Counsel/Senior Counsel, Regulatory Affairs

Washington, DC, United States

Position Title: Counsel/Senior Counsel, Regulatory Affairs (position title and compensation is commensurate with experience)

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Reports to: Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Chief Counsel, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs

Company Background:

MFA, based in Washington, DC, New York, Brussels, and London, represents the global alternative asset management industry. MFA’s mission is to advance the ability of alternative asset managers to raise capital, invest, and generate returns for their beneficiaries. MFA advocates on behalf of its membership and convenes stakeholders to address global regulatory, operational, and business issues. MFA has more than 175 member firms, including traditional hedge funds, credit funds, and crossover funds, that collectively manage nearly $3.2 trillion across a diverse group of investment strategies. Member firms help pension plans, university endowments, charitable foundations, and other institutional investors to diversify their investments, manage risk, and generate attractive returns over time.

Position Summary : MFA is seeking a legal/policy professional with adviser/private funds and/or investment instruments’ experience to join the global policy team, who will also work across functions to advance policy initiatives for the Association. The team member will collaborate with legal and government relations professionals on the global policy team to help effectively communicate policy and regulatory matters.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and strategic thinker with experience working in a fast-paced policy office in financial services at a law firm, in-house, a trade association, or government. In this role, a successful candidate will analyze the impact of legislative and regulatory developments on MFA members, work with MFA members to develop Association policy, draft comments to regulators, oversee outside counsel/consultants and engage directly with policymakers and regulators. The candidate must be a team player, self-starter, organized, and willing to learn new skills and take on a variety of assignments.

Essential Functions: The Counsel/Senior Counsel will report directly to the Executive Vice President, Chief Counsel, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs and will perform the following responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Chief Counsel, support international and U.S. regulatory and legislative activities affecting the alternative investment industry

Lead and advise MFA on various legislative and regulatory initiatives before Congress, federal agencies (such as CFTC, SEC, Treasury/IRS, the Federal Reserve Board, and state officials), as well as certain private sector industry groups.

Advise MFA on various international regulatory and legislative initiatives.

Lead MFA committees in developing and reaching consensus on complex public policy issues.

Advise on legislation and rulemaking proposals that impact the alternative investment industry.

Coordinate with MFA research team on research to support policy issues.

Engage and build relationships with regulators.

Effectively represent MFA and support member delegations at meetings with government officials.

Draft congressional testimony, comment letters, and policy papers.

Deliver presentations and participate on panels at industry conferences and before regulators.

Build industry coalitions to support advocacy.

Work closely with MFA’s leadership team, other regulatory and government relations professionals within the Global Policy team, and outside counsel; and

Perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

JD degree required;

Minimum of 4 years’ attorney experience, including at least 4 years of experience as regulatory counsel at a trade association, financial services, government, or law firm environment, with experience in legislative and regulatory rulemaking processes preferred.

Expertise in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and private investment funds.

Solid understanding of private credit, including direct lending and structured credit strategies highly desirable.

Ability to provide strategic and practical legal advice.

Ability to build strong working relations with colleagues, MFA members, external partners, and government officials.

Ability to collaborate within a cross-functional team to develop solutions to complex policy issues, and to work closely with communications and conferences and events teams to educate the public and support member programs.

Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative manner with tact and ability to creatively solve problems.

Ability to manage highly sensitive organization information with discretion.

Ability to multi-task projects on behalf of multiple constituencies in a fast-paced environment; and

Ability to excel under pressure and implement last-minute details and changes confidently.

Benefits of Working at MFA:

Comprehensive healthcare plan options to include medical, dental, and vision

Competitive compensation package

Retirement savings plan

Other ancillary benefits (disability plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and more)

Hybrid work schedule (Mon/Fri- remote; Tues-Thurs: in-office)

Generous paid parental leave and transition time

Professional development and career opportunities

Internal DEI Advisory committee

Internal Social committee

Generous paid time off and holidays

Staff retreats

Healthy food and snacks

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