Nicholas Chaney is a distinguished regulatory compliance and risk management executive with more than a decade of experience across financial services, banking, IT security, and public policy. Known for his ability to bridge operational execution with regulatory oversight, Nicholas brings a uniquely well-rounded background grounded in law, data analytics, and government affairs. His focus lies in transforming complex compliance frameworks into strategic assets that strengthen organizations and foster transparency. His career reflects a commitment to upholding ethical standards while championing efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Nicholas began his professional journey in public service, serving as the Policy Director to Cincinnati City Councilmember Yvette Simpson from 2015 to 2018. In this role, he oversaw legislative research and drafting, led community outreach efforts, and coordinated intergovernmental collaborations focused on addressing urgent urban challenges such as homelessness, human trafficking, and infrastructure investment. This early experience sharpened his ability to analyze policy implications and lead civic-oriented change—skills that would later prove invaluable in navigating regulatory landscapes in the private sector.
Transitioning into the financial services industry, Nicholas joined Huntington National Bank as an AML Case Investigator, where he monitored transactions for suspicious activity and ensured compliance with AML/BSA regulations. His analytical acumen and strong legal foundation allowed him to produce precise and impactful reporting, ultimately contributing to the bank’s risk reduction and regulatory preparedness. He also helped onboard and mentor new hires, showing a natural inclination toward leadership and knowledge transfer.
At FIS, a global leader in financial technology, Nicholas served as Risk Assessment Program Manager. He led the development and execution of over 70 Risk and Control Self-Assessments annually, aligning operations with ISO standards and internal governance expectations. His strategic redesign of the RCSA process and development of an automated risk register enhanced transparency and operational resilience. These initiatives improved communication between risk teams and the board, positioning risk management as a proactive driver of strategic value rather than a reactive necessity.
Nicholas’s tenure at First Financial Bank further deepened his leadership in operational risk. As Operational Risk Assessment Lead, he worked directly with the credit card division to ensure compliance with TILA/Reg Z and helped reduce operational errors by 30%. He also developed and delivered a risk training program that elevated awareness across the enterprise. These efforts highlighted his ability to both educate and influence, fostering a culture of compliance and cross-functional accountability.
At Klarna, Nicholas most recently held the position of Analytics Manager and Partner Bank Program Lead. In this dual-capacity role, he managed the first-line audit and compliance testing program, overseeing multiple regulatory exams, product reviews, and testing projects. He also led a team focused on managing Klarna’s U.S. partner bank relationships, helping to ensure regulatory alignment across a suite of consumer credit products. Nicholas played a pivotal role in facilitating over 20 U.S. regulatory submissions and several audits under CFPB and EU guidelines. His command of SQL and data visualization tools like Looker Studio and Qliksense provided the analytical rigor needed for fast-paced compliance environments.
Beyond his operational achievements, Nicholas is driven by a deeper mission to enhance institutional integrity. He earned his Juris Doctor from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Xavier University, where his thesis on political polarization was selected for presentation at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research. He also holds a CRISC (Certification in Risk and Information Systems Control) designation from ISACA, underscoring his commitment to staying at the forefront of governance and cybersecurity best practices.
Nicholas’s cross-sector background provides him with a 360-degree perspective that few in the compliance field possess. From drafting municipal policy to analyzing legal risk in banking products, he is adept at interpreting laws and translating them into operational procedures that protect and empower organizations. His work with international regulators in Sweden and the U.K. further demonstrates his global compliance literacy and agility in responding to evolving regulatory environments.
Known for his calm under pressure and data-informed decision-making, Nicholas excels at leading interdisciplinary teams and presenting to boards and senior leadership. Whether guiding a risk framework, managing regulatory requests, or mentoring future compliance professionals, he leads with purpose and precision. His career reflects not only technical expertise but also a genuine investment in fostering ethical cultures and sustainable growth.
Outside of work, Nicholas is passionate about golf, politics, and spending time with family. These interests reflect his values of discipline, civic engagement, and balance. While he is not currently serving on any boards, he is actively seeking opportunities where he can bring his regulatory, legal, and risk leadership to organizations in the public, nonprofit, and finance sectors. He views board service as a way to expand his impact, help others navigate complexity, and grow as a strategic leader.
Character:
Nicholas is values-driven, consistent, and service-oriented, balancing ethics with practicality in every decision. He has demonstrated integrity throughout roles that impact communities, financial institutions, and regulatory partners.
Knowledge:
His depth in regulatory compliance—especially around ECOA, TILA, UDAAP, and risk assessments—makes him an authority in navigating legal frameworks. Nicholas’s JD and CRISC certification cement his expertise and lifelong commitment to learning.
Strategic:
Nicholas transforms compliance from a cost center into a value-adding function by aligning regulations with business strategy. He builds risk frameworks that improve decision-making and institutional resilience.
Communication:
Whether presenting to city councils or executive boards, Nicholas is a clear, persuasive communicator who adapts to diverse audiences. His training and mentoring roles reflect his ability to simplify the complex and motivate others to act.
