Technology and Commercial Lawyer (UK)

Position Overview:

We are seeking to recruit an experienced and collaborative solicitor based in London with technology and commercial law expertise to join our Corporate and Technology Legal team, which provides legal support on technology, outsourcing, third-party risk management, cybersecurity, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and other technology-related matters across Mizuho Americas (including the international offices of Greenhill).  This role involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial, technology, outsourcing, cloud, and data processing agreements, while providing practical legal advice on complex vendor relationships and evolving regulatory requirements. 

The ideal candidate will have strong familiarity with UK and EU laws, rules, and regulations applicable to global financial institutions with respect to third-party risk management and technology, including operational resilience, outsourcing, data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will report to the Head of the Corporate and Technology Legal team for Mizuho Americas and will play a key role in supporting technology and outsourcing initiatives involving the international offices of Mizuho Americas.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Draft, review, and negotiate third-party vendor agreements, including outsourcing, cloud/SaaS, end-user license, market data, software development, professional service, service level, data processing, and non-disclosure agreements

• Advise on legal and regulatory requirements applicable to outsourcing and third-party arrangements within the UK and EU financial services sector, including operational resilience and third-party risk management frameworks

• Advise on contractual and regulatory considerations relating to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital services, and emerging technology initiatives

• Provide legal support relating to compliance with UK GDPR, EU GDPR, international data transfers, and data processing agreements

• Support implementation and interpretation of UK and EU regulatory developments affecting technology and outsourcing arrangements, including regulations and guidance issued by the FCA, EBA, the European Commission, and other relevant authorities

• Coordinate as necessary with subject matter experts for advice and support related to intellectual property, data privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution and other matters that intersect with third-party vendor contract matters

• Contribute to maintenance of templates and know-how relating to sourcing and technology matters

• Such other matters as requested by the manager of the Corporate and Technology Legal team and/or the Chief Legal Officer

Qualifications and Experience: 

• At least 5-6 years Post Qualified Experience (PQE) solicitor

• Extensive experience negotiating complex technology and commercial contracts

• Experience advising on the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) implementation, ICT service arrangements, operational resilience, artificial intelligence, and other regulatory regimes affecting technology vendors supporting regulated financial entities

• Strong familiarity with UK and EU legal and regulatory issues relevant to technology and outsourcing arrangements, including:  UK GDPR and EU GDPR; international data transfers; technology and cloud outsourcing; operational resilience requirements; DORA; and artificial intelligence regulation and governance

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate laws, rules and regulations into practical business solutions

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at presenting legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders

• Ability to work proactively, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

Other requirements

Mizuho has in place a hybrid working program, with varying opportunities for remote work depending on the nature of the role, needs of your department, as well as local laws and regulatory obligations. Roles in some of our departments have greater in-office requirements that will be communicated to you as part of the recruitment process.   

Company Overview

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. is the 15th largest bank in the world as measured by total assets of ~$2 trillion. Mizuho's 60,000 employees worldwide offer comprehensive financial services to clients in 35 countries and 800 offices throughout the Americas, EMEA and Asia. Mizuho Americas is a leading provider of corporate and investment banking services to clients in the US, Canada, and Latin America. Through its acquisition of Greenhill​, Mizuho provides M&A, restructuring and private capital advisory capabilities across Americas, Europe and Asia. Mizuho Americas employs approximately 3,500 professionals, and its capabilities span corporate and investment banking, capital markets, equity and fixed income sales & trading, derivatives, FX, custody and research. Visit www.mizuhoamericas.com.​​

Mizuho Americas offers a competitive total rewards package.

We are an EEO/AA Employer - M/F/Disability/Veteran.

We participate in the E-Verify program.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to require pre- and post-hire drug testing as permitted by applicable law.

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