Associate General Counsel, Capital Markets

Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law degree and licensed to practice law in applicable jurisdictions.
  • 10+ years of relevant legal experience.
  • Expertise in complex regulatory environments in the securities industry.
  • Strong knowledge of industry rules, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Advise the Board on complex regulatory initiatives and changes.
  • Brief senior executives on sensitive regulatory topics under tight deadlines.
  • Provide expert legal guidance and independent advice in specialized areas.
  • Draft and review rule proposals, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
  • Conduct economic impact assessments of rulemakings and coordinate with economists.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and additional retirement contributions.
  • Generous paid time off, personal days, and sick leave.
  • Paid volunteer service days to support community involvement.
  • Tuition reimbursement and various employee wellness programs.
Full Job Description
This position is responsible for directing and managing the complete life cycle of the adoption of new regulatory requirements. The incumbent provides expert knowledge to the Board of Governors and senior management, advising them on high-impact, legally and politically complex and sensitive regulatory initiatives and rule changes. This position is recognized by FINRA and the industry as the top/ primary expert in a particularly complex and unique subject matter area(s) pertaining to regulatory policy, rendering independent expert advice in these areas. The incumbent also would act under the supervision of the Senior Vice President and Director of Capital Markets as the primary coordinator of the policy and rulemaking functions within the Capital Markets Group of OGC, including overseeing preparation of board and committee materials, regulatory notices, rule filings, multiple NMS Plan participation, SEC outreach and economic impact assessments of rulemakings. The incumbent must have demonstrated ability to perform these functions with minimal or no supervision, as well as consistent demonstration of high-level independent judgment with the ability to take responsibility for the exercise of that judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Advise the Board of Governors and FINRA advisory committees with respect to high-impact, legally and politically complex and sensitive regulatory initiatives and rule changes under consideration by the Board.
  • Brief and communicate complex and sensitive regulatory initiatives to senior executives of FINRA. Must be able to provide such analysis under urgent deadlines.
  • Serve as the key source of legal expertise within FINRA in one or more subject areas and provide independent expert advice on questions and issues as they arise. Subject area expertise relate to trading practices, market integrity and market structure in equities, options and fixed income including order handling requirements, trade reporting and other transparency initiatives; SEC mandates including Consolidated Audit Trail, Regulation SCI, Regulation NMS, Regulation SHO, SEC Rule 15c3- 5 and SEC Rule 15c2-11; FINRA's quoting and trade reporting mechanisms, including TRACE, the Alternative Display Facility (ADF) and Trade Reporting Facilities (TRFs); and FINRA trading-related fees, including TAF and Section 31/Section 3.
  • Represent FINRA before industry and self-regulatory organization/inter-market groups.
  • Prepare and oversee the preparation of Board materials that contain sophisticated analyses and discussions of competing policy or political considerations necessary for the informed judgment of the issues by the Board.
  • Draft and review the drafting of new rule proposals; gather and incorporate views of industry participants, other regulators, and senior staff; and prepare rule filings to the SEC.
  • Serve as the primary coordinator in conducting economic impact assessments of rulemakings in the capital markets area of OGC, working closely with the Office of the Chief Economist.
  • Prepare Regulatory Notices, rule guidance, and other correspondence with member firms and their outside counsel.
  • Conduct legal and other research into matters of regulatory policy as necessary to (1) develop rule proposals and to respond to internal and external comments, and (2) respond to interpretive and exemptive requests.
  • Take a leadership role in identifying and presenting original, creative, innovative, and sophisticated solutions and proposals for changes to existing rules, including rules and guidance needed to address the constantly evolving nature of trading within the securities markets.
  • Provide expert-level legal counsel and assistance to projects and initiatives of other departments, supporting them in achieving their goals.
  • Serve as primary liaison to FINRA committees as assigned.
  • Lead and coordinate the efforts of other OGC legal staff in the completion of work projects.
  • Analyze SEC, industry and other self-regulatory organization initiatives, and develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with other regulators.

  • Be the recognized expert and attend and be a sought-out speaker at regulatory policy public conferences and meetings of FINRA committees on areas of subject matter expertise.
  • Manage public communication of FINRA proposals and legal interpretations to member firms, members of the bar, the media, and other interested parties.
  • Demonstration of FINRA's values.
  • Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.


Other Responsibilities:
  • Lead or participate in ad hoc special projects and initiatives as requested.
  • Train and mentor other OGC attorneys and assist in supervising and directing regulatory analysts, paralegals and administrative assistants in OGC.
  • Support enforcement of office procedures concerning regulatory proposals and legal interpretive positions; provide and implement suggestions to increase efficiency and effectiveness of procedures.


Education/Experience Requirements:
  • A law degree and appropriately licensed to practice law in all applicable jurisdictions based on the relevant licensing requirements.
  • 10+ years of relevant legal experience.
  • Highly developed expertise in a specialized area of knowledge that is both technically complex and central to the overall mission of the organization; and expert knowledge of rules, regulations and guidelines governing the securities industry.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.


Work Conditions:
  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Occasional travel and extended hours may be required.
  • Public speaking and appearing at regulatory conferences are required.


For work that is performed in CO, FL, TX, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, Washington, DC, NY and NJ, please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate's skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $158,000, Maximum Salary $308,900

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $173,600, Maximum Salary $340,200

MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $181,500, Maximum Salary $355,400

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $181,500, Maximum Salary $370,700

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.

Please note: If the "Apply Now" button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.

Time Off and Paid Leave*

FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.

*Based on full-time schedule

About Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Careers

Joining the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) presents a unique opportunity to become part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering fair and honest financial markets. As the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States, FINRA is at the forefront of the financial industry, offering unparalleled job opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Work You’ll Do

At FINRA, professionals work to protect investors and ensure the market's integrity through effective and efficient regulation of broker-dealers. Team members are engaged in a wide range of critical functions from market regulation to enforcement, and from legal compliance to dispute resolution. This variety ensures that employment at FINRA is not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful professional growth and career advancement.

Join a Leading Team

FINRA’s team is composed of highly skilled professionals who lead through innovation and steadfast leadership in the financial sector. With a commitment to diversity and inclusive culture, FINRA fosters an environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Joining this team means collaborating on projects that enhance the security and integrity of the financial marketplace.

Innovative Work and Career Development

Professionals at FINRA are encouraged to take initiative and innovate within their roles. The authority offers a robust career development program that supports professional growth through training, workshops, and continued learning opportunities. This focus on professional development ensures that every employee has the tools and knowledge to advance their career.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

For those starting their career, FINRA offers a range of internship and entry-level positions that provide a solid foundation in financial regulation. Interns and new employees work alongside industry experts and gain invaluable hands-on experience. These positions are crucial stepping stones for building a career filled with leadership opportunities and professional advancement.

Benefits and Culture

FINRA is committed to supporting its employees’ well-being both inside and outside of the workplace. The company offers a competitive package of benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Moreover, FINRA’s culture of ethics and leadership is reflected in its daily operations, making it a prime environment for personal and professional growth.

Explore Job Opportunities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is continuously seeking passionate, curious, and skilled individuals to join its team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests in the financial regulatory field. FINRA is hiring individuals who are driven to excel and ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, competence, and dedication.

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