Lead Counsel 2 (VP) - Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreement (MSFTA) Negotiation

Citibank; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution is seeking a Lead Counsel II to provide legal guidance and support for its Residential Mortgage Security Agency Trading business. This senior role involves negotiating agreements, managing legal risks, and advising on compliance with laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial services and a strong understanding of banking regulations.

Benefits

Medical, dental & vision coverage

401(k)

Life, accident, and disability insurance

Wellness programs

Paid time off packages

Qualifications

• 6-10 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services.
• Bar license in good standing to practice law.
• Knowledge of international laws and banking regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and participate in strategic initiatives.
• Manage day-to-day legal activities and monitor complex legal issues.
• Collaborate with internal and external parties for coordinated outcomes.

Skills

Effective communication

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Relationship management

Sound judgment

Education

Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

Job description

The Lead Counsel II is a senior level position responsible for providing legal guidance and thought leadership to the business. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance to the business.

The primary responsibility of this role will be to provide legal coverage for the Residential Mortgage Security Agency Tradingbusiness through the negotiation of the Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreement. Applicants should have experience in GSE Agency securities transactions and the negotiation of Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements.

This role requires a pragmatic, proactive attorney with thorough understanding of the Business, combined with a solid conceptual / practical grounding in the laws and regulations for the geographies in which we operate. Provides input into strategic decisions, exercising sound legal judgement to develop proactive, risk-appropriate, and commercially practical business-oriented solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing legal counsel to the Business, participating in strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management on legal matters impacting the business
• Partners with legal peers to objectively evaluate business proposals by applying institutional knowledge and risk appetite against industry standards, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating as appropriate
• Collaborates across internal lines of business, control/support functions and/or external counsel to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters of common interest; coordinate closely with the Legal team on a regional and global basis
• Proactively identifies, evaluates, and contributes to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk by collaborating with ICRM & Risk, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, escalating as appropriate
• Manages day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provide advisory services to business partners
• Monitors management of complex legal issues and transactions, escalating when necessary
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards

Qualifications:

• 6-10 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services, with 2-3 years of experience in MSFTA.
• Banking or financial industry experience, including laws related to banking regulations
• Knowledge of international laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the business
• Experience with complex deals, demonstrated ability to analyze issues and develop legal solutions
• Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing assignments in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Bar license in good standing to practice law

Education:

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

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Job Family Group:

Legal

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Job Family:

Legal - Product

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

Tampa Florida United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$140,640.00 - $210,960.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

May 29, 2025

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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