INSPECTOR GENERAL  Jay N. Lerner

Jay N. Lerner

Inspector General

Jay N. Lerner was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and he was sworn in as the third presidentially appointed FDIC Inspector General on January 9, 2017.

As Inspector General, Mr. Lerner leads an Office whose mission is to detect and deter waste, fraud, and abuse at the FDIC, and to promote economy and efficiency within the Corporation. He oversees a nationwide workforce of approximately 140 criminal investigators, auditors, evaluators, and other professional staff, with an annual budget of approximately $36 million. The Office conducts reviews and makes recommendations for improvement of the FDIC's operations and programs, and investigates significant matters of misconduct so as to preserve the integrity of the banking system and protect the savings of individuals, families, and businesses.

Mr. Lerner most recently worked as the Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel at the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General. In this role, he provided leadership in the strategic and policy direction for the Office, as well as input into the overall planning, operations, and management of the Office, including all five of its divisions. Mr. Lerner also worked with Department leadership on various matters, oversaw Congressional relations for the Office, and managed liaison relations with other Inspectors General and oversight bodies.

Prior to this position, Mr. Lerner was Assistant Chief in the Fraud Section in the Criminal Division at DOJ, where he provided guidance and counsel on financial fraud efforts and enforcement initiatives. In addition, he has held several other senior positions, including as Associate General Counsel for Strategic Oversight and Review, and Chief Counsel for Security at the Department of Homeland Security Office of the General Counsel, and Deputy Chief Counsel (Criminal Enforcement) at the Transportation Security Administration.

In addition, Mr. Lerner was a prosecutor in the Criminal Division at DOJ, during which time he worked on banking and money laundering cases and he was a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. He also served as an overseas Legal Advisor providing training to foreign prosecutors and as Counsel for Multilateral Affairs.

Mr. Lerner has taught several courses on criminal law and law enforcement issues at the George Washington University, National Advocacy Center, and elsewhere. Mr. Lerner earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois, and he passed the Certified Public Accountant Examination.