Managing Director, Regional Head of Legal (APAC)

Due to the confidential nature of this search, we will only contact applicants whose experience closely aligns with the requirements of the position.

A leading international financial institution is seeking an experienced legal leader to oversee its legal function across the Asia Pacific region. This is a highly visible executive position partnering closely with regional and global senior management to support strategic business initiatives, governance, regulatory matters, and risk management across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities of this Managing Director, Regional Head of Legal (APAC)

• Lead and develop a high-performing regional legal team across APAC.
• Provide strategic legal advice to senior executives on complex business, regulatory, governance, and transactional matters.
• Oversee legal risk management and ensure appropriate governance frameworks are maintained across the organisation.
• Support business growth by delivering commercially focused and pragmatic legal guidance.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and oversee legal budgets and spend.
• Drive operational excellence, process improvements, and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the legal function.
• Collaborate with regional and global stakeholders to ensure consistency of legal standards and best practices.
• Advise on cross-border matters involving multiple jurisdictions and regulatory environments.

Ideal Candidate of this Managing Director, Regional Head of Legal (APAC)

• Qualified lawyer with significant post-qualification experience gained within financial services, banking, capital markets, or another highly regulated industry.
• Proven track record leading legal teams and partnering with senior executives on strategic matters.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to balance legal, regulatory, and business considerations.
• Experience managing complex cross-border legal and regulatory issues.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive organisational change, enhance processes, and build strong, collaborative teams.