Legal Counsel, Head of Global Markets (Equities) (Executive Director) in London

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: Team of trading floor based transactional lawyers supporting all Global Markets businesses, including Equities, Rates, Credit, FX, Securitised Products and various Solutions businesses.

Role Overview: Head of Global Markets Legal Equities division reporting to Head of Global Markets Legal. Prime responsibility for legal risk management of the Equities business and management of the relationship with the Equities business team. Line management responsibility for dedicated Equities lawyer (VP level). Work in partnership with the business with respect to the structuring, negotiation, documentation and execution of a wide range of equity products, with a primary focus on (i) equity derivatives (both solutions/strategic trades and flow), (ii) cash and synthetic prime brokerage and (iii) equity margin loans and fund finance loans (NAV). Working in partnership with risk functions and other stakeholder groups to ensure Equity products remain within risk appetite. Advise and assist in the creation, structuring, regulatory analysis and launch of new products and businesses. Interpret, educate and assist with the implementation of regulatory changes that impact equities businesses. Advise the Business, Risk, Compliance and others internally regarding legal and regulatory issues, developments and risks relating to equities businesses. Support senior GM Legal management with the broader management of the department.

Skills, experience, qualifications and knowledge required:

• Candidate should be a senior lawyer in private practice or leading investment bank with material expertise in equities products.
• Ideally candidate should have some experience of managing junior lawyers.
• Experience and expertise should cover the following:
• Expertise across a broad range of equity products, including equity derivatives, margin loans, and fund finance loans.
• Expertise across industry documentation (LMA, ISDA,) and familiarity of commercial drivers of document negotiation.
• Strong awareness of current market practices.
• In-depth knowledge of typical equity structures, jurisdictional considerations, issues relating to taking security, finance and insolvency laws and enforcement considerations.
• Strong drafting skills.
• Comprehensive awareness of the regulatory requirements applicable to equity products.
• Strong organisational, analytical and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - ability to interact effectively with stakeholders of all levels and management.
• Ability to manage a pipeline of work with different priorities, work independently and respond proactively to business needs.
• Strong team player.

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 prioritize 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.