Legal Counsel - Global Markets

CLIENT BACKGROUND
Our client is a fast‑growing regional securities and investment banking group with a strong footprint across Asia. The firm has been investing heavily in its Global Markets and Wealth Management platforms, bringing in senior leadership talent from top‑tier global banks and expanding headcount significantly. With a stable balance sheet, strong credit ratings, and major investments into digital infrastructure, the organisation offers excellent visibility, growth potential, and a dynamic environment for legal professionals. This role sits within the Global Markets Legal team, working closely with front‑office stakeholders across Hong Kong and the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day‑to‑day legal support for OTC derivatives, structured products, securities financing, brokerage, and global markets transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate documentation including ISDA/CSA, trading agreements, distribution agreements, and market‑related documentation.
• Advise the trading desk, sales, and structuring teams on regulatory and transactional matters across HK, SG, and Taiwan.
• Support the business on documentation strategy, legal risk assessment, and front‑office queries.
• Work with Compliance, Risk, and COO functions on cross‑border regulatory issues and regulatory developments impacting global markets.
• Assist with internal policy enhancements and contribute to legal best practices.
• Liaise with external counsel where appropriate to ensure efficient handling of complex or cross‑border matters.

REQUIREMENTS

• Hong Kong-qualified lawyer preferred; UK‑qualified or other common law jurisdictions will also be considered.
• 5-12 years of PQE gained from an investment bank, brokerage, securities house, or a mix of law firm + in‑house.
• Strong exposure to OTC derivatives, ISDA documentation, securities or capital markets transactions, or broader global markets legal work.
• Experience supporting trading or front‑office functions is highly advantageous.
• Ability to work closely with business stakeholders, with strong commercial awareness and solution‑driven mindset.
• Fluency in English required; Mandarin or Cantonese strongly preferred given business interaction needs.
• Proactive, flexible, and able to operate in a growing, fast‑moving environment.
• Experienced in capital markets/securities with exposure in OTC/derivatives are also welcomed.