At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on financial services regulation, fintech, and crypto.
- Company: Leading international law firm with a strong reputation in financial services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonuses, and early responsibility in your role.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain direct partner access and work on high-profile regulatory matters from day one.
- Qualifications: 1-3 PQE, UK qualified, with a background in financial services regulation.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are working exclusively with a leading international law firm to recruit a junior financial services regulatory solicitor into one of the most highly regarded practices of its kind in London. This is a genuinely broad financial services regulatory practice, one of very few at a US firm in London that has built its own independent client base rather than simply servicing US-led matters.
The team advises on everything from regulatory compliance and ESG regulatory work through to complex fintech, payments, crypto, cross-border financing transactions and fund structuring. The London team operates closely with colleagues in the US and Asia, meaning juniors gain early exposure to truly international work without being siloed.
The practice is led by a senior partner who is widely recognised as one of the leading financial services regulatory minds in the market, consistently recommended in Chambers UK and Legal 500 for financial services, fintech and contentious regulatory work, and known for exceptional knowledge of investment services, payment services and broader regulatory issues. The team also includes a highly regarded partner with a strong focus on EU regulatory requirements, cross-border product design and FCA authorisation work. Both are acknowledged as leading individuals in the Chambers FinTech rankings, where the firm holds a Band 1 position.
The practice covers banking regulation, fintech and payments, crypto and digital assets (including the evolving UK cryptoasset regime), ESG regulatory advice, MiFID II, AML/financial sanctions, and regulatory investigations, making it one of the more dynamic and forward-looking regulatory practices available at this level.
Why This Role?
This is an entrepreneurial environment with a lean team. Juniors take on genuine responsibility and direct client exposure from day one; you will be working closely with partners rather than being insulated by layers of hierarchy. This is unusually rare at a firm of this calibre.
Despite sitting within a top-tier US platform with all the ambition, quality of work and compensation that implies, this London practice has real autonomy, its own client base and a culture that rewards initiative. The firm has recently advised on high-profile matters including FCA authorisation for a major crypto business, the $24.25 billion sale of a global payments platform, and a range of regulatory matters for leading financial institutions.
Compensation & Working Arrangements
Cravath scale remuneration with a discretionary bonus payable on hitting a 2,000-hour target. Minimum three days in the office per week (often four).
What They Are Looking For
The firm is specifically targeting candidates from UK practices rather than US firms. The role is focused on financial services regulation with a strong banking angle alongside crypto, fintech and broader regulatory work. It is not a funds regulatory or consumer credit (C-regs) role, as those functions sit separately within the firm.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable with detailed research and drafting and is looking to build a technically strong foundation in financial services regulation early in their career.
To be considered, you should:
- Be 1–3 PQE
- Be currently in private practice at a well-regarded UK firm
- Have a background in financial services regulation with relevant banking, fintech or crypto exposure
- Be England & Wales qualified
If you are a junior financial services regulatory solicitor seeking a high-quality platform with early responsibility, direct partner access and market-leading compensation, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Financial Regulatory Associate in London employer: Buchanan Law
As a leading international law firm based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering an entrepreneurial environment where junior solicitors can thrive. Our unique culture promotes direct client exposure and genuine responsibility from day one, allowing you to work closely with esteemed partners in a dynamic practice that covers cutting-edge areas such as fintech and crypto regulation. With competitive compensation and a commitment to employee growth, we offer a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial services regulatory landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Regulatory Associate in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informational interviews with folks already working in financial services regulation. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get insider tips on landing a role. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Be ready to discuss specific projects or cases you've worked on that relate to financial services regulation, fintech, or crypto.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Regulatory Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Financial Regulatory Associate. Highlight your experience in financial services regulation, especially any work related to banking, fintech, or crypto. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about financial services regulation and how you can contribute to our dynamic team. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your skills.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since the role involves detailed research and drafting, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in these areas. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to tackle complex regulatory issues, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows your initiative, which we really value!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Know Your Regulatory Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest financial services regulations, especially around banking, fintech, and crypto. Being able to discuss recent changes or high-profile cases will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Since the role involves detailed research and drafting, prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills. Bring examples of past work where you've tackled complex regulatory issues, and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving in these scenarios.
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
This firm values initiative and autonomy, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to that environment. Think of examples from your previous experience where you've taken the lead or gone above and beyond, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's recent high-profile matters or their approach to emerging regulatory challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the dynamic nature of financial services regulation.
