Equity Derivatives Legal Documentation Associate

Location: Hong Kong

Job Family: Trading Services

About the Role

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.9 trillion and operations worldwide. As an Equity Derivatives Legal Documentation Associate in our Trading Services team based in Hong Kong, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the firm's equity derivatives business across the Asia-Pacific region. This position involves working closely with front-office trading teams to ensure seamless execution of complex financial transactions while adhering to stringent legal and regulatory standards. You will contribute to innovative solutions that drive client satisfaction and business growth in a dynamic, high-stakes environment. In this role, you will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of legal documentation for equity derivatives products, such as equity swaps, options, and variance swaps. Collaborating with internal stakeholders including traders, salespeople, compliance officers, and external counsel, you will mitigate risks associated with documentation errors and ensure alignment with global standards like ISDA protocols. Your work will directly impact the efficiency of trade execution and the firm's ability to serve institutional clients in competitive markets. Additionally, you will stay abreast of evolving regulations from bodies like the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), applying this knowledge to enhance documentation processes. JPMorgan Chase offers a collaborative culture that values diversity, innovation, and professional growth. As part of our team, you will have access to cutting-edge resources, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to advance within one of the world's most respected financial institutions. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented legal professional passionate about financial services, offering exposure to sophisticated products and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a global powerhouse.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, negotiate, and execute legal documentation for equity derivatives transactions, including ISDA Master Agreements, CSAs, and confirmations
• Collaborate with trading desks, sales teams, and clients to ensure accurate documentation of complex equity derivative products
• Manage the documentation lifecycle for new trades, amendments, and terminations in compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with equity derivatives portfolios
• Support client onboarding processes, including KYC and due diligence for institutional counterparties
• Liaise with internal legal, compliance, and operations teams to resolve documentation discrepancies
• Stay updated on market practices, regulatory changes, and evolving standards in equity derivatives
• Contribute to process improvements and automation initiatives for documentation workflows
• Assist in training junior team members and providing guidance on documentation best practices
• Handle ad-hoc projects related to equity derivatives legal support in the Asia-Pacific region

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in legal documentation for derivatives or financial products
• Strong knowledge of equity derivatives, including options, swaps, and structured products
• Proficiency in English; fluency in Mandarin or Cantonese is highly advantageous for Hong Kong operations
• Familiarity with ISDA, equity derivatives definitions, and other standard market documentation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume trading environment
• Bar admission or legal qualification in a relevant jurisdiction preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a global investment bank or financial institution, ideally with exposure to Asian markets
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as EMIR, Dodd-Frank, or HKMA guidelines
• Prior role involving negotiation of trading agreements or client onboarding
• Advanced degree such as JD, LLM, or MBA with a focus on finance or securities law
• Certification in financial markets or legal documentation (e.g., CFA Level 1 or LSTA training)

Required Skills

• Expertise in equity derivatives documentation and legal agreements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in high-pressure settings
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and document management systems
• Knowledge of financial markets and trading instruments
• Effective negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Understanding of risk management in derivatives
• Team collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability to regulatory and market changes
• Technical proficiency with legal tech tools like DocuSign or contract management software
• Research skills for legal and regulatory analysis
• Client-focused orientation with strong relationship-building abilities
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ethical judgment and compliance awareness

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings plan with generous company matching contributions
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities through JPMorgan's internal training programs and tuition reimbursement
• Employee stock purchase plan and other financial wellness perks
• Flexible work arrangements and support for work-life balance
• Global mobility programs and career advancement within JPMorgan Chase

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.