Legal Counsel

Job Description:

• Provide legal advice and support to the Branch on legal issues relating to its business, operations and governance in Singapore.
• Review, draft and negotiate banking, financing and commercial documentation, including bilateral and syndicated loan agreements, facility letters, security documents, guarantees, account documentation, service agreements, outsourcing agreements, NDAs, engagement letters and intra-group arrangements.
• Review and advise on treasury and financial markets documentation, including ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes, confirmations and related derivatives documentation, where applicable.
• Support legal review for corporate banking, private banking / wealth management and treasury transactions, including product approvals, new business initiatives and cross-border legal risk assessments.
• Provide legal advice on Singapore regulatory and governance matters, including MAS requirements, PDPA, outsourcing, banking secrecy, confidentiality, corporate governance and commercial contracting issues.
• Lead the policies & procedures management of the branch, assist in reviewing, and improving Branch policies, procedures and operational work flows to support alignment with legal, regulatory, Head Office and internal control requirements.
• Support the management of disputes, complaints, potential litigation, regulatory enquiries, internal investigations and incident response matters.
• Coordinate with external counsel on Singapore law and cross-border legal matters, including managing scope of work, timelines, costs and quality of advice.
• Review and advise on legal documents and contractual arrangements involving PRC law elements, cross-border transactions, intra-group arrangements or Head Office-related requirements, in coordination with external counsel where necessary.
• Review, draft and comment on Chinese-language legal documents, internal policies, transaction documents and correspondence required for legal, regulatory, Head Office or business purposes.
• Work with business, operations, risk, compliance, finance, HR and Head Office stakeholders to provide practical and timely legal support.
• Maintain legal documentation records, matter tracking and legal risk registers where required.
• Conduct training or briefings for internal stakeholders on legal documentation, regulatory developments and relevant internal policies.
• Perform other legal and compliance-related duties assigned by the Head of Legal & Compliance, consistent with the role's responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or above in Law, or equivalent legal qualification from a recognised institution.
• Admission to practice law in Singapore or another common law jurisdiction would be an added advantage. For a documentation-focused role, candidates with strong banking legal documentation experience may also be considered.
• At least 2 years of relevant post-qualification or equivalent legal experience in a law firm, bank, financial institution or in-house legal function. Candidates with stronger experience may be considered for a more senior title.
• Experience in banking, finance, treasury, derivatives, corporate lending, financial services regulation, outsourcing, data protection or commercial contracts would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with Singapore banking and financial services regulations, MAS requirements, PDPA and common banking documentation standards.
• Basic knowledge of PRC laws and regulations relevant to banking, finance, corporate, security, guarantees, cross-border transactions or commercial contracts would be advantageous.
• Ability to review, draft and comment on Chinese-language legal documents, transaction documents, internal policies and correspondence with Head Office or counterparties where required for the role.
• Strong legal drafting, analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders in Singapore and across jurisdictions.
• Meticulous, responsible and able to manage multiple matters with appropriate prioritisation and escalation.
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgement, professional independence and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.