Legal Counsel - Custody, Investor Services and Capital Markets

A highly reputed US banking institution is looking to recruit an in-house Legal Counsel. This is a highly respected privately-owned institution with the best reputation for staff retention in the industry. Likewise, its products are considered top or top 3 and its standard of service is widely-regarded as the best in the industry. They can offer a very rewarding and prestigious career without you having to work all hours (more in line with asset management than Investment Banking).

The Counsel will primarily cover the Funds and Markets area in the organisation’s Investor Services line of business.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working alongside the General Counsel for Europe, you will be responsible for assisting on all legal matters across the European region and working closely with the legal team in the US. This will give you a broad and detailed overview of the entire bank's operations and all legal matters that affect it. 

Specific areas include:

• FX primarily in the context of cash trading transactions and related issues.
• He or she will review marketing materials, client inquiries and RFPs, and draft and negotiate ISDA Master Agreements (including Credit Support Annexes) and other foreign currency related agreements.
• The organisation's Treasury Department in the context of its cash management, interest rate swap and liquidity activities, including as applicable, the review of clearing and swap execution facility trading arrangements.
• The organisation’s business servicing futures commission merchants and clearing organisations, which services include settlement banking and the posting and investment of margin.
• The Securities Lending business in relation to the negotiation of lender, borrower and third party agreements, preparing specific exclusive lending agreements, assisting with the business in dealing with the impact of regulatory change, managing the consultation process with external counsel; Fund administration, transfer agency, custodian/depositary businesses in relation to the provision of these services to a wide range of UCITS and AIFMD clients and other funds.
• The candidate will monitor legal and regulatory developments with respect to the above areas.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1-4 Post-Qualified years’ experience and admitted as either a barrister or solicitor within England and Wales Excellent knowledge of capital markets activities of banks and brokers.
• A knowledge of relevant CFTC statutes, rules and regulations would be helpful though not essential.
• A good knowledge of foreign currency and fixed income documentation and legal issues, including ISDA Master Agreements and Credit Support Annexes (Note: bespoke derivatives experience is not necessarily relevant), and securities lending documentation (including the GMSLA and GMRA).
• A good knowledge of the rules and regulations applicable to UCITS and AIFMD and other fund structures would be an advantage.
• Prior experience working on, or supporting, trading desks and businesses is a plus.
• Ability to negotiate complex agreements to completion. 
• Ability to prioritise, take initiative and bring projects to conclusion. 
• Ability to work effectively with various internal and external constituencies. 
• Ability to work with peers while retaining responsibility for results. 
• Strong sense of business and legal ethics. 
• Attention to detail is a must.