Legal Counsel

Are you an experienced senior legal counsel with in-depth knowledge of laws and regulations affecting regulated global trading firms and experience working in or advising clients in the financial markets industry? Would you like to be part of a highly collaborative team in a fast-paced environment? Do you think that being an in-house lawyer is about having a problem-solving mindset and working cross-functionally? Are you an entrepreneurial, analytical, and flexible thinker who is results-driven and thrives under pressure?

If you’re keen to advise on a vast range of complex legal matters in our dynamic Amsterdam office, then you could be the Legal Counsel we’re looking for. As the team is split between the UK and the Netherlands, you will be based in Amsterdam but will work in a team that includes colleagues based in London.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Optiver’s European Legal Team advises the business on the full spectrum of legal issues affecting a regulated trading business, including advice on MiFID II, BMR, CSDR, DORA, MAD/MAR, SSR, IFD/IFR and other regulations. In addition the team negotiates trading and counterparty agreements, advising on other matters that impact the core trading business, corporate and commercial issues, governance, and strategic cross-border projects.

As a key member of Optiver’s European Legal Team, you will report directly to the head of the team and collaborate closely with our Trading, Technology, Compliance, HR and Procurement departments on all legal matters related to our proprietary trading activities and supporting services entity. Whilst the core of the role is regulatory advisory in nature and covers both trading and non-trading matters (e.g. remuneration matters), you will also be expected to understand the nature of the business model of a market maker and effectively translate external legal requirements into a highly complex and fascinating trading environment and its supporting operations across other domains. 

No two days are the same – one day, you might negotiate a trading platform or market data agreement; another, you could lead a strategic project with both corporate and trading implications. You may also work on a key trading agreements, such as a clearing agreements, improve Optiver’s standard terms in a specific domain, or focus on institutional trading activities, negotiating terms with counterparties or market-making agreements.

No matter the topic or task at hand, you'll be expected to remain flexible and eager to continiously expand your knowledge in relevant fields, including technology contracting, general contract matters, HR and employment law and corporate housekeeping. You’ll also collaborate with Legal Europe to proactively deliver solutions. If you enjoy tackling fresh and stimulating challenges every day, Optiver is the place for you.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• A performance-based bonus structure unmatched anywhere in the industry. We combine our profits across desks, teams and offices into a global profit pool
• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 50 different countries
• 25 paid vacation days and fully paid first-class commuting expenses
• Training opportunities and discounts on health insurance
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast and lunch, world-class barista coffee, sports and leisure activities, Friday afternoon drinks, and weekly in-house chair massages
• Competitive relocation packages and visa sponsorship where necessary for expats

WHO YOU ARE

• Academic degree in Dutch Law.
• At least 8 years of relevant working experience. Experience dealing with regulators is beneficial. 
• A flexible, pragmatic, proactive, assertive and results-driven professional with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally, demonstrated through client secondments or experience within a regulated business.
• Strong ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business solutions. Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A team player with a good sense of humour.

WHO WE ARE

At Optiver, our mission is to continuously improve the market. By providing liquidity and accurate pricing in various financial instruments, to multiple exchanges across the world, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply directly via the form below. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Recruitment team at recruitment@optiver.com

Please note:

• We cannot accept applications via email for data protection reasons.
• We do not require any assistance from third-parties including agencies in the recruitment of this role

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.