Bryan Levine is a seasoned legal, compliance, and risk management executive with over two decades of experience in internal investigations, corporate ethics, regulatory compliance, financial services governance and litigation. With extensive expertise in conducting high-stakes investigations, Bryan has been at the forefront of managing whistleblower programs, employee misconduct, and risk assessments for some of the world’s largest financial institutions. He has a demonstrated ability to develop strategic frameworks, oversee regulatory adherence, and implement ethics and compliance best practices that protect corporate integrity and enhance organizational trust.
Currently serving as director of investigations oversight in the Office of Ethics & Conduct at Discover Financial Services, Bryan is responsible for designing and executing a second-line-of-defense model for internal investigations, ensuring the necessary level of effective challenge in cases involving whistleblower concerns, employee relations, data privacy breaches, and corporate code of conduct violations. His leadership in investigative oversight enables Discover to identify root causes, trends and control gaps, implement corrective actions, establish risk-aware corporate cultures that prioritize ethical business practices, meet regulatory expectations and advise decisionmakers accordingly.
Prior to his role at Discover, Bryan held key leadership positions at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Citi, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing whistleblower programs and internal ethics investigations across multiple jurisdictions. At SMBC, he managed the Integrity Reporting Hotline across seven countries, conducting in-depth assessments of corporate misconduct while ensuring cross-border regulatory compliance. His role at Citi further solidified his risk management expertise as he provided practical insights on conduct and reputational risk across its EMEA and US corporate franchises to senior management and board committees.
Bryan’s deep experience in legal compliance was shaped early in his career during his tenure at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he specialized in securities litigation class action defense, investigations, arbitration, and regulatory enforcement. Representing global clients in high-profile litigation cases provided him with unparalleled exposure to corporate risk management strategies and best practices, which he later translated into corporate governance initiatives in the financial services sector.
Beyond financial institutions, Bryan’s broad understanding of risk and compliance spans consumer products, fintech, and technology-driven industries, enabling him to craft tailored compliance solutions that address sector-specific risks. His ability to connect legal frameworks with operational realities allows him to advise organizations on control enhancements, risk mitigation, and fostering corporate accountability in rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes.
In addition to his corporate career, Bryan serves as an advisor, content creator and coach with Mindful Return, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting professionals navigating work-life balance. Here, he focuses on helping parents facing the unique challenges of managing their careers when raising a special needs child and has presented to numerous corporate employee resource groups on this topic. His involvement in professional associations and legal organizations further underscores his dedication to fostering industry-wide advancements in ethics and compliance.
Bryan holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Brown University. His academic background, coupled with extensive practical experience, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks, legal precedents, and corporate governance principles that drive his strategic decision-making.
A recognized thought leader in corporate compliance and investigative oversight, Bryan frequently engages with legal, compliance, and corporate governance communities to share insights on ethical risk management, fraud prevention, and whistleblower protections. His expertise in data privacy, third-party risk management, and anti-bribery frameworks positions him as a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams across industries.
With a global perspective shaped by collaboration with professionals in the UK, Europe, the UAE and Latin America, Bryan understands the complexities of multi-jurisdictional compliance, making him an asset to international organizations seeking to navigate cross-border regulatory challenges. His ability to bridge cultural gaps in ethics and compliance ensures that his advisory approach is both legally sound and operationally effective in diverse business environments.
Character:
Bryan Levine is a principled leader who upholds the highest standards of corporate integrity, ensuring that organizations operate with transparency, accountability, and fairness. His unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making allows him to foster trust and compliance in highly regulated environments.
Knowledge:
With deep expertise in legal compliance, regulatory frameworks, and risk management, Bryan provides strategic oversight that strengthens governance and mitigates corporate misconduct. His extensive background in internal investigations, fraud prevention, and whistleblower programs makes him a valuable asset to any organization navigating complex compliance challenges.
Strategic:
A forward-thinking executive, Bryan designs and implements investigative frameworks that align business objectives with compliance best practices, enabling organizations to proactively manage risk. His ability to analyze misconduct trends and develop risk assessment models ensures businesses stay ahead of regulatory scrutiny and operational vulnerabilities.
Communication:
An effective communicator and trusted advisor, Bryan translates complex legal and compliance concepts into actionable insights that resonate with executive leadership and board members. His ability to engage stakeholders across industries ensures that compliance strategies are not only understood but effectively integrated into corporate cultures.
