Financial Operations Advisory Lawyer, Vice President
Glasgow
JR027200

We are seeking someone to join our team as a Financial Operations Advisory Lawyer, Vice President.

In the Legal & Compliance division, we assist the Firm in achieving its business objectives by facilitating and overseeing the Firm's management of legal, regulatory and franchise risk. 

The Global Operations Department provides necessary operational support to all business lines, with processes that including trade clearing and settlement, securities custody and segregation, cash clearing and management, statements and confirmations.    

The global Operations Legal Coverage function within Technology and Data Legal advises the Morgan Stanley Global Operations Department on relevant legal and regulatory standards. 

Lawyers in the team research, interpret, analyze and apply financial services law rules and regulations within their regions to counsel leaders in Operations in areas such as customer asset protection, securities settlements, treasury operations, asset services and margin operations. Team members further advise on international matters such as payments or global financial market infrastructure and state legal regimes such as unclaimed property. 

The team also engages in some transactional support of the Operations Department, such as drafting and negotiating documentation related to sub-custody and/or cash account services provided to Morgan Stanley and its subsidiaries. The team also supports and advises Morgan Stanley businesses (such as prime brokerage, client clearing and wealth management) for which client assets (both safe custody and client money) are an integral part of the services provided to clients.

Since 1935, Morgan Stanley is known as a global leader in financial services, always evolving and innovating to better serve our clients and our communities in more than 40 countries around the world. 

What you'll do in the role:
-    The individual will advise Operations department stakeholders, including management and governance committees and the first line (business side) regarding relevant regulatory standards (in particular client asset and client money rules in the UK (CASS) and Germany), contract interpretation, and other legal matters. The role will focus on EMEA, collaborating with legal and compliance colleagues in Americas and APAC.
-    The individual will develop expertise and ownership in multiple areas, such as rule-sets or business lines (including prime brokerage). The individual will engage in some transactional work such as contract negotiation, drafting, and review.

What we’re looking for:
-    Typically, 8+ years' relevant experience would generally be expected to find the skills required for this role 
-    Familiarity with a UK or EMEA regulatory regime governing an aspect of Morgan Stanley operations and a strong interest in developing further expertise.
-    Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to an executive audience and strong interpersonal skills to connect with managers in other locations
-    An entrepreneurial attitude to developing internal client relationships and becoming a trusted legal advisor
-    Consistent curiosity about how things work and ability to learn through each of: engagement with real-time questions; expert advice; informal training, collaboration and self-study
-    A functional understanding of corporate law, structure, governance and risk management
-    Initiative to take ownership and leadership roles in collaborative settings and drive projects to conclusion
-    Excellent judgement and analytical skills
-    Ability to incorporate firm values into advice and guidance: Do the Right Thing, Put Clients First, Lead with Exceptional Ideas, Commit to Diversity and Inclusion and Give Back 
-    Strong writing, drafting and research skills
-    Strong management, organisational and administrative skills
-    Experience drafting and negotiating financial services or other contracts preferred Qualifications
-    UK or other legal practising certificate
-    5-7 years of total legal experience, greater experience is welcome, less experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis when paired with equivalent amounts of financial industry experience in other roles
-    2+ years of relevant in-house legal experience preferred, preferably at a large, regulated financial institution

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

At Morgan Stanley, we raise, manage and allocate capital for our clients – helping them reach their goals. We do it in a way that’s differentiated – and we’ve done that for 90 years.  Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - aren’t just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There’s also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.

To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices​ into your browser.

Certified Persons Regulatory Requirements:
If this role is deemed a Certified role and may require the role holder to hold mandatory regulatory qualifications or the minimum qualifications to meet internal company benchmarks.

Flexible work statement
Interested in flexible working opportunities? Morgan Stanley empowers employees to have greater freedom of choice through flexible working arrangements. Speak to our recruitment team to find out more.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunities employer. We work to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can maximize their full potential. Our skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the global communities in which we operate and who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences. Our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion is evident through our constant focus on recruiting, developing, and advancing individuals based on their skills and talents.