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 Senior 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, pragmatic legal advice across a broad and dynamic portfolio of work. The role offers a true bird’s-eye view of the FMA, supporting the organisation on everything from policy development through to misconduct matters.

As a Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll take ownership of complex and novel legal issues, using your sound judgement and exceptional statutory interpretation skills to deliver answers and assistance. You’ll be relied upon to form and articulate sound legal judgements, provide clear direction in areas of uncertainty, and enable confident decision‑making across the organisation. 

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating closely with front line teams to provide legal advice and to support their work in achieving FMA’s strategic outcomes and regulatory objectives.
• Engaging with financial market participants and their advisers on a range of legal issues.
• Providing legal advice and support to decision makers and the FMA’s front line teams in relation to potential misconduct by market participants, and the use of administrative tools (such as stop orders, warnings, and licensing actions) in response to that misconduct.
• Leading individual exemption and designation work and advising on class exemptions and designations.
• Contributing to policy development and FMA guidance.
   
  

He kōrero mōu | About you 

You will be an experienced legal professional with at least five years post-admission experience and a current New Zealand practising certificate (or entitlement to one). You’re someone who thrives in complexity and ambiguity, showcasing strong judgement, intellectual curiosity and the confidence to take ownership of difficult legal questions. You’re comfortable forming and standing behind your findings, while remaining open to challenge and collaboration.

Ideally you will have solid experience in regulatory or public sector law and are adept at interpreting and applying complex legislation in practical, solutions‑focused ways.

At a senior level, you enjoy helping others grow. You naturally mentor and guide junior team members, sharing your expertise and providing constructive oversight when supervising matters. You’re also confident communicating at pace and at level, whether presenting to senior governance forums, contributing to regulatory discussions, or partnering with multidisciplinary teams.

You’re collaborative, adaptable, and motivated by work that has real impact. An interest in financial markets regulation, conduct issues, policy development and regulatory design will see you thrive in this role.

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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply via the FMA Careers website found here. For more information, refer to the position description. Applications close Sunday 24 May at 5pm although applications may be reviewed earlier.

The appointing salary range for this role is $130,000 - $150,000 per annum plus 4% KiwiSaver and the benefits outlined above. Final offers are based on PQE, experience, skills, and internal relativity. Pay equity and parity are important to us at the FMA, and we are committed to fairness and transparency throughout every stage of recruitment.  

If you require additional support with your application, please let us know so you are best placed to complete this with ease.