Associate / Senior Associate - Financial Services Regulation

We are seeking an experienced solicitor to join our team as a specialist in Financial Services Regulation.

The candidate must have a deep understanding of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), the PRA Rulebook, FCA Handbook, the Regulated Activities Order, the Financial Promotions Order, MiFID and consumer credit and mortgage regulation, etc.  

The role involves advising clients on legal, regulatory and compliance matters, including:

• Scoping, perimeter and Part 4A permissions advice.
• Advising on application for authorisations (but not necessarily completing applications) and change in control approvals (including change in control applications).
• Product and services design, including evaluating how innovative and novel FinTech products fit into the regulatory framework.
• Advice on all aspects of the FCA Handbook and PRA Rule Book, MiFID, AIFMD, MCD, CRR (etc).
• Advice on cross border aspects of financial services regulation.
• Corporate governance of authorised firms.
• Payment services and “open banking”.
• Advising and drafting documents such as terms and conditions for regulated activities.
• Advising on remediation, self-reporting, and engagement with the regulators.
• Assisting the corporate team on FSMA aspects of M&A.
• Assisting other teams across the firm (dispute resolution, commercial, private wealth, family, housing, etc) on FSMA related matters (in particular regulated credit and regulated mortgages).
• Monitoring changes in financial services regulations and update clients accordingly.
• Promoting the firm’s financial services regulation capabilities by speaking at seminars, writing articles, etc.
• Providing internal training

Qualified solicitor with ideally least four years’ experience specialising in financial services law and regulation (UK).

This is a legal (and not compliance) position.

The ability to exercise sound judgment, imagination and creativity in a fast-moving sector.

Strong analytical skills and precise attention to detail will be key attributes of a successful applicant

Excellent communication abilities.  Ability to work with clients from various international backgrounds, who are often unfamiliar with the UK financial services sector and environment.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams throughout the firm, and promote the firm’s financial services regulation capabilities internally as well as externally.

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.
We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Emily.Green@penningtonslaw.com