The Investment Company Institute (ICI) is the leading association representing regulated investment funds, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts (UITs) in the United States, and UCITS and similar funds offered to investors in Europe, Asia, and other jurisdictions. ICI also represents its members on issues involving the capital markets, separately managed accounts (SMAs) and collective investment trusts (CITs). ICI's mission is to strengthen the foundation of the asset management industry for the ultimate benefit of the long-term individual investor. The Assistant General Counsel - Markets, SMAs & CITs position supports the Deputy General Counsel - Markets, SMAs & CITs. Advises and represents the Institute and the regulated investment management industry on trading and markets, and other security and financial services issues and policy initiatives, including relevant legislation and regulations. Helps to coordinate and integrate the Department's efforts with the Institute's research, government affairs, operations, and strategic communications functions in support of Institute positions and initiatives. Represents and advises the Institute on securities, trading and markets, and financial services matters before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), other self-regulatory agencies, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, banking regulators, other policymakers affecting the industry and, as appropriate, the states and the Congress.Essential functions of this role include:
- Supports the Deputy General Counsel - Markets, SMAs & CITs on issues involving capital markets, separately managed accounts (SMAs), and collective investment trusts (CITs) including trading and markets and other securities and financial services matters involving the SEC, FINRA, other self- regulatory agencies, the CFTC, banking regulators, Treasury, FSOC, other interested policymakers and, as appropriate, the states and the Congress.
- Advocates the Institute's positions before regulatory agencies, policymakers and Congress through written testimony, comment letters, leading, and participating in, calls and meetings and other oral presentations.
- May lead initiatives in areas of industry importance or emerging interest, such as responding to SEC and other agency proposals affecting regulated investment funds, institutional investors, CITS, and SMAs, investment advisers and broker-dealers, capital markets regulation and other matters that may arise from time to time.
- Identifies and implements initiatives (i) to assist members in regulatory implementation and compliance efforts and (ii) to identify and address areas of potential risk management concern for ICI and its members.
- May serve as the Institute's liaison with relevant professional and industry organizations.
- Communicates and collaborates regularly and effectively with other Institute staff.
- Coordinates with the Research staff on data and other empirical analyses relevant to regulated investment funds, asset management services, and the derivatives markets, and securities, derivatives, and financial services regulations.
- Assists the Strategic Communications staff in understanding key securities, derivatives, and financial services issues, in developing communications and assuring the accuracy of communications, including press releases, social media posts and other public statements.
- Supports the efforts of the Independent Directors Council in meeting its mission and objectives.
- Coordinates with the Government Affairs staff to analyze, comment on and develop legislative proposals relating to regulated investment funds, asset management services, derivatives, derivatives markets, and financial services policy issues.
- Coordinates with Operations Department staff including when regulatory or legislative proposals may place operational burdens on the investment management industry.
- Coordinates with ICI Global on regulatory and legislative matters outside the United States relating to regulated investment funds, asset management, derivatives, derivatives markets and other matters that arise from time to time.
- Helps prepare or may be responsible for organizing meetings (including choosing topics, preparing agendas, identifying and inviting speakers, and otherwise being responsible for member committees; participates, as appropriate, in other member committee and working group meetings).
- Communicates significant industry developments to members and others through memoranda, other documents, and meetings.
- Assists in development of Institute conferences, webinars, and workshops, serving as moderator when appropriate.
- May coordinate with, and oversee, work performed by outside legal counsel retained to assist ICI on regulatory and legal matters.
- Will oversee tasks assigned to administrative support staff.
If you have the following credentials, we encourage you to apply:
- J.D. degree and member of a state (or DC) Bar.
- Minimum 2 years relevant legal experience in government, trade associations, or in house or external counsel.
- Solid knowledge of federal securities laws and regulations, including in particular laws and regulations applicable to institutional investors and trading firms, including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and applicable FINRA rules, as well as other financial services laws and regulations affecting investment companies, investment advisers, and the capital markets. Familiarity with the Commodity Exchange Act and laws/regulations applicable to CITs a plus.
- Understanding of political and regulatory environment and processes.
- High capacity for critical legal and factual analysis (knowledge of relevant laws, grasp of business and other issues, soundness, thoroughness, marshalling of information, organization of data).
- Strong ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
- Sound problem-solving ability and judgment.
- Ability to engage knowledgeably and advocate positions, obtain consensus, and influence outcomes as appropriate.
- High degree of productivity, responsiveness, initiative, and flexibility.
- High degree of innovativeness, creativity, and strategic thinking.
- Ability to plan/prioritize; excellent project management skills.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with Institute members, government personnel, outside counsel, media, and Institute staff.
ICI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to include a comprehensive medical plan, generous 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid leave, commuting subsidies, and tuition reimbursement as well as training and development opportunities. Based in Washington, DC, ICI is conveniently located next to McPherson Square Metro station. This is a hybrid position with three days in the office and two working from home.ICI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.