Financial Regulatory Associate

Akin is a global law firm with more than 900 lawyers and advisors. With 17 offices worldwide, they are renowned for numerous market-leading practices with strengths in complex transactions and restructurings, high-stakes litigation, and public policy and regulatory matters and their unyielding pro bono commitment. Akin Gump's London office is their third largest office and the main hub for the firm's international offices, practicing at the top of its markets.

Driven by their forward-thinking leadership, they have built a strong culture of innovation and collaboration as well as a talented and diverse workforce. Akin has a long-standing commitment to opportunity and inclusion and believe that the various perspectives and experiences of their lawyers and professionals enable them to identify creative solutions for their clients and enrich all aspects of their firm and communities. Their focus on building an  inclusive work environment is present at every level.

We are seeking a qualified lawyer 2-4 PQE to join our non-contentious financial services regulatory team lead by partner, Ezra Zahabi.  Prior experience of non-contentious financial regulatory matters relevant to the investment management and funds industry is required, including detailed knowledge of FSMA 2000 and the attendant rules under the FCA Handbook, MiFID II (as applicable to investment managers and advisers) and AIFMD.   Superior written and oral communication skills and excellent academic credentials are essential.

This role requires a self-starter, provides ample exposure to a broad range of regulatory work, client contact and an opportunity to work directly with partner Ezra Zahabi as part of our wider Financial Services Regulatory team, advising other Akin teams and external clients on a range of cutting-edge work. 

Our highly regarded non-contentious financial services regulatory practice advises institutional and alternative investment managers and advisers on all aspects of the U.K. and EU financial services regulatory framework.

We have taken a leading role in advising the financial services industry on regulatory actions and the impact of EU legislation, including the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and the corresponding Regulation (MiFID II) and the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), as well as a wide range of other U.K. and EU legal and regulatory enactments including EMIR, the Securitisation Regulation, MiCA, and the Payment Services Directive.

We frequently work with colleagues operating in the U.S. and Asia on cross-border financial services advisory matters and investigations to provide clients with fully integrated legal services focused on securities laws, compliance and regulation. Our understanding of the regulatory framework and regimes within multiple jurisdictions enables us to help clients to identify differences in the regulation of their businesses across the globe and manage risk accordingly.

The team provides practical and commercial guidance on complex financial regulatory issues in the U.K. and the EU. Our team is consulted by clients’ senior management and compliance teams on the conduct of financial services business in the U.K. and the European Economic Area (EEA), often on a cross-border basis.

The team advises on issues including perimeter guidance, authorization applications and other regulatory filings; the control and ownership of financial services firms; insider dealing and other market conduct queries; queries relating to trading arrangements; the development of financial products and services; the implementation of governance systems and controls; the implementation of the senior managers and certification regime; structuring of funds and investment management platforms and the marketing of financial services and products in the U.K. and the EEA.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's employment practices actively promote equal opportunities throughout the Firm and its employees are selected and recruited  by merit in relation to the job to be performed, without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief.