Senior Adviser / Senior Legal Counsel, Regulatory Policy at Financial Markets Authority, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

A great place to work. With great work to do.

Ours is a meaningful and impactful role, as a kaitiaki (caretaker) of the financial markets sector in Aotearoa. We oversee a market that does right by everyone, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders. Our role as a kaitiaki is brought to life through our values: Look to the Horizon, Help the Team Work, Make the Calls and Open Hearts, Open Minds.

Te Tūranga | The Role

• Create positive change within the financial services industry
• Hybrid work arrangement and reduced hours considered
• Permanent or secondment opportunity

Want to work at the point where law, policy and market practice intersect?

We’re looking for a Senior Adviser (or Senior Legal Counsel) to join our Regulatory Policy team in either our Auckland or Wellington offices.

Whether your background is in law, policy or regulation, you'll join a team that gets involved in some of the most interesting and influential work across the financial sector.

At the FMA, our Regulatory Policy team helps shape the regulatory settings and tools that underpin New Zealand's financial markets. This is an opportunity to work on complex, intellectually challenging issues that have a real impact on market participants, investors, consumers and the wider financial system. You'll see the direct impact of your work as ideas move from legislative intent through to real-world regulatory application. Make your mark on New Zealand's financial markets!

Some of the key pieces of work the regulatory policy team is involved in include:

• Working with MBIE, the Reserve Bank and other agencies on developing and implementing significant pieces of financial markets law reform
• Considering the appropriate regulation of novel financial products and services
• Leading and contributing to significant pieces of FMA guidance
• Developing new class exemptions that excuse persons from complying with obligations under financial markets law and reviewing existing class exemptions
• Contributing to work involving emerging technologies and innovation, including areas such as digital assets, payments and artificial intelligence
• Keeping under review the law and practices relating to financial markets.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We're interested in people who enjoy getting into the detail and solving complex problems.

You may come from:

• A legal background, particularly private practice, regulatory or public law.
• A policy role within a public sector environment involving complex legislation and policy development.

To be successful, you'll bring:

• Experience providing high-quality policy, legal or regulatory advice on complex issues.
• Strong legislative analysis skills and the ability to work confidently with detailed legal frameworks.
• Experience contributing to or leading law reform or regulatory change processes.
• Excellent critical thinking and judgement.
• The ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A pragmatic approach and a focus on achieving workable outcomes.
• Motivation to continue learning and staying up-to-date, including with emerging technologies and innovation.

For candidates appointed as Senior Legal Counsel, a law degree and eligibility to hold a current practising certificate are required.

Why join us?

This is a role for people who enjoy tackling the challenging questions.

You'll work on issues that matter, alongside experienced policy and legal professionals who are passionate about improving outcomes for New Zealanders. The work is varied, intellectually stimulating and highly visible across the organisation and sector.

Ngā painga | What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements, including our hybrid 3:2 model.
• Reduced hours options and part-time arrangements considered.
• Opportunities to work on significant regulatory and legislative initiatives.
• Ongoing professional development and learning.
• A collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• The chance to contribute to a fair, efficient and transparent financial markets.

We are also open to secondment arrangements and welcome interest from candidates currently working within government, regulatory agencies or related organisations.

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution, life and health insurance and the ability to swap public holidays for days that hold personal significance.

At the FMA, we're committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We also offer a range of wellbeing, social, and professional development opportunities that help our people thrive and connect.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If you're looking for a role where your legal or policy expertise can make a tangible difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Please check out the job description and apply online here. For any specific questions, get in touch with us on careers@fma.govt.nz.

Applications close Sunday 18 October 2026.

If you require any additional support through the application process, please let us know so we can help make this as easy as possible.