Senior Legal Counsel, Market Regulation

The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is the industry-funded regulator responsible for administering the province's securities and derivatives laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.

The Market Regulation division oversees equities and derivatives marketplaces, registrants (including dealers, advisers, and investment fund managers), market infrastructure entities and industry self-regulatory organizations. With a dynamic team of investment, financial and legal professionals, we are involved in leading-edge projects aimed at balancing effective regulation with our stakeholders’ need for innovation and efficient capital markets. The Market Regulation division works closely with staff from across the ASC and the CSA to coordinating a harmonious approach to capital markets, consumer protection and the regulation of new and emerging business models.

We are looking for a lawyer with a strong understanding of and interest in derivatives, the capital markets, and the registration and oversight of its participants, in both traditional and emerging areas. Reporting to the Manager of Legal, Market Regulation the successful candidate will assist with the development of securities regulatory policy, assess and address exemption applications, engage with market participants to understand the securities-related challenges they face, and consider securities regulatory solutions to those challenges. They will conduct legal research and analysis for market regulation issues including initiatives being developed and implemented in other national and international jurisdictions.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to assist in the evolution of registration requirements and standards to fit the changing landscape of securities regulation while balancing the need for investor protection.

• Conducting legal analysis and providing advice and recommendations with respect to matters involving derivatives, registration, compliance matters, and policy development.
• Participating on the CSA working groups to ensures consistent application of the law across Canada, as well as identifying emerging issues and analyzing and developing related policy.
• Working on related committees to address the oversight and regulation of derivatives.
• Providing legal input and direction to the Registration and Registrant Oversight, derivatives oversight, and market oversight teams.
• Researching and monitoring of innovative initiatives for the operation of securities trading entities and providing analysis, advice and recommendations as to the impact, adoption, or handling of such initiatives.
• Drafting concise legal memos to the Manager, Legal, and the Director, Market Regulation summarizing relevant areas of law and new developments.
• Presenting policy recommendations to the Manager, Legal, the Director, Market Regulation, the ASC executive committees and Commission members.
• Interacting directly with industry participants in one-on-one meetings, public education sessions and advisory committees.  
• Developing plain language understandable website content, webinars and external communications.

• A law degree and membership in good standing (or eligible for membership) with the Law Society of Alberta.
• 10 plus years of experience in one or more areas of securities, corporate/commercial, regulatory or administrative law.
• Securities industry experience in securities law such as derivatives, public or private financings, or investment funds is ideal.
• Experience with regulatory requirements and interpreting complex legislation.
• A practical and responsive approach to problem solving and priority management.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• The proven ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a busy environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively and efficiently with staff from within multiple divisions of the ASC and across the CSA while understanding and addressing differing perspectives and approaches.
• A desire to learn, develop, and take on new challenges.

Click the Apply For This Job Online button to submit your resume, cover letter and salary expectations by May 17, 2025. This position will work out of the ASC office located in Calgary, Alberta. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.  More information about working at the ASC including our comprehensive Total Rewards package can be found on our website at www.asc.ca.

We offer a hybrid work environment and flexibility, a competitive total rewards package consisting of 100 per cent employer-paid benefits, comprehensive health and dental, employee life insurance, short-term and long-term disability; retirement benefits; travel insurance; paid vacation time, flex and sick days; an employee family assistance program; transportation allowance, generous flexible spending account and professional development through subsidized courses, conference, workshops, seminars and in-house training. We also encourage fun and giving back to the community with initiatives offered through our ASC Social Club and annual United Way Campaign. 

The ASC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and respected.