AVP & Assistant General Counsel, Investments Law (Derivatives)

Position:            AVP &Assistant General Counsel – Investments Law (Derivatives)

Location(s):       Whippany, New Jersey

Setting:              Hybrid

Reports to:        Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel

MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. We’re united by our purpose to help our customers and each other create a confident future; we’re guided by empathy; and we’re inspired by each other to make a difference in the lives of our coworkers, customers, communities, and the world at large. At MetLife, it’s #AllTogetherPossible. Join us!

The Team You Will Join

MetLife is seeking a versatile and highly motivated finance attorney to join its Investments Law - Derivatives team as Assistant General Counsel.  The Derivatives legal team is responsible for supporting MetLife Investment Management (MIM) and MetLife Insurance Investments (MII) in the execution and management of all derivatives transactions. In addition, the team is responsible for (a) assisting with securities finance transactions, including securities lending, repurchase agreement, securities forward and FHLB/FMAC borrowing transaction, (b) collaborating with our Products, Distribution and Operations legal team in connection with the structuring and formation of new investment vehicles, and (c) advising on laws and regulations impacting the derivatives and securities finance activities of MIM and MII.  This role will report to the [Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Fixed Income/Alts/Agriculture/Derivatives].  

The Opportunity

The Assistant General Counsel, Investments Law (Derivatives), will be responsible for leading legal support for derivatives activities conducted by MIM and MII in connection with their investment management and/or insurance activities.  In addition, the AGC will provide legal support with respect to securities finance transactions.  The AGC will be responsible for negotiating master trading agreements and related credit support annexes and margining arrangements as well as furnishing regulatory advice globally with respect to derivatives and securities finance activities.  The AGC will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure efficient operations of the derivatives/securities finance platforms and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

How You’ll Help Us Build a Confident Future:

The ideal candidate will leverage existing expertise and develop additional experience by leading or supporting:

Derivatives Documentation

Drafting and Negotiation of Derivatives Documentation:

• ISDA Master Agreement, VM and IM Credit Support Annexes, IM Collateral Transfer Agreements and Security Agreements
• Custody Agreements and Account Control Agreements
• Review of Bespoke/Customized Trade Confirmations and Terms
• Coordination and Oversight of Derivatives negotiations
• Review of Bespoke provisions in non-standard trade confirmations
• Coordination of Onboarding, KYC and AML Compliance for Evaluation and Adherence to ISDA Protocols
• Advice on derivatives documentation for foreign affiliates, including in Japan, South Korea, London, Ireland, Mexico, Chile and Australia 

Transactional Support

• Review of Derivatives in connection with Internal Restructurings
• Review of Collateral Provisions in Reinsurance structures (including VA and UK Longevity)
• Advise on Hedging Strategies for Pension Risk Transfer Transactions
• Review of Disclosure and Investment Management Agreement provisions related to derivatives

Support for Investment Asset Hedging

• Review of Hedging Provisions and derivatives structures for debt transactions
• Review of Interest Rate Caps and Swaps for U.S. Debt and Equity Real Estate Transactions

Regulatory

• Advise on all aspects of Title VII of Dodd-Frank and analogous derivatives laws in jurisdictions where MetLife has affiliates that engage in derivatives activities

What You Need to Succeed (Required Qualifications):

Required:

• Six plus years of relevant experience in derivatives law, either with a law firm, insurance company or other financial services institution.  
• Familiarity with negotiating master trading agreements, including ISDA Master agreements and related schedules and credit support annexes, master securities lending agreements, master securities repurchase agreements and clearing agreements.
• Familiarity with U.S. and non-U.S. regulation of derivatives impacting institutional counterparties and end-users.
• Juris Doctorate and excellent academic credentials from an ABA-accredited school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one state and a member in good standing of the bar.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a limited license if not already appropriately licensed in NJ.
• An awareness of current economic trends impacting institutional investors.
• A strong work ethic and customer-service mentality.
• Demonstrated legal, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

What Will Give You an Edge (Additional Skills)

• Experience reviewing, structuring and negotiating private finance transactions, including corporate private placements and infrastructure debt transactions.
• An understanding of relevant state and federal laws and regulations impacting institutional investors, including insolvency laws.

Salary Range: The wage range for applicants for this position is between $154,700 and $206,300.

Benefits We Offer

Our U.S. benefit programs are geared toward health and wellness, financial protection, and retirement savings. In addition to comprehensive health coverage including medical/prescription drug, dental, vision, and no-cost short- and long-term disability benefits also include:

• Retirement plan (cash balance pension) with a minimum monthly contribution regardless of an employee’s pay and 401(k) with employer matching.
• Company-paid life insurance and legal services, and discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs.
• Expert support for medical second opinions, cancer care navigation, diabetes and hypertension, weight loss/fitness, joint and spine health, caregiving, and more.
• Generous paid time off, including a floating cultural heritage day.
• Paid volunteer time off and charitable contribution match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Family benefits including paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, child and eldercare support, college advising program.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans

If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at accommodations@metlife.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.