Director, Fund Lawyer – ETFs & Mutual Funds, Japan Legal

In every role at BlackRock, you'll be expected to apply sound judgement and critical thinking to solve complex problems, adapt as the business evolves, and combine the curiosity to explore new approaches and technologies with the rigor to challenge the results. The scope of this role also includes the following responsibilities:

• Advise on the Japan Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, the Act on Investment Trusts and Investment Corporations, applicable industry association rules, and other relevant Japanese laws and regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate investment management agreements with Japanese clients and offshore counterparties, and advise on related documentation for locally managed investment trusts, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
• Advise on filings for foreign investment trusts and corporations, domestic securities placements, and cross-border regulatory matters, coordinating with global colleagues and external counsel as appropriate.
• Advise on legal and regulatory matters relating to digital assets, including the structuring and establishment of investment vehicles with exposure to such assets.
• Provide legal support across a broad range of business and corporate matters, including risk management solutions businesses, intellectual property, large-shareholding reporting, vendor contracts, and intercompany agreements.
• Provide corporate secretariat support for BlackRock Japan and its Japan-based affiliates.
• Advise on real estate transactions under TMK and TK-GK structures, as well as infrastructure and other private markets investments, while managing relationships with external counsel and law firms.

• Qualified lawyer in Japan (bengoshi) with approximately six or more years of relevant experience at a leading domestic or international law firm and/or a multinational organization.
• Experience within the asset management or securities industry, preferably involving exchange-traded funds, private fund formation, fund documentation, or fund structuring.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, solutions-oriented legal advice while applying sound commercial judgment and partnering effectively with business and functional stakeholders.
• Proven ability to take ownership, operate independently, provide leadership, and adapt effectively to changing business and regulatory environments.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across local and global teams. Native-level fluency in Japanese, including the ability to draft and negotiate legal documentation and provide legal advice in Japanese, and business-level proficiency in English are required.
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills, with strong attention to detail in legal documentation and advice.
• Experience with digital assets or related regulatory frameworks is a plus.