Financial Services track

The 2024 median pay for a financial analyst is $100,910.

The financial services industry is one of the most important—and one of the most heavily regulated—sectors of the global economy. From personal banking and investment management to massive fintech and insurance organizations, professionals in financial services must understand and comply with legal and regulatory requirements in order to improve individual, organizational, and global financial outcomes.

Wake Forest University School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Financial Services prepares professionals to succeed in a highly regulated financial environment. With practical legal knowledge and skills, compliance, risk management, operations, and financial advisement professionals can make more informed decisions, reduce legal exposure, and engage more effectively with attorneys and regulators.

This track is taught by experienced law school faculty and finance industry practitioners. Courses in the master’s in financial services track will provide professionals with a solid foundation in the laws and regulations that govern financial institutions and markets. Not only will students learn about the topics, issues, and laws that are relevant to their work, but they’ll be able to apply their learning on the job right away.

Anybody that has an interest in the law but is not interested in practicing it as an attorney would really benefit from this program, whether in their current professional roles or future endeavors that they want to take on.

– Nicole Murphy

Master of Legal Studies Alum

Course Structure

The 30-credit MLS in Financial Services includes:

13.5 credits in our required core curriculum
10.5+ credits in Financial Services track courses
Up to 6 credits from any other electives across tracks

Who Is This Track For?

The Financial Services track supports a variety of finance, insurance, and compliance professionals, including:

Financial managers & advisors
Financial analysts
Bankers
Compliance
Risk officers
Insurance professionals
Loan officers
Accountants
Auditors

Request Information

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To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at the Wake Forest University School of Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 336.863.8438.

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Industry Market Insights

The financial services industry is already a large portion of the global economy, and it’s only continuing to grow. An MLS in Financial Services is ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their legal knowledge and navigate this dynamic sector.

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The financial services market is more than $33.54 trillion, comprising about 31% of the world’s economy.¹

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The median annual wage for professionals in the financial services sector is double the median annual wage for all occupations.²

growth

Job growth in the financial services sector is expected to grow more than 5% over the next 10 years.²

Sources: ¹ Research and Market Report

² U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a Master of Legal Studies in Financial Services?

A Master of Legal Studies in Financial Services provides professionals with a better understanding of complex financial regulations, preparing them to manage compliance and regulations at banks, investment firms, and fintech companies. This degree is particularly valuable for professionals who want deep legal expertise in finance without becoming practicing attorneys.

This specialized education is also relevant to careers in government agencies like the SEC or FINRA, corporate legal departments, and consulting firms that specialize in financial services regulation and risk management.

How does an MLS in Financial Services differ from an MBA in Finance?

An MLS (Master of Legal Studies) in Financial Services focuses specifically on the complex legal and regulatory framework governing the financial industry, including securities law, banking regulations, compliance requirements, and financial crimes prevention. An MBA in Finance emphasizes financial analysis, investment strategies, corporate finance, and general business management skills.

An MLS prepares graduates for specialized roles in compliance, risk management, regulatory affairs, and legal advisory positions within financial institutions. On the other hand, an MBA in Finance targets broader financial management roles such as investment banking, portfolio management, and corporate financial planning.

While both degrees are valuable in the financial sector, the MLS provides deep regulatory expertise essential for navigating the heavily regulated financial services landscape, while the MBA offers the analytical and strategic skills needed for financial decision-making and leadership roles.

Ready to learn more?

Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions, and FAQ pages.