Description:

Description:
Citizens is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented attorney to serve as Counsel supporting the Wealth Management Division of the Citizens Consumer Bank. The Counsel will report to the Senior Associate General Counsel, Head of Wealth Legal and will support our wealth management and fiduciary businesses. This role will provide legal advice on a broad range of matters impacting trust, fiduciary, brokerage, and investment management services, including regulatory compliance with OCC fiduciary regulations (12 CFR Part 9), the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and applicable broker-dealer regulations.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical legal skills with practical business judgment and the ability to collaborate effectively with wealth advisors, fiduciary officers, and risk and compliance partners.

Citizens Bank has grown to be a top fifteen consumer bank and deposit franchise and has embarked on a significant Wealth transformation initiative to scale its Private Wealth and Private Bank units. The Citizens Wealth Management Division includes the Citizens Wealth Management and Private Wealth Management organizations together with the Bank's Trust and Fiduciary Services division and the newer Citizens Trust Company of Delaware.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide legal support to wealth management, trust, fiduciary, investment advisory, and brokerage businesses, including:

Interpretation and application of fiduciary principles and duties
Advice on advisory and brokerage service models and related regulatory requirements
Review and drafting of policies, procedures, and client documentation

Advise on regulatory requirements applicable to fiduciary and investment activities, including:

12 CFR Part 9 (OCC fiduciary activities)
Investment Advisers Act of 1940
Broker-dealer regulatory framework (e.g., SEC and FINRA rules)

Support compliance and risk management initiatives related to fiduciary operations, advisory programs, and brokerage offerings
Assist in responding to regulatory examinations, audits, and inquiries, including those involving OCC, SEC, and FINRA
Review and negotiate agreements related to:

Investment advisory services
Brokerage and custody arrangements
Fiduciary services and third-party providers

Partner with internal stakeholders (compliance, risk, operations, and business teams) to identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks
Monitor and analyze legal and regulatory developments impacting wealth management, fiduciary services, and retail and institutional investment products
Contribute to training and guidance for business personnel on legal and regulatory obligations, including fiduciary, advisory, and brokerage standards; and
As needed, provide support related to Legal due diligence of potential Wealth Management acquisition targets.

Required Skills/Experience:

3-5 years of legal experience with demonstrated experience in the RIA, Broker-Dealer, and/or Trust and Fiduciary space, preferably at a law firm or larger financial institution.
Familiarity with the federal securities laws, including the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, relevant portions of ERISA and its parallel provisions under the Internal Revenue Code, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and applicable FINRA rules and 12 CFR Part 9.
Ability to support and prioritize work related to multiple high-profile projects, strong attention to detail, willingness to dig in and ability to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic work environment.

Ideal Candidates would possess:
A collaborative approach in devising pragmatic and creative solutions across a variety of issues in a growth environment, including

The ability to think strategically and tactically, with excellent judgment and decision-making skills to help the firm make the best risk-based decisions.
The ability to see past the immediate question and understand the broader implication and wider strategy.
Strong technical legal skills with practical business judgment, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for business partners.
A highly collaborative team player with a positive attitude, growth mindset, good sense of humor and ability to stay calm when the pressure is on.

Education/Certifications:

JD or equivalent, strong academic credentials
Admission to at least one U.S. bar required.

Why join us:

Opportunity to work at the intersection of fiduciary law, securities regulation, and financial services
Exposure to a broad and evolving regulatory framework across trust, advisory, and brokerage platforms
Collaborative and supportive legal team environment
Meaningful impact supporting client-focused wealth management services

Hours & Work Schedule