Legal Counsel
A great place to work. With great work to do.
Ours is a meaningful and impactful role, as a kaitiaki (caretakers) of the financial services in Aotearoa. We oversee a market that does right by everyone, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders. Our role as a kaitiaki is brought to life by our values; Look to the Horizon, Help the Team Work, Make the Calls and Open Hearts, Open Minds.
Te Tūranga | The role
Join us as Legal Counsel within FMA’s in-house Legal team, a finalist for ILANZ Public Sector In-house Team of the Year 2026, where you’ll provide high‑quality legal advice and support across a wide range of regulatory and organisational work. This role offers broad exposure to the FMA’s operations and is an excellent opportunity to apply your legal skills in a complex and fast‑moving regulatory environment.
This is a hands-on role where you’ll be expected to actively contribute to problem‑solving across the FMA, while continuing to build your judgement, technical capability and understanding of the financial markets regulatory environment.
Responsibilities include:
- Working with the FMA's frontline teams to manage legal issues in relation to our engagement with market participants.
- Engaging with market participants and their advisers in relation to legal issues.
- Providing advice within the FMA on the use of regulatory tools in response to non-compliance.
- Leading individual exemption and designation work and advising on class exemptions and designations.
- Contributing to policy development, FMA guidance, and key projects within the FMA.
- Assist with the provision of expert input into wider FMA projects, discussion groups and committees as required.
- Assist and support more senior team members, including undertaking legal research as required.
He kōrero mōu | About you
You’re a lawyer with at least two years post-admission experience and a current New Zealand practising certificate (or entitlement to one). Experience in regulatory, commercial or public law is preferred but not essential, as is an interest in applying your skills in a regulatory environment. You bring strong analytical and critical thinking skills, good judgement, and a pragmatic approach to interpreting and applying legislation.
You’re comfortable working in complex environments, taking responsibility for matters within your scope, and know when to seek input or guidance. You communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally, and can establish positive working relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders.
You’re motivated by meaningful work, take confidentiality and professional standards seriously, and enjoy working collaboratively as part of a supportive legal team. Experience or exposure in financial services or public sector environments is beneficial, as is an interest in financial markets regulation, but what matters most is your ability to think clearly, learn quickly, and deliver high‑quality legal advice.
Ngā painga | What we offer
We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:
- 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
- Health and life insurance cover
- Paid leave over the Christmas period
- The ability to swap public holidays for days that hold personal significance
- Exceptional learning and development opportunities, including technical training and leadership development
At the FMA, we’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We also offer a range of wellness and social activities to support both personal and professional wellbeing and help our people genuinely connect with one another.
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