Transaction Legal Director

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Senior Legal Counsel for our Strategic Planning Dept - Legal (Middle East & Africa) team to be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

We need a senior legal counsel with an entreprenurial and can-do mind set looking to join and develop an expanding legal function with an aspiration for line managaement and to be the senior legal counsel leading on our Middle East transactions.

Candiates must be familar and confident with: (i) advising front office finance and commercial teams on financial transactions and commercial agreements, (ii)  LMA documentation, trade finance products, securities or DCM; and  (iii) the financial and commercial laws and regs in the Middle East.

Candidates must have at least 10 years plus PQE, professionally experienced in advising on corporate banking products and having worked in both private practice and in-house legal in a corporate and investment banking environment. 

Business Area

Strategic Planning Department - Legal, Middle East & Africa

Position Description

This is a director, senior legal counsel, position which is based and located in the DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  

The position will:

(i) support the EMEA Legal function by contributing to the management of all material and regulatory issues which include, without limitation: (i) supporting on the local implementation of EMEA regional policies, procedures and standards, initiatives and projects that ensure exposure to legal and regulatory risk and their management in a commercially sensitive and practical manner; and (ii) advising the regional business stakeholders and EMEA Legal function (outside of Dubai) on local and regional laws, legal practice and changes thereto which are relevant to the Bank.

(ii) constitute the senior and lead transaction advisory lawyer for the Middle East reponsible providing prompt, commerical legal advice and support on conventional and non-conventional financial products/transactions and fostering, strengthening and maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship with SMBC front office, credit risk, compliance and operations teams.  This will include devising and providing legal training on relevant legal topics/subjects to support the technical development of our front office and support functions. 

(iii) manage the appointment and relationship with approved local external legal counsel and ensure all instructions have clearly defined work scope and fees. Oversee the quality of work and manage external legal costs to ensure appropriate third-party provision where required or otherwise appropriate internal approval for cost spend. Record and monitor external legal spend where possible and manage down external legal spend.

(iv) provide legal advice, analysis and support to the Head, Legal, Middle East & Africa on advisory matters relating to cross-board marketing, data protection, litigation, competition, sanctions risk and ESG and local regulation across the region and prepare/draft and review any necessary internal or external communications and guidance notes in relation to these subjects.

(v) require deputizing for the Head, Legal for Middle East & Africa to include attending regional governance committee meetings and assuming and having authority to confirm approval on transactions submitted to the regional review committee and providing team leadership, guidance and support to junior members of the Legal team.

(vi) require collaborating with key stakeholders across the business to ensure legal and regulatory risk are managed both internally and externally (reputational risk) and proactively contributing to local governance working groups and forums as appropriate.

(vii) require escalating in a timely manner to the Head, Legal, Middle East & Africa or as otherwise appropriate, any internal misconduct or potential or actual breach of internal policy, procedure or standards or external law/regulation and the consequence/outcome to maintain the integrity of the SMBC business.

(viii) require promoting the culture and practice of compliance with legal standards (including conducting business within legal and regulatory requirements, and to high ethical standards) within SMBC and embodying the SMBC core values. 

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!