Legal Counsel

Santander; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in London is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support for structured finance transactions. The ideal candidate should be a qualified solicitor with 4 to 10 years of post-qualification experience and a strong understanding of the relevant regulatory frameworks. This role offers a competitive rewards package, a hybrid working model, and opportunities for growth and development within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive rewards

Wellbeing support

Global growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 4–10 years PQE legal experience required.
• Understanding of securitisation and structured finance transactions.
• Knowledge of UK financial services regulatory framework is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to CFO Division and business divisions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate documentation for structured finance transactions.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments in structured finance.

Skills

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills

Reputable commercial, pragmatic approach

Commercially minded with workload adaptability

Numeracy skills with good experience of Excel and PowerPoint

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Legal Counsel | S3 | Legal & Corporate Governance, Treasury & Structured Finance Legal | London Triton Square

Country: United Kingdom

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

The Treasury & Structured Finance Legal team is looking for a Legal Counsel based in London.

The successful candidate will provide legal advice and support to the CFO Division of Santander UK and other business divisions of the Santander UK Group in relation to:

• The structuring, negotiation and execution of a wide range of structured finance transactions, covering different asset classes (including retail mortgage loans, unsecured personal loans and commercial banking assets) and structures (including funded and unfunded significant risk transfers, asset sales, contracts of insurance, traditional and synthetic securitisations and CLOs).
• CRR and capital and liquidity rules and regulations and related opinions and capital optimisation and regulatory compliance.
• From time to time, the drafting, review and negotiation of documentation relevant to the issuance and distribution of structured notes and the execution of derivative transactions.

We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting‑edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Working with the business on the structuring and documentation of asset rotation, capital optimisation, insurance and structured finance transactions.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating documentation in relation to structured finance transactions, hedging agreements, NDAs, marketing materials, investor presentations, engagement letters with third‑party service providers, etc.
• Monitoring legal and regulatory developments in the structured finance space, monitoring regulatory consultations and participating in internal and external working groups.
• Engaging with/instructing external counsel.
• Liaising with/acting as the primary legal contact for key transaction parties (plus trustees, paying agents, corporate service providers, swap providers, etc.).
• Developing and reviewing internal standard documents and policies/procedures.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Professional Experience

• Qualified solicitor 4–10 years PQE (Required)
• Understanding of and experience in securitisation (including related regulatory frameworks) and other structured finance transactions, understanding of capital markets (including knowledge of applicable securities laws and regulations) and derivatives (Required)
• Good knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework applicable to UK financial services, industry trends and best practice (Required)
• Experience working as part of a transactional environment (either in private practice or in house) (Required)

Skills

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (Required)
• Reputable commercial, pragmatic and enthusiastic approach in undertaking tasks (Required)
• Commercially minded with an ability to adapt to a varied workload (Required)
• Numeracy skills with good experience of Excel and PowerPoint (Preferred)

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work – we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage – from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone – regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates.

We want our people to thrive – at work and at home – while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.

To make this possible, our roles are site‑based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro‑rata for part‑time roles).

When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location.

We welcome applications on the understanding that, should you be offered this role, there may be no relocation package available. Santander will pay the employer mandatory government fees that are required to pay in connection with visa sponsorship. You may be liable for your own personal employee immigration and relocation costs.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

For further Guidance please visit Internal Mobility - Candidate Guidance.

If you want to know more about the opportunity:

Please contact Amaya Mazaira or Lucy Carr:
[e-mail]
[e-mail]