Senior Legal Counsel (London-based)

Wintermute is a well-established technology unicorn and a prominent player in the digital asset markets worldwide. With a robust presence in crypto-native algorithmic trading, the company offers liquidity solutions across various exchanges and platforms. Wintermute's OTC desk facilitates a wide array of spot and derivatives products, serving a broad clientele of over 2,000 counterparties spanning crypto natives and traditional financial institutions. The organization actively contributes to the advancement of the blockchain ecosystem through its significant involvement in DeFi, alongside investments, partnerships, and incubations initiatives.

Established in 2017 by seasoned leaders in the trading industry, Wintermute has adeptly navigated multiple cycles within the crypto landscape. The company nurtures a unique culture that amalgamates the technological standards of high-frequency trading firms in conventional markets with the innovative and entrepreneurial ethos of tech startups.

The company is seeking candidates with a robust regulatory background in financial services and extensive experience in cross-border operations in the US, UK, and EU markets. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise in traditional financial markets to advance Wintermute's digital asset trading business, focusing on proprietary trading and liquidity provision for spot crypto assets, derivatives, and tokenized financial instruments. This role presents an opportunity for the candidate to influence Wintermute's global regulatory strategies, engaging in policy discussions with regulators in the US, UK, and EU, as well as leading commercial trading negotiations. Collaboration with the regulatory, business, and product teams on a global scale is a key aspect of this role.

Key responsibilities for this position include advising on global regulatory affairs, particularly delving into financial services regulations in the US, UK, and EU markets. The emphasis lies on navigating key regulatory frameworks like the UK's Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (UK FSMA) and the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets Regulations (MiCAR). The role encompasses leading regulatory license applications, managing cross-border regulatory and litigation risks, drafting and negotiating trading and commercial agreements, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, conducting legal analysis on emerging market trends and products, monitoring regulatory landscapes, and contributing to diverse legal projects as the need arises.

Applicants should ideally possess 7-10 years of experience as a financial markets regulatory lawyer within a leading US/UK law firm, expertise in cross-border financial services regulations, proficiency in key regulatory frameworks like UK FSMA and EU MiFiD, and a proactive approach to project ownership and delivery. Prior experience in an in-house capacity within the digital assets sector or familiarity with Singapore regulatory frameworks are advantageous.

Joining Wintermute presents an exciting opportunity to work with a top-tier algorithmic trading firm, engaging in challenging projects that offer accelerated career growth and fostering a vibrant working culture with various team-building events. The company boasts a dynamic environment in its central London office, characterized by a non-hierarchical, ambitious, professional, yet relaxed startup-like culture. Besides a performance-based compensation, additional perks include pension plans, private health insurance, and opportunities for professional development.

Please note: This role is based in London with relocation assistance provided.