At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of financial services regulation.
- Company: Market-leading firm with a collaborative and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and award-winning career development programme.
- Other info: Opportunities for genuine growth and exposure to high-value work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact advising top-tier clients in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial services regulation and strong project ownership skills.
The predicted salary is between 59800 - 65000 £ per year.
The team stands out for its deep understanding and its practical and commercially minded approach. The lawyers are technically excellent, highly responsive and solutions focused.
We have an exciting opportunity for a lawyer to join our market leading Financial Institutions Group at Associate Director level, focusing on Financial Services Regulation. You will join an ambitious team and play a key role in shaping the future of the practice.
Our highly regarded Financial Institutions Group spans 4 core areas of expertise: Financial Regulation, Payments, Consumer and Small Business Finance and Investment Funds. This opportunity is for a lawyer working in our Financial Regulation sub-team, focusing predominantly on investments and funds regulation. Our Financial Regulation sub-team is a genuinely standalone regulatory practice doing top-tier work with a range of stellar, household name clients, from established financial institutions to new Fintech innovators.
Rather than being just a transactional support function, you will be working closely with clients on strategic, high‑value work including regulatory processes, new product launches, regulatory assurance and reviews, implementing regulatory change and providing tactical regulatory support on transactions and restructurings. Our clients include investment platforms, custodians, investment advisers and wealth managers, investment funds and fund managers, insurers and insurance intermediaries, banks and crypto firms. The international nature of financial services means that we regularly advise on pan-European matters, using our expert teams in the major EU jurisdictions. We also advise companies from outside Europe that are establishing operations in the UK and the EU.
Our Financial Institutions Group is led by Helen Parsonage (Partner) and operates from our London and Bristol offices. The role will sit in our financial services regulatory team led by Chris Ratcliffe and Noline Matemera. The FIG group also comprises 9 further Partners, 2 Legal Directors, 6 Associate Directors, 5 Senior Associates, 12 Associates, 4 Trainee Solicitors and 7 Paralegals.
The following are examples of recent work undertaken by our Financial Services Regulation lawyers:
- Advised a global financial services group on obtaining licences for new investment platform business in UK.
- Advised asset management firm on large scale internal project to properly classify various structures as CIS, AIFs or both.
- Advised IFA network and wealth management group on partnership to launch new network.
- Advised wealth management group on acquisition and integration of UCITS management business.
- Advised digital wealth management business on a retail product restructuring and insourcing.
- Advised bank on Management Incentive Plan consistent with Rem Code requirements and capital eligibility under the CRR.
- Advised fintech on launch of syndication platform for private capital investments.
Osborne Clarke's Financial Services Regulation lawyers work closely with our Corporate, Commercial, Banking and Employment teams and the wider Financial Institutions Group.
We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate depth of knowledge and experience of complex and technical Financial Services Regulation work. For example, I would expect candidates to be able to provide advice (subject to appropriate supervision and support where required) in most of the following areas: regulated perimeter issues, FCA and PRA regulatory processes such as authorisations, variations or permissions and notifications, the Consumer Duty, COBS, SUP MIFIDPRU, CASS, MiFID II, UK AIFMD and SMCR. A strong background in advising alternative fund managers on UK AIFMD and fund marketing will give candidates an advantage but is not essential. You will be able to show evidence of experience of drafting and reviewing terms of business and client agreements. You will also have proven experience of taking ownership of projects in addition to supervision of more junior lawyers. Due to the nature of the work and the structure of the team, we are looking for a lawyer at Associate Director level or a high-performing senior associate looking to a role with genuine growth potential.
Like all our lawyers, you will benefit from our multi-award winning career development programme. At each stage of your career, this provides you with clear expectations of your role and what it takes to progress; high quality clients and work, with early responsibility and client exposure; thorough assessment and individual feedback from a range of experienced colleagues; robust technical training with early skills based development, increasingly tailored to you; reward for your contribution, progression and potential, rather than PQE or tenure.
We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits.
Financial Services (Regulatory) Associate Director employer: Osborne Clarke
Osborne Clarke is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture. As part of our Financial Institutions Group in London, you will engage in high-value regulatory work with prestigious clients while benefiting from our award-winning career development programme that prioritises your professional advancement and offers competitive salaries and generous benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Services (Regulatory) Associate Director
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Osborne Clarke. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Services (Regulatory) Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Osborne Clarke.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Osborne Clarke's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Osborne Clarke
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Osborne Clarke.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Osborne Clarke will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Osborne Clarke employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.