Experienced Lawyer, Financial Services Regulation

About Gilbert + Tobin

At Gilbert + Tobin, we don’t just keep pace with the market — we shape it.

We are trusted by Australia’s leading banks, insurers, fintechs and funds to advise on their most complex regulatory challenges, particularly in an environment of heightened enforcement, accountability and regulatory change.

Our work sits at the intersection of law, policy, enforcement and innovation, giving our lawyers exposure that goes beyond traditional advisory work.

What sets us apart from other top-tier firms:

• Earlier responsibility on high-impact matters
• Direct access to leading partners and clients
• A genuinely collaborative, non-hierarchical culture
• A focus on developing commercial, strategic regulatory lawyers

If you’re looking to accelerate your career in financial services regulation — this is where you do it.

The team

You’ll join the Financial Services Regulation team led by Silvana Wood, a recognised market leader in financial services regulation.

Silvana is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading advisors on director and senior executive accountability, governance and regulatory risk. She advises major banks, insurers and superannuation funds on their most complex regulatory issues, including licensing, conduct obligations and engagement with regulators.

Her practice is distinguished by:

• Deep expertise in the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) and BEAR
• Leading regulatory investigations and remediation programs
• Extensive experience working with ASIC and APRA on prudential and conduct breaches
• A background in enforcement, including experience at the UK Financial Conduct Authority, advising on enforcement actions against institutions and senior executives

Silvana’s team operates across the full spectrum of financial services work — from front-end compliance and advisory to investigations and strategic regulatory matters. You’ll work closely with a partner who is not only technically outstanding but deeply invested in mentoring and developing high-performing lawyers.

This is a great opportunity for experienced lawyers looking to:

• Take ownership of complex regulatory matters
• Lead workstreams and mentor junior lawyers
• Develop into a recognised specialist in financial services regulation

Your work

This is a broad, high-impact financial services regulatory role spanning advisory, investigations, transactions and reform.

You can expect exposure to:

Core Regulatory Advisory

• AFSL/ACL licensing, Chapter 7 obligations, DDO and breach reporting
• Consumer law, claims handling and unfair contract terms

Governance & Accountability

• FAR / BEAR implementation and governance frameworks
• Executive accountability, remuneration and consequence management

Regulatory Investigations & Enforcement

• Acting on internal and regulatory investigations involving director and senior executive conduct and accountability
• Advising on ASIC and APRA enforcement matters and supervisory engagement
• Supporting internal investigations, remediation programs and regulator interactions

Risk & Compliance Transformation

• Designing and uplifting compliance frameworks, policies and controls
• Advising on large-scale regulatory change and remediation programs

Regulatory Reform (Cutting-Edge Work)

• Payments reform, AML/CTF, privacy and digital regulation
• Strategic advice on regulatory change and implementation

Transactions & Strategic Projects

• Advising on financial services regulatory aspects of M&A, capital raisings and corporate transactions
• Regulatory due diligence, structuring and post-acquisition integration

Fintech & Innovation

• Advising fintechs and payment providers navigating the evolving regulatory perimeter
• Exposure to emerging areas including digital assets and payments regulation

Why this role is different

Compared to similar roles at other top-tier firms, this opportunity offers:

• True breadth (advisory + investigations + transactions — not siloed)
• Meaningful involvement in regulator-facing matters
• Direct exposure to senior decision-makers and accountability frameworks
• A faster path to Senior Associate / Special Counsel progression
• The opportunity to work on market-leading FAR and enforcement work

About you

• Deep experience (6+PQE) in financial services regulation
• Exposure to regulatory investigations, enforcement or major regulatory projects
• Ability to lead matters and manage client relationships
• Strong mentoring capability

What We Offer

Career & Development

• Direct mentoring from a market-leading partner
• High-quality, complex work from day one
• Clear progression pathways

Culture & Flexibility

• Flexible working arrangements
• A genuinely inclusive and supportive culture
• Strong team connection and social environment

Benefits

• Top-of-market remuneration
• 26 weeks paid parental leave
• Additional annual leave
• Gym, wellness and lifestyle benefits
• Modern, light-filled Sydney office

Join Us

If you want to work on market-leading financial services regulatory matters, gain exposure to high-profile investigations and transactions, and accelerate your career in a top-tier team — we’d love to hear from you.

Apply via our careers website with your CV.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

Please submit your interest via our career’s website with a resume.
  
We are committed to providing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment and a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.