Legal Counsel - Derivatives

Wintermute

Wintermute is one of the largest cryptocurrency-native algorithmic trading firms in the digital assets space. Founded in 2017, the company has established itself as a liquidity provider across major cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms while offering comprehensive OTC trading solutions. The firm also supports blockchain projects and traditional financial institutions entering the digital assets market through its main operations and Wintermute Ventures, its early-stage DeFi investment arm. Wintermute combines the rigorous technology standards of high-frequency trading with the innovative and entrepreneurial ethos of technology startups, positioning itself as a leader in building a compliant and forward-thinking digital assets market.

The Web3 and fintech sectors are experiencing significant hiring growth, particularly in specialized areas like derivatives and security. As traditional finance continues to engage with blockchain technology and digital assets, firms like Wintermute are expanding their legal capabilities to navigate both crypto-native and conventional regulatory frameworks. This role represents an opportunity to work at the intersection of these two worlds during a period of substantial industry development.

Legal Counsel - Derivatives

You will join Wintermute's Legal and Compliance team to support the firm's expanding derivatives business and entry into traditional financial markets. Working closely with senior legal colleagues, traders, and teams across risk, compliance, and operations, you will take ownership of complex negotiations and projects across multiple jurisdictions. You will help shape approaches that balance business growth with appropriate legal risk management.

What you'll do

• Draft and negotiate derivatives documentation including ISDA Master Agreements, credit support documentation, trade confirmations, and financial infrastructure agreements covering tri-party custody, collateral, prime brokerage and clearing matters

• Lead negotiations directly with counterparties and external counsel to drive contracts to completion while coordinating input from various internal stakeholders

• Conduct legal and regulatory research to identify requirements for the firm's trading activities in different products and jurisdictions, working with external advisors as needed

• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice on OTC derivatives matters

• Contribute to other legal projects based on professional development interests and company needs

What you'll bring

• Qualification as a lawyer in England and Wales with approximately 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in derivatives law

• Training at a Magic Circle, leading US law firm, or other recognized international firm with a strong derivatives practice

• Hands-on experience negotiating ISDA Master Agreements and related credit support documentation under both English and New York law

• Demonstrated ability to document OTC derivatives transactions including swaps, options, and forwards across multiple underlying asset classes

• Familiarity with securities lending and repurchase master trading documentation

• Strong capacity to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines in high-performing environments

Nice to have

• Experience with prime brokerage, custody, clearing and other financial infrastructure documentation

• Understanding of regulatory frameworks and their application to OTC derivatives across different jurisdictions

• Previous in-house experience at a bank, broker-dealer, hedge fund or trading firm

What they offer

• Performance-based compensation with significant earning potential alongside pension and private health insurance

• Flexible working arrangements with substantial work-from-home options and flexible hours, though the role is hybrid based in central London

• UK work permit sponsorship and relocation assistance

• Vibrant office environment featuring amenities including table tennis, foosball, personalized workstations, and complimentary food

• Collaborative, informal culture with regular team meals, celebrations, gaming events and company outings