Senior Legal Counsel Global Markets & Group Funding

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to manage legal risks in Global Markets and Group Funding. This role involves drafting and negotiating complex transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing strategic legal advice. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in derivatives, structured products, and debt capital markets. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will shape the future of financial transactions and legal frameworks, contributing to innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years PQE at a reputed bank or law firm, with 4+ years in a similar role.
• Excellent English language skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate derivatives and structured transactions across asset classes.
• Provide legal advice aligned with strategic objectives and ensure compliance.

Skills

Derivatives

Structured Products

Debt Capital Markets

Custody

Legal Compliance

Contract Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law

Qualified lawyer in England or similar jurisdiction

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel – Global Markets & Group Funding

Join to apply for the Senior Legal Counsel – Global Markets & Group Funding role at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).

About the Role

This position manages legal risks related to Global Markets and Group Funding businesses globally, following FAB Group Legal Department policies. The role requires autonomous work, with consultation on complex issues that pose significant legal, financial, or reputational risks.

The candidate should have in-depth knowledge of derivatives, structured products, debt capital markets, and custody. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting and negotiating derivatives and structured derivatives transactions across all asset classes.
• Drafting and negotiating securities lending and repo transaction documentation.
• Advising on transaction structuring in compliance with regulations like EMIR, Dodd-Frank, and MiFID2.
• Managing legal aspects of issuing bonds and structured notes, both conventional and Islamic.
• Providing legal guidance on derivatives master agreements and collateral documentation.
• Negotiating custody agreements and advising on custody solutions.
• Creating and updating template documentation for FAB.

Core Responsibilities

Legal Advisory

• Provide legal advice aligned with FAB’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate on legal policies and procedures.
• Respond to legal queries promptly.
• Support subsidiaries and branches with legal oversight.

Legal Documentation and Review

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts to facilitate transactions, minimizing risks.
• Develop and update standard legal agreements.
• Assist in launching new products through legal and regulatory due diligence.

Knowledge of External Environment

• Stay updated on new laws/regulations through continuous education.
• Advise on compliance with legislative changes.

Knowledge Sharing & Learning

• Develop relationships within the legal team and share best practices.
• Contribute to training initiatives as a subject matter expert.

Specific Accountabilities

• Draft and negotiate documentation for structured products, derivatives, repo, and custody.
• Maintain legal aspects of debt programs and support new product rollouts.
• Recommend policy and process improvements, and advise on legal queries.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in law from an accredited university.
• Qualified lawyer in England or similar jurisdiction.
• Excellent English language skills.

Minimum Experience

• At least 6 years PQE at a reputed bank or law firm, with 4+ years in a similar role.