Senior Legal Counsel

WHO WE ARE:

Optiver is a global market maker founded in Amsterdam, with offices in London, Chicago, Austin, New York, Sydney, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei and Mumbai. Established in 1986, today we are a leading liquidity provider, with close to 2,000 employees in offices around the world, united in our commitment to improve the market through competitive pricing, execution and risk management. By providing liquidity on multiple exchanges across the world in various financial instruments we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets. We provide liquidity to financial markets using our own capital, at our own risk, trading a wide range of products: listed derivatives, cash equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign currencies.

Optiver’s Sydney office is one of the primary players within Asian markets, trading a range of products. Established in 1996, we're an active participant on the Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan exchanges, and act as Optiver’s APAC head office. 

WHO LEGAL IS:

The APAC legal team is part of a global legal function of approximately 25 lawyers and paralegals.

Legal has evolved as a key business partner and advisory function, playing a unique role in both business enablement and risk management.

The APAC team supports all first line Trading and Technology business objectives in APAC as well as second line functions such as Compliance, Risk and HR. It also provides Company Secretarial services to the APAC legal entities.  

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

As part of APAC Legal you will join a team of dedicated professionals in APAC (most of whom are based in Sydney). In this role, reporting to the APAC General Counsel, you will

• Provide subject matter expert legal advice and support:
  • on a range of new business initiatives in the region (risk assessments and contract negotiation/drafting) including new products, new markets, new counterparties (institutional trading), financial intermediaries (clearers/brokers) and on other strategic business initiatives (such as capital efficiency)
  • to technology and infrastructure teams
  • to other functions including Compliance, Procurement, Risk, Business Operations, Tax and HR
• Support corporate and commercial initiatives and help manage and advise on enterprise risks such as Data, IP and AI
• Provide legal and regulatory change monitoring, interpretation and implementation, as appropriate.
• Provide legal advice and risk assessments and reporting to regional management.
• Assist in the design, implementation and maintenance of policies, governance, best practice and contribute to risk management and control frameworks.
• Support regional and global initiatives within the Legal function including operational improvements (notably technology adoption) and the ongoing development of a globally integrated Legal Function.
• Mentor and help develop junior Legal team members

WHO YOU ARE:

An agile lawyer with an entrepreneurial and self-starting inclination, looking to test themselves in a less commoditized environment. Excited by the prospect of working in a dynamic and fast-paced organization and capable of juggling multiple matters across a broad range of stakeholders.

• At least 12 years PQE with extensive professional experience gained in private practice and/or in-house (some previous in-house experience is a strong preference) in financial markets (derivatives experience is advantageous) or financial services.
• Bachelor of laws or Juris Doctor and current practising certificate valid in Australia or equivalent in another common law jurisdiction.
• Sound working knowledge of key financial services and regulatory principles and laws relevant to a markets business and key principles, legal issues and risk topics relevant to corporate, commercial (eg data, AI, IP) and contractual matters
• Regional/international experience working across multiple jurisdictions is an advantage.
• Ability to analyse complex business problems and make recommendations based on legal technical knowledge, judgment, and logic.
• Ability to mentor junior lawyers.
• Ability to interact, work with and influence multiple senior stakeholders locally, regionally and globally.
• Strong commercial acumen, robust time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and contract drafting skills.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• The chance to work alongside diverse, intelligent and driven peers in a rewarding environment
• Competitive remuneration, including an attractive bonus structure and additional leave entitlements
• Training, mentorship and personal development opportunities
• Gym membership plus weekly in-house chair massages
• Daily breakfast and lunch facilities
• Regular social events including an annual company trip
• A work-from-home allowance and support

As an intentionally flat organisation, we believe that great ideas and impact can come from everyone. We are passionate about empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. Every person at Optiver should feel included, valued and respected, because we believe our best work is done together.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is hardwired through every stage of our hiring process. We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities.