Principal / Legal Director - Financial Services Regulatory

Principal Associate / Legal Director - Financial Services Regulatory

National Hybrid Working

8+ PQE

Yolk Recruitment is working with a leading national law firm to appoint an experienced Financial Services Regulatory lawyer to join its expanding Commercial practice at Principal Associate or Legal Director level.

This is a strategic senior hire within a highly regarded specialist team that advises a broad range of financial institutions, asset managers, investment firms, fintech businesses and retail financial services providers on complex regulatory matters. The team has an excellent reputation in the market and works with an impressive portfolio of national and international clients.

The Opportunity

This role will focus heavily on the asset management and investments space, advising clients on the evolving regulatory landscape and helping shape commercially focused solutions within a fast moving sector.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor across a broad range of regulatory matters including FCA compliance, regulatory perimeter issues, authorisations, governance frameworks, consumer investment products and ongoing conduct obligations.

You will also play a key role in supporting transactional and cross border matters alongside Corporate and Funds teams, advising on the regulatory aspects of structuring, launches and investment strategies.

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys combining high level advisory work with client relationship management, business development and team leadership responsibilities.

The Candidate

Applications are welcomed from senior Financial Services Regulatory lawyers with strong technical expertise and experience advising clients within the investments, asset management or broader retail financial services sector.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of FCA regulation and the wider UK regulatory framework
• Experience advising on matters such as MiFID II, UCITS, AIFMD, ESG regulation and SMCR
• Confidence handling complex advisory matters autonomously
• Strong client management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
• A commercial and solutions focused mindset
• An interest in contributing to the continued growth of a specialist regulatory practice

Experience across wider financial services areas such as payments, insurance, e money or capital markets would be advantageous, though not essential.

The Firm

The successful candidate will join a collaborative national Commercial team working across multiple UK offices. The wider group is recognised for its strength across technology, data, intellectual property, outsourcing, infrastructure and complex commercial advisory work.

The firm is known for its modern and flexible approach, strong internal culture and commitment to innovation, diversity and professional development. It offers genuinely high quality work alongside a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals are encouraged to develop their own profile and specialism.

What's on Offer

• National platform with high profile clients
• Complex and market leading regulatory work
• Genuine progression opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Strong benefits package and competitive remuneration
• Supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial culture

We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.