Experienced Lawyer, Financial Services Regulation

Gilbert + Tobin is seeking an experienced lawyer to join its Financial Services Regulation team in Sydney. The firm is renowned for advising Australia's leading banks, insurers, fintechs, and funds on complex regulatory challenges, particularly in an environment of heightened enforcement and regulatory change. This role offers exposure to work at the intersection of law, policy, enforcement, and innovation, providing opportunities beyond traditional advisory work.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a broad range of financial services regulatory matters, including advisory, investigations, transactions, and regulatory reform. Key responsibilities encompass AFSL/ACL licensing, compliance with Chapter 7 obligations, design and distribution obligations, breach reporting, consumer law, claims handling, and unfair contract terms. Additionally, the role involves implementing governance frameworks under the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) and Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR), conducting internal and regulatory investigations, advising on enforcement matters, and supporting risk and compliance transformation initiatives.

Candidates should possess a minimum of six years of post-qualification experience in financial services regulation, with exposure to regulatory investigations, enforcement, or major regulatory projects. The ability to lead matters, manage client relationships, and mentor junior lawyers is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are also required.

Gilbert + Tobin offers a collaborative, non-hierarchical culture with direct access to leading partners and clients. The firm provides earlier responsibility on high-impact matters and focuses on developing commercial, strategic regulatory lawyers. This role presents a faster path to Senior Associate or Special Counsel progression, with opportunities to work on market-leading FAR and enforcement work.