Associate - Financial Services Regulatory - EMEA

Our Financial Services Regulatory (FSR) Practice provides comprehensive advice to the world’s leading financial institutions, including commercial and investment banks, broker-dealers and investment advisers, nonbank lenders, sovereign wealth funds and government-owned banks, as well as emerging financial services providers such as fintechs and payment companies. We ensure clients stay informed of new regulatory initiatives, develop innovative products and services, implement and maintain effective compliance programs and controls, monitor and respond to new risks, and explore strategic opportunities in emerging markets. With extensive experience across a full spectrum of domestic and cross-border services, our FSR Practice provides specialized guidance to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve strategic objectives.

Are you ready to make your mark as part of the Financial Services Regulatory practice in our Dubai office?

As an associate in our Financial Services Regulatory practice in Dubai, you will apply your strong analytical skills and sound judgment to support clients on a wide range of regulatory matters in the DIFC, ADGM, onshore UAE and the wider Middle East. This will include financial services and funds regulatory work (such as cross‑border marketing of funds), licensing and authorizations, compliance, fintech and technology‑driven business models, data protection, employment aspects of regulatory projects, and regulatory issues arising in M&A transactions in the financial services sector (including change in control requirements), as well as assisting with the preparation of internal compliance policies and manuals and broader day‑to‑day advisory matters.

At White & Case, you will receive early responsibility, close partner contact and the support needed to develop quickly as a specialist financial services regulatory lawyer. You will be welcomed as a valued member of our diverse, international team from day one, in a collaborative and inclusive working environment where partners are approachable and colleagues are supportive and open to questions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice on UAE and Middle East financial services, funds regulatory , licensing, cross-border marketing, fintech, compliance, employment and data protection matters.
• Assist with regulatory applications and notifications (including licensing, approvals and change in control) and support regulatory aspects of transactions and projects.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research and prepare clear, well-structured advice notes, analyses and compliance documents.
• Support business development by contributing to pitches, client publications and other profile-raising activities.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and engage with regulators where appropriate.
• Work closely with partners and senior lawyers in Dubai and across our global network on cross-border matters.
• Contribute to team know-how through internal training, precedent development and knowledge initiatives.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• England & Wales qualified solicitor (or equivalent common law qualification), with 1–3 years’ post qualification experience (PQE) in financial services regulatory work.
• Experience advising on financial services and funds regulation, including licensing, conduct of business, governance, cross border marketing, fintech and general regulatory compliance, gained in the UAE/Middle East and/or a leading UK/US firm.
• Strong academic record, intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in financial regulation and the financial services sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and well-structured advice.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative team player with good interpersonal skills and the confidence to interact with colleagues and clients at all levels.
• Self motivated, proactive and committed to professional development, with a strong professional presence.
  
  

Location and Reporting

• This role is based in our Dubai office.
• This role reports to the Dubai Financial Services Regulatory Local Partner.
  
  

This role reports to

Partner

The Firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

The above is only a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

Our internal Recruitment team manages all aspects of lateral hiring. All agencies must have signed terms of business—specific to the relevant office—before submitting any candidates. CVs or applications sent directly to White & Case partners or employees will also not be considered formal introductions. If you have questions, please contact the relevant Recruitment team. We work with our preferred suppliers when engaging agencies.

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