Job Details

Legal counsel in the Management of the bankers' oath unit

Would you like to contribute as alegal counselto increasing public trust in the financial sector and to better consumer protection?

Then come and join our team at the FSMA and become a legal counsel in the “Management of the bankers' oath” unit!

The Royal Decree governing the bankers' oath, which will apply to (tens of) thousands of banking sector actors, will soon enter into force. The FSMA will play an important role within the framework of that decree.

The FSMA will be in charge of various aspects of the bankers' oath, among which the administration of the oath to certain persons, the supervision of the oath-taking by all banking service providers, keeping a register of disciplinary sanctions and of persons subject to a ban against exercising certain professions, providing proof – at a person's request – that he or she is not subject to such a ban, etc.

The FSMA has also been designated the competent authority for the associated disciplinary regime. Serious indications of disciplinary breaches will be investigated by the FSMA's (Deputy) Investigations Officer, who can ask anyone to provide information and can also hold hearings. After the (Deputy) Investigations Officer's investigation is concluded, an investigation report will be drawn up. Only after the conclusion of the investigation can the FSMA – if need be – impose a disciplinary sanction.

The “Management of the bankers' oath” unit is responsible for the legal and operational execution of this task of the FSMA.

WHAT WILL YOUR JOB ENTAIL?

The service is looking for a legal counsel, whose function will become increasingly varied with time.

In the initial phase (preparation for the entry into force of the bankers' oath), you will be responsible for the organization of the oath-taking before the FSMA, communications with the banking sector and the establishment of a complaints channel, a register of disciplinary sanctions and a register of persons subject to a ban against exercising certain professions.

In the second phase (after the entry into force of the bankers' oath), your function will also include the handling of complaints and the examination of disciplinary dossiers. You will then be responsible for:

• verifying whether the complaints filed are admissible.
• treating the disciplinary dossiers created.
• inquiries intended to map the relevant facts in disciplinary dossiers.
• analysing the facts from a legal point of view and evaluating them in the light of the ethical rules.
• concluding disciplinary dossiers by drawing up investigation reports, in order to assess whether the ethical rules have been infringed.

If the priorities that have been set so permit, you will, in the future, also be able to further hone your skills as an investigator and your expertise in the procedures by offering support to the Investigations Office within the service. The Investigations Officer plays a role in the administrative sanction procedure of the FSMA by carrying out enquiries in all supervisory areas of the FSMA (e.g. abuse of inside information, market manipulation, breaches of the prospectus legislation, etc.).

WHAT KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS DO YOU BRING?

• You hold a master's degree in law.
• You have knowledge of the financial legislation, or are prepared to acquire it in a short period of time.
• You have at least 3 years' experience in financial, penal and/or administrative law or any other relevant branch of law.
• You have an analyticalmind combined with an excellent capacity for synthesis.
• You have a solid competence in Dutch and French.
• You are able to communicate in a clear and structured manner both verbally and in writing.
• You are a team player but you also work well independently.
• You have a professional attitude.

WHAT DO WE OFFER YOU?

• The chance to do your bit for consumer protection.
• The opportunity to contribute to putting a new mission of the FSMA into practice.
• A diverse range of tasks which will allow you to further develop your legal and operational qualities.
• A competitive salary package with many fringe benefits (including group and hospitalization insurance, full reimbursement of the costs of commuting to/from work, budget-friendly company dining room, contribution to your mobile phone and internet subscriptions, additional non-statutory holidays, bank holidays, etc.).
• A wide range of opportunities for learning and development.
• Good work/life balance (teleworking a few days a week).
• Opportunities for internal mobility.
• Offices within easy reach of Brussels city centre.

Please note that each member of the FSMA staff is subject to astrict code of ethicsand is bound by the obligation ofprofessional secrecy.