Principal Counsel, Regulatory

Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law degree and licensed to practice in relevant jurisdictions.
  • Minimum six (6) years of legal experience related to regulatory policy.
  • Advanced knowledge of securities industry laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Strong organizational abilities.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • High-level judgment and analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

  • Advise the Board of Governors and FINRA advisory committees on regulatory matters.
  • Communicate regulatory initiatives to senior executives efficiently, especially under tight deadlines.
  • Provide legal expertise in specific subject areas within FINRA.
  • Draft board materials with thoughtful analyses of policy and political factors.
  • Prepare and review new rule proposals, engaging with stakeholders for feedback.
  • Conduct economic impact assessments by collaborating with Regulatory Economics and Market Analysis.
  • Present at regulatory conferences and advisory committee meetings.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with defined in-person requirements.
  • Occasional travel and extended hours may be necessary.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Immediate 401(k) participation with company match and additional FINRA-funded retirement contributions.
  • Generous time-off program including paid time off, personal days, and sick days.
  • Two volunteer service days to support community involvement.
Full Job Description

The Principal Counsel in Office of General Counsel (OGC), Regulatory Policy renders legal advice and support in connection with the complete life cycle of new regulatory initiatives and serves as subject matter resource in one or more areas of legal expertise. This position is an experienced individual contributor who demonstrates increasing subject matter expertise and independence.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Assists in providing advice to the Board of Governors and FINRA advisory committees with respect to regulatory initiatives and rule changes under consideration by the Board.
  • Assists in briefing and communicating regulatory initiatives to senior executives of FINRA. Must be able to provide such analysis under urgent deadlines.
  • Serves as a source of legal expertise within FINRA in subject areas and provides advice on questions in these subject areas.
  • Prepares 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.
  • Reviews and drafts new rule proposals, with increased independence; gathers and incorporates views of industry participants, other regulators, senior staff and other interested parties; and prepares rule filings to the SEC.
  • Works with Regulatory Economics and Market Analysis (REMA) in conducting economic impact assessments of rulemakings.
  • Participates in meetings with senior staff of SEC, industry groups and other interested parties concerning regulatory initiatives.
  • Presents at regulatory policy public conferences and meetings of FINRA advisory committees on areas of subject matter expertise, as required.
  • Prepares Regulatory Notices, rule guidance and other correspondence with member firms, their outside counsel and other interested parties.
  • Conducts 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.
  • Collaborates across OGC to identify and present original, creative, innovative and sophisticated solutions and proposals for changes to existing rules, including the elimination or reduction of unnecessary regulation and the adoption of new rules.
  • Keeps abreast of and analyzes SEC, industry and other self-regulatory organization initiatives, and develops and maintains strong working relationships with SEC staff and other regulators.
  • Demonstrates FINRA’s values.
  • Collaborates, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • A law degree and appropriately licensed to practice law in all applicable jurisdictions based on the relevant licensing requirements.
  • A minimum of six (6) years of directly related legal experience.
  • Advanced working knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing the securities industry.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent judgment, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Work Conditions:

  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Occasional travel and extended hours may be 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 $114,200, Maximum Salary $207,200

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $125,900, Maximum Salary $228,000
MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $238,300

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $248,700

#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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from FINRA by following the careers blog. Gain insights from insiders, and stay informed about new job opportunities, networking events, and industry news that can help shape your career path.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review open positions, prepare your resume, and apply through the FINRA Careers portal. Tailor your application to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. The interview process at FINRA is designed to identify and recruit the most talented professionals in the industry.

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