Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel - Enforcement

We are looking to welcome a new Senior Legal Counsel to support our nationally significant mahi.

We are looking for an experienced lawyer to join the Enforcement team within the Enforcement and Resolution Directorate here at Te Pūtea Matua. The Enforcement team is small and busy with a broad remit. It is responsible for investigating and taking enforcement action where non-compliance with the legislation that the Reserve Bank is responsible for enforcing is identified.

This is a 12-month fixed term role and can be in either our Auckland or Wellington office.

Te tūranga – The role

As Senior Legal Counsel - Enforcement you will be responsible for advising on investigations into suspected statutory breaches by regulated entities, for recommending and executing enforcement action and for developing the Reserve Bank's investigation and enforcement capabilities. 

You will be a technical leader in the Enforcement team, supporting the Manager Enforcement with internal and external stakeholder relationships, overseeing, mentoring and coaching more junior lawyers in the team and you will also provide legal support to the Principal Legal Counsel Enforcement & FMI on matters concerning our role as regulator under the Financial Markets Infrastructures Act 2021.

You will also:

• Advise on the enforceability of legislation and regulations under development and assist with implementation of new enforcement tools and powers;

• Input into investigation strategy, lead investigations, and advise on all legal matters arising;

• Instruct external legal counsel in respect of investigations and enforcement action, including civil and criminal proceedings, as required.

• Draft reports and statutory notices; and

• Report to internal decision-making Committees and the RBNZ Board on enforcement.

Ō pūkenga – About you

To be successful in this role you'll have:  

• A law degree and be eligible to hold an NZLS practicing certificate; 

• Relevant in-house or law firm experience;

• At least seven years PQE;

• A broad understanding of one or more of the banking, payments, NBDT, AML or insurance sectors;

• Deep working knowledge of, and practical experience in regulatory investigations and/or enforcement practices;

• Sound relationship building and management skills;

• Strong ability to influence effectively at different organisational levels.

Ko wai matou – Who we are  

We're kaitiaki (guardians) of New Zealand's financial ecosystem – enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders. We do this by providing money and cash, helping to keep prices stable and underpinning the financial system to allow New Zealand to spend, save, insure and do business.  

We do all we can to support a sustainable, productive and efficient economy built on integrity, innovation and inclusion. We're building diversity and inclusion into everything we do. Our differences help us deliver our best work – reflective of the needs of society. We welcome and value knowledge of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti and Tikanga.  

Ngā painga – What we can offer you  

We have so much to offer from flexible working to an inclusive and positive workplace culture. Our benefits include additional leave options, a wellness package, working-from-home equipment subsidy, generous parental leave provisions, learning and development opportunities, and access to numerous social, networking and sporting activities.  

Find more information about our benefits here:   

Kōrero tāpiri – Additional information  

We welcome all people, and we want everyone to be able to equitably participate in our recruitment process. Check out the position description and get in touch with us:

Me pēhea te tuku tono – Interested?  

Applications close 16 November. Please include a cover letter outlining why you think you'll be a great fit for the role.  Whilst acknowledging the growing use of AI, we kindly ask that the information you provide authentically represents you.