, to resolve escalated suitability and complaint disputes.
• Broad understanding of annuity new business platforms and processing requirements, including but not limited to state replacement requirements and certain state-required filings.
• Experience with compliance management systems and regulatory tracking tools such as SERFF.
• Demonstrated ability to lead business initiatives or organizational projects in a fast-paced, growing environment.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills (oral, written, presentation), with the ability to build relationships, engage, and influence others. Must be comfortable communicating with individuals at all levels of the organization, including senior management.
• A proven track record of professional, ethical behavior and acting with integrity.
• Undergraduate degree required. Law degree (JD) is an asset. Industry designations such as AIRC, FLMI, or other compliance certifications are valued.

Benefits

At Trellis Financial, we believe our people are our greatest asset and that operational excellence starts with supporting the team behind it. In support of our employees' well-being, satisfaction, and long-term success, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support both professional growth and personal wellness. These benefits are available to eligible employees, including part-time team members where applicable.

Our benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with life insurance and related coverage
• Performance-based bonuses recognizing individual contribution
• 401(k) retirement plan (eligibility and terms apply)
• Discretionary paid time off, with flexibility to coordinate time away in partnership with your manager
• Company-observed holidays

Specific benefit details, including coverage levels and eligibility, will be outlined in your offer letter.

Thank you for considering Trellis Financial!