Senior Legal Counsel-wholesale Banking.legal-legal Department

Job Category NES Job Group 1 The senior legal counsel will lead and provide expert legal support on complex and high-value banking and finance transactions including bilateral and syndicated loans structured finance cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters and specialist banking products Operating with significant autonomy the role involves drafting reviewing and negotiating financing documentation including LMA-based agreements and security packages and advising on regulatory and legal risk issues across the bank s Corporate Investment Banking and International Banking groups The role requires deep expertise in UAE and international banking laws financial services regulation and a proven track record in navigating sophisticated financing structures and regulatory frameworks 2 As a senior member of the Legal Division to represent the bank in high-level meetings with clients regulators industry bodies and internal stakeholders The senior legal counsel will manage external counsel contribute to legal policy development and support bank-wide strategic initiatives including innovation digital transformation and emerging technologies A key responsibility includes mentoring junior legal staff and promoting best practices in legal advice and documentation standards Strong leadership commercial acumen and the ability to deliver under pressure in a dynamic multicultural environment are essential Responsibilities Lead and advise on complex banking and finance transactions including bilateral and syndicated loans cross-border matters specialist banking products and services and multi-jurisdictional projects across wholesale corporate institutional and international banking Operate autonomously with minimal escalation demonstrating senior-level expertise decision-making and direct oversight of external counsel and consultants Represent the Legal Division in senior-level meetings with clients internal stakeholders regulators and industry bodies aligning with the expectations of senior legal counsel Provide sound legal advice on a wide range of wholesale banking financial products and services transactions issues regulatory matters and strategic matters across the bank s Corporate Investment Banking Group and International Banking Group Lead legal projects managing timelines and resources and collaborating effectively with internal teams external counsel and key stakeholders Contribute to bank-wide initiatives including AI digital transformation innovation banking and financial products and services initiatives with active engagement across international offices Identify legal risks ensure compliance with applicable banking and financial laws and regulations and implement risk mitigation strategies Draft review and negotiate financing documentation including LMA-based agreements and security packages in line with UAE and international banking laws and best practice Monitor legal developments and assess impact on the bank s financing activities Contribute to the development and implementation of legal policies procedures and templates Collaborate with business teams and stakeholders to structure innovative commercially sound and legally robust solutions Instruct manage and monitor external legal counsel and third-party advisors to ensure quality efficiency and alignment with bank interests Mentor junior legal staff support professional development and promote best practices in banking and finance advice and documentation standards Qualifications Experience Minimum 8-10 years post-qualification experience in Core Areas preferably with a top-tier law firm or financial institution Core Areas International Banking Finance Corporate Finance Corporate and Commercial Treasury and Capital Markets Transaction Banking Trade Finance and Cash Solutions Investment Banking Asset-Based Structured and Leverage Finance Financial Markets Financial Services and Financial Services Regulation Education Law degree from a reputable university admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction Covering areas banking and finance financial services and regulation international finance and corporate and commercial Possess strong expertise in banking finance and financial services including relevant legal and regulatory frameworks Proven track record in complex high-value financing transactions across multiple jurisdictions Experience leading legal projects managing timelines resources and stakeholders Skilled in analysing complex issues and advising with a strategic legal risk focus Effective collaboration with business units support functions external counsel and key stakeholders Strong legal drafting and research skills Problem solving and analytical thinking Deep understanding of LMA documentation Skilled in collaborating effectively with multicultural teams Effective communication and people skills Agile and proven ability to perform under pressure with composure and focus Legal practice certificate or licence Languages Fluent in English Arabic is a plus About Us The leading financial institution in MENA While more than half a century old we proudly think like a challenger startup and innovator in banking and finance powered by a diverse and dynamic team who put customers first Together we pioneer key innovations and developments in banking and financial services Our mandate To help customers find their way to Rise Every Day partnering with them through the highs and lows to help them reach their goals and unlock their unique vision of success Delivering superior service to clients by leading with innovation treating colleagues with dignity and fairness while pursuing opportunities that grow shareholders value We actively contribute to the community through responsible banking in our mission to inspire more people to Rise