Top Careers You Can Pursue With an MLS in Finance Law

In today’s fast-paced financial world, careers are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. While legal knowledge was once a useful bonus for a financial professional, it is now a critical skill for professionals across the industry.

The rapid rise of financial technology, or fintech, has transformed how institutions operate and how consumers access financial services. The expanding network of laws, regulations and compliance requirements has created a pressing need for professionals who can navigate both the financial and legal aspects of modern business.¹

If you are considering a career in financial compliance, an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Finance Law can provide you with that extra level of understanding, opening the door to new career opportunities.

Why Employers Value Legal Literacy in Finance

Employers in the finance industry place a high value on legal literacy because financial organizations operate under strict regulatory oversight. Even employees who are not in legal roles must understand the laws and regulations that govern financial transactions, reporting and client relationships.

Professionals working in finance compliance, risk management or related fields must be able to interpret complex legal and financial documents, understand contractual obligations and ensure that their organization’s practices meet legal standards.² They may also be responsible for managing fiduciary duties, which are the legal responsibilities that require individuals or institutions to act in the best interests of their clients or beneficiaries. These duties include maintaining confidentiality, exercising good faith and prioritizing the beneficiary’s interests above their own.³

Legal literacy within the financial sector also ensures faster onboarding for team members and better collaboration with legal departments, particularly those in financial law roles. A lack of this literacy can slow progress and ultimately cost the company money.

Career Paths With an MLS in Finance Law

An MLS will open the door to several career paths in finance law.

Compliance Manager or Officer

A compliance officer ensures that the company they work for fully complies with any legal or regulatory requirements in their country, state or city as well as internal policy. The compliance officer's primary objective is to manage and mitigate risk for the organization. In the event of a regulatory breach, the compliance officer puts the appropriate disciplinary measures in place.⁴

Financial Risk Management Analyst

A risk management analyst seeks to identify, assess and manage potential threats to the goals of an organization. They play a key role in protecting a company’s reputation and financial health from threats or missteps. Operational resilience constitutes their overarching mission. Risk management analysts need a keen eye for analytics and regulatory trends as well as a strong legal background to interpret information correctly.⁵

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

In industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics and medical devices, a regulatory affairs specialist fills the crucial role of navigating evolving regulatory requirements. They ensure products are safe, legal and cost-effective by supervising the product development process. In some cases, they work directly for the government, issuing product approvals.⁶

Legal Operations in Banking or Fintech

One of the most popular legal jobs in finance is working in the legal operations department within a banking organization or a fintech company. This team of people serves as the link between legal expertise and business strategy. They pull from different skill sets such as project management, data analytics and strategic planning to drive decision making and reduce inefficiencies and risks.^7,8

Financial Product Development with Legal Oversight

Developing new financial products is essential to a financial institution’s growth and competitiveness. Identifying market gaps and designing innovative solutions is already a complex, creative process—but ensuring that each product complies with legal and regulatory standards adds another critical layer of responsibility. A strong understanding of financial services law is of particularly valuable importance in emerging areas of law such as legal technology analytics and legal project management.

Examples of financial products include new types of credit cards, bonds, investment accounts, or deposit accounts. Each product type is governed by their own regulations, disclosure standards and registration requirements. Professionals who can combine business acumen with legal knowledge play a vital role in guiding development teams through this process and ensuring that new offerings meet both market needs and legal expectations.⁹

Bank Examiner

A bank examiner is a financial professional employed by a government agency (such as the OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve or a state banking authority) who ensures banks operate safely, legally and in compliance with applicable regulations. Their core responsibility is to protect the stability of the financial system and safeguard consumers by conducting examinations, analyzing financial data and assessing risk management practices.

Auditor

Auditors in the banking and finance sector provide independent assurance that financial institutions are operating with integrity, accuracy and compliance. They review financial statements, test internal controls and assess risk management processes to safeguard against fraud, misstatement or regulatory breaches.

Who Should Consider This Degree

An online MLS degree is a flexible, high-value option for mid-career professionals in finance, banking or auditing. This online program works around your already busy schedule and uses your existing skillset as a strong foundation to build toward a highly desirable career.

The MLS coursework focuses on legal principles related to business entities, corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, contracts, intellectual property and other aspects of commercial law, giving you a holistic picture of the legal operations of a company. This enhanced understanding puts MLS graduates on track to higher earnings and greater responsibilities.

Entrepreneurs launching fintech ventures or investment products can gain a significant advantage from understanding finance and business law. With a solid foundation in legal principles, they are better equipped to identify and mitigate risks, protect their intellectual property and ensure compliance without relying entirely on outside counsel.

Elevate Your Career With an online MLS From William & Mary Law School

The online MLS in Finance Law from William & Mary Law School provides students with legal knowledge without the time or cost of a J.D. Our robust online curriculum is carefully crafted to maximize your expertise in the specialization of your choosing. You will also enjoy the benefits of William & Mary Law School’s prestigious faculty while still maintaining the flexibility necessary for mid-career professionals.

To learn more about how this degree positions learners for rewarding roles in finance and financial compliance careers or to explore the admissions process, schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today. William & Mary Law School can help you step into the new age of finance with knowledge, insight and community.