Assistant General Counsel at S&P Global

Why the S&P Global Assistant General Counsel Role Stands Out

For legal professionals with a passion for financial markets, few opportunities carry the weight and prestige of an in-house counsel position at S&P Global. The company’s latest opening—Assistant General Counsel based in Dublin—is not just another legal job. It represents a rare chance to sit at the intersection of financial innovation, regulatory complexity, and global commerce. S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI), the division hiring for this role, is the world’s largest resource for index-based concepts, data, and research. Its benchmarks, including the iconic S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, shape trillions of dollars in investment decisions. For lawyers looking to build a career that matters, this is as good as it gets.

The role is embedded within the Best-In-Class Global Legal, Compliance, Risk & Government Affairs Team, a group that supports S&P DJI’s fast-moving, technically complex operating environment. You won’t be a back-office lawyer reviewing boilerplate contracts; instead, you’ll be a trusted adviser to product, innovation, and commercial teams, helping to shape the legal frameworks that underpin index construction and licensing across global financial markets.

“We are looking for a commercially minded and highly organised legal counsel to join our in-house legal team. This is a broad, hands-on role covering the full spectrum of legal work arising in a regulated financial data and index business.”

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to advise on the rules that govern the world’s financial infrastructure, this role offers a front-row seat. But before you hit apply, let’s break down what S&P Global is really looking for, why this role is a career game-changer, and how you can position yourself as the ideal candidate.

Inside the Role: What an Assistant General Counsel Actually Does

The job description paints a vivid picture of the day-to-day responsibilities. This is not a siloed position; it demands versatility and commercial acumen. The primary focus is on partnering with business stakeholders to align product and commercial strategy. You’ll draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements, including:

• Licensing indices for use with financial products (including insurance and bank hedging OTC products)
• Index data subscription and distribution agreements
• Inbound data and technology contracts
• Custom calculation services
• Web-based service arrangements
• Consulting relationships

Beyond commercial contracts, the role touches on regulatory interpretation, corporate governance, and even dispute management. You’ll advise on the creation of thought leadership and marketing materials, ensuring they comply with UK and European financial regulations. You’ll also support sales teams across the UK, Europe, and other global regions, providing business-oriented legal solutions for complex index licensing and OTC products.

One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to engage with regulators. The role includes supporting interaction with policy and supervisory teams—responding to regulatory consultations, preparing submissions, and liaising with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and other national competent authorities. For lawyers who thrive on regulatory challenges, this is a unique chance to help shape the rules that govern the index industry.

The Regulatory Gauntlet: BMR, MiFID II, DORA, and GDPR

In this role, you won’t just need a general understanding of financial regulation; you’ll need to be genuinely fluent in the alphabet soup of EU and UK frameworks. The job description specifically highlights:

• EU and UK Benchmarks Regulation (BMR): The cornerstone for index providers, BMR sets out rules for benchmark administrators to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• UCITS: The Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities framework, critical for investment funds that use indices.
• MiFID II/MiFIR: The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and Regulation, which govern trading and transparency in European financial markets.
• DORA: The Digital Operational Resilience Act, which is increasingly important for financial entities relying on technology.
• GDPR: The General Data Protection Regulation, essential for any legal counsel dealing with data licensing and privacy.

Having command over these regulations is non-negotiable. But just as important is your ability to translate complex regulatory obligations into clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders. S&P Global is looking for someone who can anticipate regulatory developments and turn them into actionable business advice—someone who doesn’t just recite the law but uses it to drive commercial success.

“Anticipate regulatory and legal developments affecting the index business and translate them into actionable business guidance.”

If you have experience with BMR or MiFID II, you’re already ahead of the curve. The preferred qualifications also mention familiarity with DORA and GDPR, as well as experience with insurance-linked or structured products. Any background working with index providers, exchanges, or benchmark administrators will set you apart even further.

What S&P Global Looks For: Eligibility and Qualifications

Let’s get down to the specifics of who is eligible for this role. The basic required qualifications are clear:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, or an equivalent qualification in a European jurisdiction (Irish, Dutch, German, or French are specifically mentioned). Dual qualifications are a plus.
• 4–7 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), including meaningful in-house experience within a financial services institution—think asset managers, banks, index providers, exchanges, or financial data firms.
• Strong commercial contracts background with demonstrable experience negotiating and drafting complex agreements.
• Solid understanding of UK and/or European financial services regulation, particularly BMR, UCITS, and MiFID II/MiFIR.
• Experience of regulatory interpretation and the ability to provide clear, practical guidance to stakeholders.
• Excellent drafting and negotiating skills, plus clear, confident communication.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage a high-volume, varied workload in complex environments.

The role also encourages returners through S&P Global’s Restart initiative—a thoughtful touch that shows the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you’ve taken time out for caring responsibilities, you are explicitly invited to apply.

Why This Role Is a Career-Defining Move

Working as Assistant General Counsel at S&P Global is more than just a job title; it’s a springboard to the upper echelons of legal practice. Here are a few reasons why this opportunity deserves serious consideration:

• Unparalleled exposure: You’ll work with some of the world’s largest asset managers, banks, and financial institutions.
• Broad legal scope: From commercial contracts to regulatory advice, corporate governance to dispute management, you’ll gain experience across all practice areas.
• Global impact: The role operates across multiple jurisdictions and legal systems, giving you a truly international perspective.
• Career growth: S&P Global is a global powerhouse with over 35,000 employees. The company invests heavily in continuous learning and internal mobility.
• Work-life balance: Benefits include generous time off, health coverage, retirement planning, and family-friendly perks.

For lawyers who want to move away from billable hours and into a strategic business partnership, this is an ideal transition. The role reports to the Associate General Counsel and Managing Director EMEA, placing you at the heart of decision-making.

How to Position Yourself as the Ideal Candidate

If you’re ready to apply, take a strategic approach to your application. Here are some practical tips to stand out:

• Tailor your CV to highlight your experience with index licensing, financial products, and regulatory compliance. Use keywords from the job description like “BMR,” “MiFID II,” “commercial contracts,” and “in-house.”
• Showcase your regulatory expertise with concrete examples of how you’ve interpreted complex rules and delivered actionable guidance.
• Emphasise your in-house experience in financial services. If you’ve worked with asset managers, banks, or index providers, make that front and centre.
• Highlight any corporate governance experience—board support, entity management, or governance frameworks are preferred qualifications.
• Prepare for behavioural questions about managing high-volume workloads, advising senior stakeholders, and balancing legal risk with commercial goals.

Also, keep in mind that S&P Global has a strict recruitment fraud alert. If you receive unsolicited emails from domains like spglobalind.com, it’s a scam. Legitimate applications go through LinkedIn or the official careers portal, and S&P Global never asks candidates for money.

Application Details and Next Steps

The application is open now via LinkedIn, and while no official deadline is specified, recruiters often review applications on a rolling basis. The job ID is 329627, and the role is based in Dublin, Ireland, though the job description also mentions a London location—so you may want to clarify your preferred base during the interview.

With a grade level of 13 and a position that demands seasoned judgment, this is a senior-level role that will challenge you to think on your feet. But for the right candidate, it offers a rewarding, high-impact career journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the salary range for this Assistant General Counsel role at S&P Global?

The job posting does not disclose a specific salary range. However, based on industry standards for a role of this seniority in Dublin, candidates can expect a competitive package, including base salary, performance bonus, and benefits such as health care, retirement plans, and learning stipends. It’s best to discuss compensation directly with the recruiter during the interview process.

2. Can a candidate from India apply for this Dublin-based role?

Yes, in principle, if you are a qualified lawyer in a European jurisdiction or in England and Wales, or if you demonstrate equivalence, you may apply. However, international candidates must also have the right to work in Ireland or obtain visa sponsorship. S&P Global is a global company and does hire talent across borders, but securing a work visa can be competitive. It’s advisable to have a clear plan for eligibility and to highlight your unique qualifications in the application.

3. What are the key differences between this in-house role and a law firm position?

In-house roles like this one offer a more integrated business partnership experience. You work directly with commercial teams, advise on strategy, and see the impact of your legal work in real-time. There are no billable hours, and you have a personal stake in the company’s success. Law firms, by contrast, often provide broader exposure across multiple clients but with less depth in a single industry. This role is ideal for lawyers who love financial services and want to specialise in the index and data space.

4. Is there a specific emphasis on return-to-work candidates?

Absolutely. S&P Global has a dedicated initiative called Restart, which encourages talented returners who have taken time off for caring responsibilities to apply. The company promises active support to help you transition back to the workplace. This is a standout feature of their hiring policy that makes the role more accessible to a diverse range of legal professionals.