About this role
BlackRock Australia:
BlackRock Australia is a representation of BlackRock globally and manages over AUD300 billion for Australian and New Zealand clients. Our local operations include a full-service asset management (including local product manufacture and distribution), investment technology business and the deployment of offshore capital and expertise to Australian assets and clients. We have a broad range of Australian and New Zealand clients that include superannuation funds, government entities, insurance firms, asset management firms, large wealth organisations, financial advisers and other institutions.
Role Purpose:
- Provide high-quality and commercial legal advice to support BlackRock's extensive operations across Australia, New Zealand, and globally.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the global BlackRock network, reflecting the interconnected nature of our business and fostering alignment across jurisdictions.
- Uphold and enhance BlackRock's reputation with regulators and industry peers as a firm recognised for strong legal expertise and a commitment to the highest compliance standards.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver expert legal advice on all aspects of asset management and investment activities, including wholesale and retail funds, ETFs, unlisted products, hedge funds, and across all asset classes. This includes:
- Licensing, disclosure, and conduct obligations for Australian retail fund managers.
- Analysis of new and proposed legislation and regulatory developments.
- Engagement with regulators and management of regulatory investigations.
- Serve as a primary stakeholder throughout the product lifecycle, including:
- Product development, fund registration, and exchange listing processes.
- Drafting and reviewing fund documentation such as constitutions, PDSs, and TMDs.
- Advising on distribution and marketing strategies.
- Liaise with government bodies, regulators (e.g., ASIC, FIRB), industry associations, and external legal counsel.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including:
- Investment management agreements.
- Platform and distribution agreements.
- Custody, administration, and service agreements.
- Prepare and present legal advice and documentation to boards and committees.
Key Requirements:
- Admitted to practise law in an Australian jurisdiction, with 5-8 years post-qualification experience (PQE).
- Legal experience gained at a top-tier law firm or in-house at a leading investment management or financial services organisation.
- Strong working knowledge of laws relevant to the wholesale and retail funds management industry, including:
- Chapters 5C and 7 of the Corporations Act;
- Current and emerging regulatory trends such as design and distribution obligations (DDO), sustainable finance, governance, and operational risk management.
- Desirable experience includes:
- Regulatory inquiries and investigations;
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs);
- Superannuation and insurance legislation and prudential standards, particularly in relation to institutional clients;
- Corporate governance, including board reporting and company secretarial responsibilities;
- Foreign investment regulations and their implications for fund managers and transactions.
- Strong technical legal skills, including statutory and contractual interpretation, legal research, and drafting.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, commercial legal advice with a commitment to continuous learning and development.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong document management capabilities.
- A track record of constructively challenging the status quo and contributing to continuous improvement.
- Ability to develop a deep understanding of the business and its strategic objectives, while effectively managing legal, regulatory, and reputational risks.
- Clear and persuasive communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and provide thought leadership.
- Sound judgment and subject matter expertise to independently manage routine legal matters and escalate complex issues appropriately.
- Ability to delegate effectively, foster accountability, and support team development.
- A role model for inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace culture.
- Demonstrates emotional ownership, high standards of excellence, and a strong sense of responsibility to colleagues, clients, and the firm.
Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.
Our hybrid work model
BlackRock's hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person - aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.
About BlackRock
At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children's educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.
This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment - the one we make in our employees. It's why we're dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.
For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock
BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.