Senior Lead Counsel 2 - Futures and Derivatives - Director

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Job Overview

The Senior Lead Counsel II is a senior level position responsible for serving as strategic business partner and subject matter expert by providing legal counsel and thought leadership to the BUSINESS. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance to the BUSINESS.

This role requires thorough understanding of the strategic direction of the Business, combined with knowledge of the laws and regulations for the geographies in which we operate. Provides input into strategic decisions, exercising sound legal judgement to develop proactive, risk-appropriate and commercially practical business-oriented solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Senior lawyer responsible for providing legal counsel to the Citi Americas Futures and Derivatives Clearing (FDC) business, supporting strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management/leadership on all manner of legal matters and risks impacting the business

• Advises the FDC business on complex regulatory issues and novel contractual issues that arise as FDC adds customers and accounts and expands the business providing clients with connectivity to additional exchanges and clearinghouses.

• Analyzes proposed and existing CFTC, exchange, clearinghouse and National Futures Association rules

• Provides advisory services in respect of business decisions by applying institutional knowledge against industry standards, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating where appropriate

• Collaborates across internal lines of business and control/support functions to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters of common interest; coordinate closely with the Legal team on a regional and global basis

• Accomplishes results by leveraging networks/connections, colleagues, and peers

• Serves as business partner and advisor to business stakeholders and functional partners (e.g., Risk, Compliance) by participating in planning and development initiatives; contribute to business objectives by using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations

• Actively participates in various risk reviews, governance and control forums while demonstrating keen awareness of issues that could cause financial, reputational, or legal consequences

• Proactively identifies, evaluates and contributes to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk through cross-function collaboration, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, and escalating as appropriate

• Manages day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provide senior advisory services to business partners

• Negotiates, coordinates, and monitors management of complex legal issues, including clearing, execution access, and give-up agreements and make key decisions within area of responsibility, escalating where necessary

• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience with some experience working in an in-house legal role in financial services

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills

• Experience in working with regulators/regulatory bodies for futures product is preferred. Deep understanding of a broad-based, complex set of CFTC regulations governing futures commission merchants and the designated contract markets and derivatives clearing organizations of which a futures commission merchant is a member, as well as rules of the National Futures Association and multiple exchanges and clearinghouses. 

• Experienced with complex contractual negotiations, preferably on behalf of futures or cleared swaps market participants

• A strong understanding of the futures clearing business is required 

• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing multiple assignments simultaneously in a demanding, fast-paced environment

• Comprehensive knowledge of international, multi-jurisdictional laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the Business

• Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships

• Bar license in good standing to practice law

Education:

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

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Job Family Group:

Legal

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Job Family:

Legal - Product

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

New York New York United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$170,000.00 - $300,000.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Aug 13, 2025

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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