At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to work on innovative financial transactions and structured products.
- Company: CMS is a global law firm with a dynamic approach, passionate about client relationships and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team tackling complex financial challenges in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years of legal experience preferred; open-mindedness and enthusiasm are key.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
We are looking for an associate with a derivatives/general finance/structured finance background to join our growing Financial Services Transactions practice in the London office. Collateral experience is preferred but not essential (further details below).
The role may suit someone who is interested in a new challenge, and open to working with what may be a new client base and new transaction types. Our team works primarily with insurers/reinsurers and defined benefit pension schemes on structured insurance transactions and related financial products.
CMS is a Future Facing firm with more than 80 offices in over 45 countries and 5,800+ lawyers worldwide. We combine deep local market understanding with a global perspective. We are passionate about building strong relationships with our clients, our people, and the communities we work in.
We take a bold, dynamic, and agile approach to ensure our clients are able to face the future with confidence. We are driven by emerging technologies such as generative AI and readily embrace the possibilities it opens up for developing new and better ways of working. Our aim is to inspire, impact and support our clients and our people, helping them to maximize their potential and thrive.
The FS Transactions team advises pension schemes, insurers, reinsurers, banks and other financial institution clients on regulatory and capital-driven transactions. The team has 4 partners and 12 associates, some of whom come from a traditional finance background. While the transactions are often insurance based, they are typically collateralised and built around core financial markets concepts such as set-off and netting. No pensions or life insurance knowledge is required for the position.
A large portion of the work is structured reinsurance transactions between UK life companies and global reinsurers. A smaller part of our practice is bank and pension trustee facing. Most of the transactions we work on involve working with different asset classes (including illiquid assets, many of which are debt-based) that comprise the premium or security in these structures.
In this role, you can expect to get involved in a variety of work including:
• novel structured products;
• vanilla tripartite custody account security structures (usually including an account control agreement);
• title transfer collateral arrangements;
• capital regulation;
• securitisations and repackaging, including SPIRE;
• taking security over illiquid structures, like fund units and interests, long term mortgages, credit and real estate;
• issues around set off and netting, close out and termination, including for cross border transactions.
Core clients of the team include: L&G, Pacific Life, PIC, Pheonix, Rothesay and Just Retirement.
The CMS team is the largest in the city to focus on this work, is well regarded and is involved in many cutting edge and novel transactions. Successful candidates will be well supported and will get the opportunity to work on big, complex transactions in a growing area.
We are ideally looking for candidates with between 3-6 years of previous qualified experience, though this is not conclusive and we will consider each candidate on their own merit.
About youWe will invest in your ongoing training and development to support your professional goals and help you to thrive in your role from day one. Our opportunities are open to all suitably qualified applicants, so to be considered for this role you must have transferable transactional skills, be open minded and enthusiastic.
No specific sector experience or knowledge is needed - we are looking for solid legal skills with enquiring minds keen to learn on the job to develop a sector specific focus in transactional work in the FS team at CMS.
Derivatives, structured finance and/or collateral experience is preferred but not essential. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience taking security over financial collateral, whether in terms of charged account arrangements (which typically utilise account control agreements with the relevant custodian) or title transfer arrangements such as those under the ISDA Credit Support Annex, ICMA GMRA or ISLA GMSLA.
We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles. To name a few, these include:
• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Flexible, hybrid working policy
• Generous bonus scheme
• Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
• Holiday exchange scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.
Equal opportunitiesAt CMS, we place diversity and inclusion at the centre of our culture and the heart of our organisation. As a firm we recognise, celebrate, and embrace the diverse talent our society has to offer because we know that to solve big problems, we need the best and brightest minds available to us. In support of this goal, we commit to actively breaking down barriers which stand in the way of those from diverse backgrounds and play our part in levelling the playing field.
As a Future Facing Firm, we strongly believe that a career in law should be open to people from all walks of life, because not only does diversity of thought and experience make our firm a stronger and more sustainable business, but it also makes it a more rewarding place to work.
When recruiting, we prioritise attracting talented people and we actively promote a flexible working environment which enables all our team members to thrive. If you see a role you are interested in, but don’t feel you meet 100% of the criteria we encourage you to still consider making an application. We also welcome applications from those who may be looking to return to the workforce after a career break.
We are proud to say our leadership in creating an inclusive working culture has been celebrated and recognised externally, including being listed for a number of years in the Times Top 50 Employers for Women and the Social Mobility Index.
We are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer, and we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity throughout our recruitment process and in every element of the employee life cycle. If you require assistance, or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements or adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please contact a member of the Talent Acquisition team at TalentAcquisition@cms-cmno.com who will be happy to support you.
We look forward to receiving your application online via theCMS careers site. Please contact our Talent Acquisition team if you have any questions.
Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.
#LI-EC2
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Finance FS - Associate (3-6 PQE) - London employer: cms
CMS is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working options, and a generous benefits package tailored to individual needs. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and innovation, ensuring that every team member can thrive while working on cutting-edge financial transactions in a supportive environment. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on emerging technologies, CMS provides a dynamic platform for associates to advance their careers in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance FS - Associate (3-6 PQE) - London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in structured finance and derivatives. Understanding current market dynamics and emerging technologies, like generative AI, can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who work with insurers and pension schemes. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Research CMS's recent transactions and case studies related to structured reinsurance and collateral arrangements. Being able to discuss specific examples will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team during your interview. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if the firm aligns with your career goals and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance FS - Associate (3-6 PQE) - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in derivatives, structured finance, or general finance. Emphasise any transferable skills that align with the role, such as your ability to handle complex transactions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Mention specific aspects of CMS's Financial Services Transactions practice that excite you, and how your background can contribute to their success.
Showcase Your Skills:Clearly outline your transactional skills and any experience with financial collateral arrangements. Even if you lack direct experience, demonstrate your eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at cms
✨Understand the Financial Services Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the key players in the financial services sector, especially insurers and pension schemes. Knowing their roles and how they interact with structured finance will help you demonstrate your interest and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Transactional Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous transactional experiences, even if they are not directly related to derivatives or structured finance. Highlight your ability to adapt and apply your skills to new types of transactions, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Be Open-Minded and Enthusiastic
The firm values candidates who are eager to learn and embrace new challenges. Convey your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to develop a sector-specific focus, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Team and Culture
Demonstrate your interest in the firm by preparing thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, and the firm's approach to diversity and inclusion. This shows that you are not only interested in the role but also in the company culture.
