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Full-Time

VP – Merchant Risk Operations

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Upgrade

Upgrade

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides loans, credit cards, and rewards

Fintech
Consumer Goods

Expert

Atlanta, GA, USA

This is a hybrid role requiring in-office presence in Atlanta.

Category
Risk Management
Finance & Banking
Required Skills
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • 15+ years of experience in risk operations management within the financial services industry, with a focus on merchant risk.
  • Experience working with point of sale lending merchants.
  • Home improvement loan experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of risk management principles, practices, and regulatory requirements.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement risk management strategies for merchant risk.
  • Oversee the underwriting of potential merchants and own accountability for merchant performance.
  • Monitor and assess merchant risk exposure and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
  • Lead a team of risk management professionals to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
  • Synthesizing data such as dispute metrics, credit metrics, and overall feedback to make effective recommendations.
  • Stay current on industry trends and best practices related to merchant risk management.
  • Work closely with other departments to ensure that merchant risk is effectively managed across the organization.

Upgrade offers personal loans, credit cards, and rewards checking accounts to help individuals manage their finances. Their personal loans allow borrowing up to $50,000 with fixed rates and no prepayment penalties, while the Upgrade Card provides cash back rewards on various spending categories. Unlike many competitors, Upgrade focuses on affordability and user-friendly features, making credit more accessible. The company's goal is to promote responsible financial behavior and support long-term financial health for its customers.

Company Stage

Series E

Total Funding

$357.2M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2016

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

23%

1 year growth

32%

2 year growth

53%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Upgrade's rapid growth and expansion into new markets, such as auto loans and home improvement financing, indicate strong business momentum and opportunities for career advancement.
  • The launch of the Secured OneCard opens up new customer segments, providing a pathway for individuals with little or no credit history to build their credit responsibly.
  • The company's significant investment in new office space in Irvine, California, reflects its commitment to scaling operations and expanding its workforce.

What critics are saying

  • The crowded fintech market means Upgrade must continuously innovate to maintain its competitive edge and customer base.
  • Expansion into new product lines, such as auto loans, carries the risk of operational challenges and potential regulatory scrutiny.

What makes Upgrade unique

  • Upgrade offers a unique combination of personal loans, credit cards, and rewards checking accounts, providing a comprehensive suite of financial products that cater to various consumer needs.
  • Their focus on affordability and flexibility, such as no prepayment penalties on loans and competitive cash back rewards, sets them apart from traditional financial institutions.
  • The partnership with FairPlay to incorporate Fairness-as-a-Service solutions enhances their commitment to fair lending practices, distinguishing them in the fintech space.

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