Legal Counsel – Equity Finance

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Mizuho Americas seeks an experienced Legal Counsel to support its equity finance and trading platform, including margin lending, securities lending, and delta-one swaps. This role collaborates with front office, risk, and operations to manage legal and regulatory risk and negotiate complex trading documents. The candidate will have a J.D.

from a U.S. law school, NY Bar admission, 10+ years’ experience in financial services, and a proven ability to handle multiple matters under deadlines in a

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience within a financial institution or top-tier law firm.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex matters and tight deadlines in a trading-floor environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal coverage for the structured equity finance business.

Skills

Regulatory risk management

Legal negotiation

Drafting agreements

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school

Member in good standing of the New York State Bar

Job description

Role Summary

Legal Counsel – Equity Finance. Mizuho Americas is seeking an experienced legal counsel to support its equity sales and trading platform, focusing on equity finance (margin lending, equity repo, securities lending, delta‑one swaps). This role works closely with front‑office, risk, and operations partners to manage legal and regulatory risk, negotiate complex trading documentation, and support a broad range of equity and equity‑linked products in a fast‑paced market environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal coverage for the structured equity finance business.
• Support LP fund financing, full‑recourse margin lending, equity repo (bi‑lateral and tri‑party), securities lending, and delta‑one equity swaps.
• Provide legal guidance on margin lending regulations, FINRA, Regulation T, and Regulation U compliance.
• Provide guidance on Dodd‑Frank and rules applicable to Security‑Based Swaps and Security‑Based Swap Dealers.
• Draft and negotiate credit agreements, loan agreements, and related fund financing and margin lending documentation.
• Draft and negotiate securities financing documentation, including MRAs, MSLAs, and equity swap MCAs; maintain and enhance standard documentation templates.
• Partner closely with Credit, Market Risk, Collateral Management, Operations, and other internal stakeholders to address legal, operational, and risk matters.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience within a financial institution or top‑tier law firm.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex matters and tight deadlines in a trading‑floor environment.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to operate independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Detail‑oriented, collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism and strong work ethic.

Compensation

The expected base salary ranges from $230,000.00 to $275,000.00. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors, including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and applicable certifications and licenses. In addition to a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

Other Requirements

Mizuho has a hybrid working program. Opportunities for remote work vary depending on the nature of the role, departmental needs, and local laws and regulatory obligations. Some departments have greater in‑office requirements, which will be communicated during the recruitment process.

EEO Statement

We are an EEO/AA employer—M/F/Disability/Veteran. We participate in the E‑Verify program. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and reserve the right to require pre‑ and post‑hire drug testing as permitted by applicable law.