Head of Legal

This is a unique opportunity to join a newly established investment firm at its inception. The firm does not yet hold an investment license, and a key initial focus for the Head of Legal will be to support and coordinate the process of securing the necessary regulatory license from the Financial Markets Authority (AFM) in collaboration with other stakeholders.

This will involve preparing required documentation, engaging with regulators, and ensuring the organization is ready for regulatory approval, working closely with colleagues across the business.

Once the license is obtained, the Head of Legal will oversee all legal aspects of the Nasdaq Investment Firm’s operations in the Netherlands. This includes regulatory licensing, governance, contract management and legal risk mitigation. The role may also serve as a board member and support the CEO in strategic legal matters.

In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the Head of Legal will also provide general support to Nasdaq’s European markets business, contributing expertise and guidance on legal and regulatory matters as needed across the broader organization.

The Head of Legal will report directly to the Head of Legal of Nasdaq Europe and the CEO and will play a key role in shaping the firm’s legal compliance culture from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead legal strategy and ensure compliance with Dutch and EU financial regulations.
• Manage the legal aspects of the firm’s licensing process with AFM and DNB.
• Draft and review contracts, policies, and governance documents.
• Provide legal advice on, among other things, projects, intra-group outsourcing, dual hatting, board composition, and remuneration compliance.
• Support conflict-of-interest management and regulatory disclosures.
• Support the CEO with overseeing operations of the firm as service monitoring manager for the intra-group outsourced operations.
• Liaise with the rest of the Nasdaq internal legal team and external counsel when needed.
• Provide general support to Nasdaq’s European markets business, contributing expertise and guidance on legal and regulatory matters as needed across the broader organization.

Required Qualifications

• Dutch residency with full-time presence in the Netherlands (mandatory).
• Education: Master of Laws (LL.M), preferably in Dutch Law (or strong proven experience in Dutch jurisdiction).
• Expertise: Experience in legal leadership roles within investment firms or financial institutions. Strong understanding of AFM and DNB expectations for governance/ outsourcing and strong contracting/drafting skills. Familiarity with MiFID II, MiCA, Dutch Financial Supervision Act, other relevant financial regulatory frameworks, and AFM/DNB processes.
• Skills: Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Dutch.

Success Metrics

• Successful coordination and timely completion of all activities required to secure the investment firm license, working effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Legal risk mitigation and contract compliance.
• Effective governance and board support.
• Positive legal audit outcomes and regulator feedback.

Benefits and Rewards

We offer a competitive, well-rounded rewards package that supports you and your family - inside and outside work.

Actual pay depends on your skills, experience, education, and location. In addition to base pay, we offer short-term incentives (bonus or commission) and long-term incentives (equity), where applicable, as well as the following benefits:

• Annual bonus (monetary bonus and stock units).
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with discounted Nasdaq shares.
• Internal mentorship program and extensive online learning resources.
• Health insurance program.
• Hybrid work model and Flex Day program (6 days a year additional paid leave).
• Pension plan

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.