Head of Legal

NexusSearch International Limited; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,523,000 - 1,825,000; Full time

Job summary

NexusSearch International Limited in Hong Kong seeks a Head of Legal to lead enterprise legal strategy, governance, and major transactions across fintech sectors and digital banking. You will advise the Board and CEO, shape regulatory responses, and guide cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and strategic execution.

The role requires 10–15+ years PQE with 5+ years in senior leadership within banks or fintechs, plus fluency in English and Cantonese (Mandarin preferred).

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in Hong Kong with an LLB or equivalent.
• 10–15+ years PQE, with 5+ years in a senior legal leadership role within a licensed bank/fintech/financial institution.
• Demonstrated coverage across digital banking, insurtech, wealthtech, digital brokerage, or strategic M&A/JVs.
• In-depth knowledge of HKMA regulations, Banking Ordinance, virtual banking frameworks, and data privacy (IA or SFC familiarity is a plus).
• Business fluency in English and Cantonese; Mandarin preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary legal partner on strategic growth, advising on M&A, strategic investments, joint ventures, and ecosystem partnerships.
• Structure and support multi-product business models, including digital banking, insurtech, wealthtech/investech, and digital insurance brokerage solutions.
• Oversee integrated finance frameworks, ensuring regulatory alignment across cross-segment product lines.
• Drive legal risk assessments for digital banking innovations, including AI-driven services, Open Banking, and virtual assets.
• Lead regulatory interactions and governance with the Board/committee in compliance with the Companies Ordinance and HKMA standards.
• Direct the drafting and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, technology licensing, vendor contracts, and customer terms.
• Manage litigation, disputes, and regulatory inquiries alongside external counsel.
• Build, mentor, and direct a high-performing legal team, collaborating with Risk, Compliance, and Product to embed legal awareness.

Skills

M&A/JVs

Regulatory knowledge

Contract negotiation

Leadership

Digital banking

Education

LLB or equivalent

Qualified solicitor or barrister in HK

Tools

Regulatory frameworks

HKMA/Banking Regulation

Job description

Head of Legal - HKD 150K/month + Bonus

- Excellent spoken Mandarin

- Traditional Banking / Digital Banking Experience is preferred

- 10+ years ofPQE

Position Overview

The Head of Legal will serve as the lead legal counsel and strategic advisor to the Board, CEO, and executive leadership. This role owns enterprise legal strategy, governance, and transactional execution across a multi-pillar ecosystem spanning Digital Banking/Fintech, Insurtech, Wealthtech, Digital Insurance Brokerage, Integrated Finance, and Strategic M&A/JVs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Business Advisory & Corporate Transactions

• Act as primary legal partner on strategic growth, advising on M&A, strategic investments, joint ventures, and ecosystem partnerships.
• Structure and support multi-product business models, including digital banking, insurtech, wealthtech/investech, and digital insurance brokerage solutions.
• Oversee integrated finance frameworks, ensuring regulatory alignment across cross-segment product lines.

2. Regulatory Governance & Digital Innovation

• Drive legal risk assessments for digital banking innovations, including AI-driven services, Open Banking, and virtual assets.
• Monitor HKMA, IA, and SFC regulatory developments, translating policy shifts into actionable business strategies.
• Lead regulatory interactions and handle Board/committee governance in compliance with the Companies Ordinance and HKMA standards.

3. Commercial Contracts, Disputes & Team Leadership

• Direct the drafting and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, technology licensing, vendor contracts, and customer terms.
• Manage litigation, disputes, and regulatory inquiries alongside external counsel.
• Build, mentor, and direct a high-performing legal team, collaborating with Risk, Compliance, and Product to embed legal awareness across the organization.

Requirements

• Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister in Hong Kong (or a recognized common law jurisdiction) with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent.
• Experience: 10–15+ years of PQE, with 5+ years in a senior legal leadership role within a licensed bank, virtual bank, or major fintech/financial institution.
• Domain Expertise: Demonstrated coverage across digital banking, insurtech, wealthtech, digital brokerage, or strategic M&A/JVs.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of HKMA regulations, the Banking Ordinance, virtual banking frameworks, and data privacy (IA or SFC familiarity is a strong plus).
• Languages: Business fluency in English and Cantonese required; Mandarin is highly preferred.