Structured Notes Lawyer, Global Markets (Vice President / Executive Director)

Company overview

Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership.

Department Overview

The relevant individual will work in the Transaction Legal team, providing transactional advice to the structured notes businesses with a primary focus on equities. The Transaction Legal team contains lawyers who work across different Global Markets businesses, including structured notes, structured products (including structured funding, repackagings, securitised products and structured solutions), structured lending, QIS and funds. As a department, we provide an intellectually stimulating environment that values collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth. Our lawyers are encouraged to view transactions holistically, working in partnership with the front office teams to provide legal and transactional advice from the structuring stage to execution. Working at Nomura allows our lawyers to gain a deep understanding of commercial drivers, and develop relationships across different stakeholders in the bank. As a key member of the team, you will have the opportunity to apply your legal experience whilst making a significant impact on the bank’s business. The size and nature of the legal department at Nomura allows for exposure to senior legal management and the ability to influence change in the department. The department has a strong charity and diversity focus, with lawyers encouraged to participate in internal networks or charitable initiatives.

Overview Key objectives critical to success:

• Work closely with the structured notes businesses with respect to the structuring, negotiation, documentation and execution of a range of transactions, with a primary focus on equities.
• Strong analytical skills to understand complex and bespoke structures, be able to work collegiately with the business and corporate stakeholders to help risk manage complex transactions.
• Interpret, educate and assist with the application of regulatory and internal governance requirements that impact the structured notes businesses, in particular pertaining to product governance.

Skills, experience, qualifications and knowledge required:

• In‑depth knowledge of Prospectus Regulation with the ability to construct non‑exempt and exempt product documentation including final terms and issuer summaries.
• Focus will be on equity‑linked products with ability across other asset classes an advantage.
• Strong background in retail structured securities offerings across different jurisdictions, particularly Switzerland, France, Italy, Nordics and other core European geographies, ensuring compliance with Prospectus Regulation and best market practice.
• Background working with third‑party distributors and associated documentation, in particular distribution cross‑border by private banks, and related requirements on MiFID II, PRIIPS, Retail Investment Strategy etc.
• Experience in the analysis of third‑party distribution into multiple geographies and the risk management of this activity given local law, regulations, listing and filing requirements.
• Knowledge of ISDA equity and rates definitions an advantage as well as their transposition into on‑balance‑sheet and off‑balance‑sheet notes programmes.
• Strong experience with product governance requirements under MiFID II and working closely with senior legal, compliance and business management to ensure efficient implementation of new products and initiatives in line with internal governance processes.
• Experience in a law firm transactional department and/or in‑house legal department.
• Strong organisational, analytical and time management skills, with ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – strong team player with an ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to work independently and respond proactively to business needs.
• The desire to improve processes or methods of working, and influence change.

Nomura competencies:

• Explore Insights & Vision – Identify the underlying causes of problems faced by you or your team and define a clear vision and direction for the future.
• Making Strategic Decisions – Evaluate all the options for resolving the problems and effectively prioritise actions or recommendations.
• Inspire Entrepreneurship in People – Inspire team members through effective communication of ideas and motivate them to actively enhance productivity.
• Elevate Organizational Capability – Engage proactively in professional development and enhance team productivity through the promotion of knowledge sharing.
• Inclusion – Respect DEI, foster a culture of psychological safety in the workplace and cultivate a “Risk Culture” (Challenge, Escalate and Respect).

Right to Work

The UK Government have taken steps to reduce net migration to the UK by limiting the number of overseas workers coming to the UK for employment. Please note that whilst we are able to consider applications from overseas workers from outside the UK (who require a Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa) we can only employ them if we can provide evidence that this is a genuine vacancy for a qualified role.

Diversity & Inclusion

Nomura is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to ensuring we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome all applications and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity and gender expression, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments due to a disability or long‑term health condition, please do not hesitate to contact us.