Optiver’s European Legal Team is responsible for advising and ensuring our firm is compliant on all relevant legal matters in relation to our proprietary trading activities across 70+ global exchanges. As our in-house Senior Legal Counsel, your valuable, in-depth knowledge of financial markets will play a key role in translating Optiver’s business needs into regulatory and legislative compliant solutions.

If you’re keen to advise on a vast range of complex subject matters in our dynamic Amsterdam office, then you could be the Legal Counsel we’re looking for.

WHO WE ARE:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilising force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we play an active role in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for all participants. We tackle the toughest problems, challenge the status quo and always aim for excellence. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner on 70+ exchanges across the globe.

Our Amsterdam office is where it all began. Since our founding in 1986, Optiver’s Amsterdam office has developed into one of the most dynamic and exciting trading floors in Europe. Our culture reflects the Dutch capital city’s progressive, innovative and inclusive nature. With its unique spirit, Amsterdam is the ideal hub for our teams to trade a wide range of products, from listed derivatives to cash equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign exchange.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

As a key part of Optiver’s European Legal Team, you will report directly to the Head of Legal Europe and work closely with our Trading, Technology and Compliance Departments on all relevant legal matters in relation to our propriety trading activities.  You will be expected to understand the nature of the business model of a market maker, and be able to effectively translate external legal and regulatory requirements to a highly complex and fascinating trading environment.

No two days are ever the same – on one, you will be responsible for answering trading-related inquiries spanning our trading platforms and exchange membership, our status as authorized participant for ETFs, or advise on matters relating to the clearing and settlement of financial instruments. On another, you may be focused on Optiver’s institutional trading activities, leading negotiation of terms with counterparties or market making activities.

No matter the topic or task at hand, you'll be expected to remain flexible and have the desire to continually learn about other relevant fields including technology contracting, general contract matters, HR and employment law and corporate housekeeping, and work with Legal Europe to deliver best in class regulatory and legislative advice. If you enjoy facing fresh and stimulating challenges every day, Optiver is the place for you.

 WHO YOU ARE:

 You have knowledge of and an interest in financial markets (trading in particular)

• You are flexible, pro-active, results-driven and you have an entrepreneurial spirit
• You enjoy working collaboratively within a team

In terms of skillset, we're looking for:

• An academic degree in European or UK Law, preferably financial law;
• Between 3 – 8 years of relevant working experience, (preferably trained in an international law firm with buyside experience in the financial sector);
• A demonstratable understanding of key legislation, including licensing aspects under MiFID II;
• Outstanding at business to legal translation;
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills;
• Strong English written and verbal communication ability.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

The chance to start your career working alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries.

Alongside this you will get great secondary benefits such as 25 paid vacation days, fully paid first-class commuting expenses, training opportunities, discounts on health insurance, breakfast and lunch facilities, sports and leisure activities, Friday afternoon drinks and even weekly in-house chair massages. Being highly international, we are accustomed to guiding expats through their relocation, offering competitive relocation packages and providing visa sponsorship where necessary.

HOW TO APPLY:

 Are you interested in furthering your career on one of the most dynamic and exciting trading floors in Europe?

Apply directly via the form below for the position of (Senior) Legal Counsel. Please provide us with a CV and letter of motivation in English. Applications without a letter of motivation will not be reviewed. When we think there is a potential match, you will hear from us sooner than you expect. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Recruiter Lilian van Riel via [email protected]. Please note, we cannot accept applications via email for data protection reasons. 

Please note, if you are selected from your application to proceed to the next round for the position of (Senior) Legal Counsel, you may be required to take an online assessment.

Kindly note that we do not require any assistance from third-parties including agencies in the recruitment of this role.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

As an intentionally flat organisation, we believe that great ideas and impact can come from everyone. We are passionate about empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. Every person at Optiver should feel included, valued and respected, because we believe our best work is done together.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is hardwired through every stage of our hiring process. We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable accommodations during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities.

More information on how Optiver Europe processes your personal data can be found in our Privacy Policy.