Associate General Counsel, Capital Markets

Regulatory Policy Expert This position is responsible for directing and managing the complete life cycle of the adoption of new regulatory requirements. The incumbent provides expert knowledge to the Board of Governors and senior management, advising them on high-impact, legally and politically complex and sensitive regulatory initiatives and rule changes. This position is recognized by FINRA and the industry as the top/primary expert in a particularly complex and unique subject matter area(s) pertaining to regulatory policy, rendering independent expert advice in these areas. The incumbent also would act under the supervision of the Senior Vice President and Director of Capital Markets as the primary coordinator of the policy and rulemaking functions within the Capital Markets Group of OGC, including overseeing preparation of board and committee materials, regulatory notices, rule filings, multiple NMS Plan participation, SEC outreach and economic impact assessments of rulemakings. The incumbent must have demonstrated ability to perform these functions with minimal or no supervision, as well as consistent demonstration of high-level independent judgment with the ability to take responsibility for the exercise of that judgment. Essential Job Functions: Advise the Board of Governors and FINRA advisory committees with respect to high-impact, legally and politically complex and sensitive regulatory initiatives and rule changes under consideration by the Board. Brief and communicate complex and sensitive regulatory initiatives to senior executives of FINRA. Must be able to provide such analysis under urgent deadlines. Serve as the key source of legal expertise within FINRA in one or more subject areas and provide independent expert advice on questions and issues as they arise. Subject area expertise relate to trading practices, market integrity and market structure in equities, options and fixed income including order handling requirements, trade reporting and other transparency initiatives; SEC mandates including Consolidated Audit Trail, Regulation SCI, Regulation NMS, Regulation SHO, SEC Rule 15c3- 5 and SEC Rule 15c2-11; FINRA's quoting and trade reporting mechanisms, including TRACE, the Alternative Display Facility (ADF) and Trade Reporting Facilities (TRFs); and FINRA trading-related fees, including TAF and Section 31/Section 3. Represent FINRA before industry and self-regulatory organization/inter-market groups. Prepare and oversee the preparation of Board materials that contain sophisticated analyses and discussions of competing policy or political considerations necessary for the informed judgment of the issues by the Board. Draft and review the drafting of new rule proposals; gather and incorporate views of industry participants, other regulators, and senior staff; and prepare rule filings to the SEC. Serve as the primary coordinator in conducting economic impact assessments of rulemakings in the capital markets area of OGC, working closely with the Office of the Chief Economist. Prepare Regulatory Notices, rule guidance, and other correspondence with member firms and their outside counsel. Conduct legal and other research into matters of regulatory policy as necessary to (1) develop rule proposals and to respond to internal and external comments, and (2) respond to interpretive and exemptive requests. Take a leadership role in identifying and presenting original, creative, innovative, and sophisticated solutions and proposals for changes to existing rules, including rules and guidance needed to address the constantly evolving nature of trading within the securities markets. Provide expert-level legal counsel and assistance to projects and initiatives of other departments, supporting them in achieving their goals. Serve as primary liaison to FINRA committees as assigned. Lead and coordinate the efforts of other OGC legal staff in the completion of work projects. Analyze SEC, industry and other self-regulatory organization initiatives, and develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with other regulators. Be the recognized expert and attend and be a sought-out speaker at regulatory policy public conferences and meetings of FINRA committees on areas of subject matter expertise. Manage public communication of FINRA proposals and legal interpretations to member firms, members of the bar, the media, and other interested parties. Other Responsibilities: Lead or participate in ad hoc special projects and initiatives as requested. Train and mentor other OGC attorneys and assist in supervising and directing regulatory analysts, paralegals and administrative assistants in OGC. Support enforcement of office procedures concerning regulatory proposals and legal interpretive positions; provide and implement suggestions to increase efficiency and effectiveness of procedures. Education/Experience Requirements: A law degree and appropriately licensed to practice law in all applicable jurisdictions based on the relevant licensing requirements. 10+ years of relevant legal experience. Highly developed expertise in a specialized area of knowledge that is both technically complex and central to the overall mission of the organization; and expert knowledge of rules, regulations and guidelines governing the securities industry. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Work Conditions: Normal office conditions. Occasional travel and extended hours may be required. Public speaking and appearing at regulatory conferences are required. FINRA