Legal Counsel

Job Description:

1. Provide legal advice and support to the Branch on legal issues relating to its business, operations and governance in Singapore.
2. 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.
3. Review and advise on treasury and financial markets documentation, including ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes, confirmations and related derivatives documentation, where applicable.
4. 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.
5. Provide legal advice on Singapore regulatory and governance matters, including MAS requirements, PDPA, outsourcing, banking secrecy, confidentiality, corporate governance and commercial contracting issues.
6. 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.
7. Support the management of disputes, complaints, potential litigation, regulatory enquiries, internal investigations and incident response matters.
8. Coordinate with external counsel on Singapore law and cross-border legal matters, including managing scope of work, timelines, costs and quality of advice.
9. 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.
10. Review, draft and comment on Chinese-language legal documents, internal policies, transaction documents and correspondence required for legal, regulatory, Head Office or business purposes.
11. Work with business, operations, risk, compliance, finance, HR and Head Office stakeholders to provide practical and timely legal support.
12. Maintain legal documentation records, matter tracking and legal risk registers where required.
13. Conduct training or briefings for internal stakeholders on legal documentation, regulatory developments and relevant internal policies.
14. Perform other legal and compliance-related duties assigned by the Head of Legal & Compliance, consistent with the role’s responsibilities.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree or above in Law, or equivalent legal qualification from a recognised institution.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Experience in banking, finance, treasury, derivatives, corporate lending, financial services regulation, outsourcing, data protection or commercial contracts would be advantageous.
5. Familiarity with Singapore banking and financial services regulations, MAS requirements, PDPA and common banking documentation standards.
6. Basic knowledge of PRC laws and regulations relevant to banking, finance, corporate, security, guarantees, cross-border transactions or commercial contracts would be advantageous.
7. 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.
8. Strong legal drafting, analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
9. Strong written and spoken English communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders in Singapore and across jurisdictions.
10. Meticulous, responsible and able to manage multiple matters with appropriate prioritisation and escalation.
11. Demonstrates integrity, sound judgement, professional independence and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.