Derivatives Counsel VP

Position Summary

Are you a skilled attorney with a passion for capital markets and a knack for navigating complex regulatory landscapes? The CIB Americas Legal Department at Natixis is a vital strategic partner, providing comprehensive legal advice to support the CIB Americas Platform. We pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic, collaborative environment where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a tangible difference.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic attorney to join our dedicated five-person Derivatives Legal team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting Natixis’ Global Markets team on a variety of matters, including 1) structured derivative transactions in various asset classes including commodities, FX, fixed income and equities, 2) structured finance hedging transactions and 3) structured repo transactions, including transactions relevant to the US Treasury Clearing Mandate. Also, you will be providing support on the relevant regulatory matters for these transactions. Join a vibrant team of 22 legal professionals where flexibility and teamwork are essential and relish the opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

What You'll Do

As Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in our legal team by taking on primary responsibilities for capital markets derivatives transactions and related regulatory matters. Your key areas of focus will include:

• Expert Legal Guidance: Provide insightful legal advice and support to the CIB Americas Platform on all matters related to derivatives trading, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
• Documentation Excellence: Collaborate with the Chief Client Office (CCO) team to negotiate essential market documentation and master agreements (ISDA/CSA, MRA/GMRA, MSLA/GMSLA). Keep our standard documentation and templates current and aligned with global legal frameworks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Front Office and CCO team on a variety of structured derivative transactions, including commodities, equity derivatives, fixed income,including structured finance hedging; and repo transactions, including structured repo transactions and FICC cleared repos.
• Regulatory Expertise: Partner with Legal and Compliance teams in New York and Paris/London to navigate Dodd-Frank Title VII and EMIR regulatory issues, ensuring clear communication around swap dealer and security-based swap dealer regulations.
• Leadership in Risk Management: Proactively manage external counsel as needed, conduct thorough legal analyses, and contribute to the New Product Committee, ensuring robust coverage and understanding of legal risks in derivative activities. Act as a central legal point of contact by 1) collaborating continuously with external counsel and internal Credit, Compliance, Market Risk, and Operations groups, 2) contributing to the New Product Committee and 3) escalating legal and risks associated with derivatives activities to the relevant stakeholders and senior management.
• A Growing Focus: Leverage your experience and knowledge of 1) equity derivatives products and related transaction documentation for OTC equity derivatives and 2) structured repo (bilateral and tri-party). including sponsored cleared repo transactions, to enhance our strategic advice and coverage.

What We’re Looking For

• A J.D. or LLM degree is required.
• Significant knowledge and experience, at least 4 years, covering sales and trading activities, derivatives and structured products at a large financial institution or reputable law firm, providing legal guidance on derivatives transactions.
• Stellar interpersonal skills, combined with adept verbal and written communication abilities, enabling you to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to build relationships across the organization with control functions and front office clients.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities under pressure and respond creatively in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong team player who knows when to collaborate with others while also being comfortable working independently.
• A self-motivated lawyer who has proven experience in derivatives/repos who is willing to learn and grow by taking on new challenges.
• A commitment to integrity, a strong work ethic, and a passion for fostering best practices within the department.
• Knowledge of French will be an asset but is not required.

Why Natixis?

At Natixis, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace drives innovation and success. Join our talented team and be part of a company that values your input, encourages professional growth, and offers the chance to work on cutting-edge legal matters. Here, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of finance.

Natixis is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a workplace free of discrimination. Natixis will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on age, color, mental or physical handicap or disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry or citizenship status, race, religion, sex (including sex stereotyping, gender identity, gender expression or transgender status), veteran status, creed, genetic information or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Respect for all means that we deal with each person as an individual and not as a member of any group. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Management is expected to provide leadership in supporting the firm’s EEO program by taking steps to promote EEO in all facets of employment including recruitment, hiring, retention, promotion, performance assessment, and career-development opportunities.

The salary range for this position will be between $220,000 - $260,000. Natixis is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. Actual base salary will vary and will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, education, skills set, applicable licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Base salary is only one component of our total rewards package. Natixis also offers a generous benefits package, and you may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award depending on company and individual performance.