Vice President, Team Head, Business Compliance, Legal, Compliance

Business Function
Group Legal, Compliance & Secretariat ensures that the bank's interests are protected by zealously guarding and enhancing its reputation and capital. We also work to maintain a good standing with all our regulators, customers, and business partners. Because we believe that at the heart of business banking is to uphold the values of trust and integrity for all our stakeholders.
Job Purpose
This role provides critical legal and regulatory expertise to support the growth and development of DBS India's consumer banking products and services, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our retail product strategy and mitigating legal risk along with supporting critical advisory and documentation support to technology, real estate and Human resource's function.
Key Accountabilities
Product Development & Policy: Lead the legal review and development of policies, procedures, and legal documentation related to retail banking products (loans, credit cards, etc.). Develop standardized contract templates to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Contract Negotiation & Management: Negotiate and manage key contracts, including real estate/infrastructure agreements and litigation, supplier/vendor contracts, and technology agreements. Provide legal support to the Human Resources team on employment-related matters.
Regulatory Compliance: Maintain a thorough understanding of applicable RBI regulations and best practices, ensuring compliance across all retail banking activities. Proactively identify and mitigate potential legal risks.
Strategic Advice: Provide strategic legal advice to senior management on product development initiatives and emerging regulatory changes. Proactively share legal updates and business opportunities emerging therefrom.
Customer Focus - Participate in the development of transparent and legally sound processes, policies. Conduct risk reviews and develop procedures designed to reduce legal risk.
Relationship led – Develop trust and strong relationships with internal stakeholders.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Provide practical legal advice and support to business and support units (branch banking, credit cards, mortgages, operations, HR, procurement, real estate, technology, and infrastructure) ensuring legal risk mitigation.
Lead the legal review and drafting of policies, procedures, and standard contract templates for retail banking products.
Negotiate and finalize key contracts in areas such as real estate, technology, and vendor agreements. Support real estate litigation matters as may be required.
Provide legal support to the HR team on employment-related matters.
Conduct thorough due diligence on all new product offerings and existing products.
Ensure compliance with RBI regulations and industry best practices.
Proactively identify and mitigate potential legal and regulatory risks.
Collaborate with other legal and compliance professionals to ensure a cohesive approach to risk management.
Support the development of privacy and IPR policies and procedures.
Required Experience
Strong understanding retail banking products, related RBI regulations and banking best practices.
Proven experience in drafting, negotiating, and managing real estate matters.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of litigation procedures and processes
Education / Preferred Qualifications
Law graduate with at least 8 years PQE in a banking company.
Core Competencies
Legal Expertise: Deep understanding of banking regulations and contract law.
Contract Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate favourable terms and conditions in complex contracts.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate legal risks and provide proactive solutions.
Communication: A bility to build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders.
Problem-solving: Analytical skills and ability to resolve complex legal issues effectively.
Technical Competencies
In-depth knowledge of Indian banking laws and regulations (RBI, SEBI, etc.).
Strong understanding of contract law and risk management principles.
General understanding of various applicable statutes/ laws
Work Relationship
Close working relationship with business heads, product owners & internal support functions to sign off & ensure compliance for all products & services offered by DBS India.
Establish a working relationship with Legal & Compliance team in India & Singapore.