Derivatives Counsel - Chinese Investment Bank

CLIENT BACKGROUND
Our client is a well‑established financial services group with a strong footprint in Hong Kong and active involvement in complex, cross‑border investment and trading activities. In addition to a diversified derivatives platform, the firm is increasingly active in distressed assets, non‑performing portfolios, and structured investment solutions. To support this growth, the legal function is strengthening its front‑office aligned coverage with a commercially minded derivatives and structured products lawyer. The organisation offers a stable yet dynamic environment, with close interaction across trading, investment, risk, and senior management teams.

JOB RESPONSIBILITY

• Provide legal support to derivatives, structured products, and special situations businesses, including activities involving distressed assets and non‑performing portfolios.
• Draft, review, and negotiate ISDA documentation, including Master Agreements, Schedules, Credit Support Annexes, confirmations, and related collateral and netting arrangements.
• Advise on structured products, financing structures, and derivatives linked to distressed funds, NPL/NPA portfolios, or special situations investments.
• Support legal issues arising from secondary market transactions, portfolio acquisitions, restructurings, and workout‑related structures where derivatives or structured products are involved.
• Work closely with front office, investment, risk, operations, and compliance teams on transaction execution, product structuring, and lifecycle events.
• Advise on regulatory and legal considerations impacting derivatives and structured products activities across Hong Kong and other relevant jurisdictions.
• Assist with regulatory inquiries, internal reviews, and documentation standardisation initiatives.
• Manage and coordinate with external counsel as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Legally qualified lawyer in any jurisdiction, with solid post‑qualification experience in derivatives, structured products, or complex financing transactions.
• Strong hands‑on experience with ISDA documentation and derivatives transactions is essential.
• Practical exposure to distressed funds, non‑performing assets (NPL/NPA), special situations, or structured investments is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience within an investment bank, securities firm, asset manager, distressed fund, or leading law firm is highly regarded.
• Good understanding of regulatory frameworks affecting derivatives, structured products, and alternative investment activities in major financial markets.
• Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese) and English is mandatory, with the ability to engage Chinese‑speaking stakeholders and review Chinese‑language materials.
• Commercial, solutions‑oriented mindset with the ability to partner directly with front‑office and investment teams.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.