Head of Legal

YTL Sea Digital Bank Project; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Ryt Bank is seeking a Head of Legal to lead its legal function, providing strategic advice to management and ensuring compliance with Malaysian banking regulations. This role is pivotal in shaping the legal landscape of an innovative fintech environment, requiring extensive industry knowledge and leadership skills. Join a dynamic team focused on redefining banking in Malaysia as we launch our services.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years legal experience in banking or fintech.
• Proven leadership in a financial institution.
• Expertise in banking, contract, and data privacy law.

Responsibilities

• Develop legal strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide legal counsel to senior management and the Board.
• Manage legal risks concerning regulatory compliance.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Analytical

Interpersonal

Leadership

Education

Degree in Law (LL.B)

Job description

At Ryt Bank, we're not just building a bank; we're crafting the future of fintech. We're a dynamic team of innovators, driven to empower our customers with cutting-edge financial solutions. We thrive on collaboration, embrace change, and are committed to fostering a culture where you can make a real impact. Join us as we redefine the banking experience.

The Opportunity:

Ryt Bank is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Legal to lead its legal function and serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior management in our ambitious fintech journey. This pivotal role demands a seasoned legal professional with a deep understanding of the fintech and banking industry, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of developing and implementing effective legal strategies that support business growth while safeguarding the Bank's interests. The Head of Legal will be instrumental in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and manage legal risks, particularly concerning Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and proactively managing legal risks in fintech-forward environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Legal Leadership: Develop, articulate, and execute forward-thinking legal strategies that are tightly aligned with Ryt Bank's overarching business objectives and strategic priorities. Proactively identify potential legal challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Trusted Advisor to Senior Management: Serve as strategic legal counsel to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors, providing insightful and pragmatic advice and to problem-solve on a comprehensive range of legal matters, including risk management, corporate governance, and strategic initiatives.
• Navigating the Regulatory and Legal Landscape: Continuously monitor and interpret evolving banking laws, regulations, and industry standards (including and not limited to e.g., Bank Negara Malaysia regulations, the Financial Services Act 2013, Personal Data Protection 2010 and Cyber Security Act 2024 and emerging fintech-specific regulations) to ensure the Bank’s ongoing compliance with applicable laws and proactively advise on necessary next steps to take while supporting the business’ growth trajectory in the fintech space. A strong understanding of Bank Negara Malaysia’s policy documents and guidelines, has experience implementing these policies.
• Contracts: Oversee and drive the negotiation, drafting, and review of a wide array of complex contracts, agreements, product and legal documentation, ensuring the Bank’s interests are protected while facilitating effective business operations.
• Strategic Partner to Business Units: Collaborate closely and proactively with various business units to provide timely and commercially sound legal advice. To partner with the business to provide legal solutions that will enable the business to deliver on their growth plans and objectives in the digital banking arena.
• Dispute Resolution: Strategically manage and coordinate the resolution of legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation, working effectively with external counsel to protect the Bank’s interests and representing the Bank where relevant.
• Management of External Lawyers: Select, engage, and effectively manage external lawyers, ensuring high-quality of deliverables
• Inspiring Legal Team Leader: Provide visionary leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to a team of legal professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performance, and engaged work environment.
• Proactive Legal Education: Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for bank employees on relevant legal matters, enhancing overall legal literacy within the Bank on BNM guidelines and policy documents.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Law (LL.B) and called to the Malaysian Bar.
• 12 – 15 years of legal experience, preferably within the banking or fintech industry.
• Proven experience in a leadership role, preferably within a financial institution.
• Deep and comprehensive understanding of banking laws, regulations, and industry best practices in Malaysia.
• Demonstrated expertise in banking law, contract law, company law, data privacy law, dispute resolution and applicable laws that are relevant to banking.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to align legal strategies with business objectives, and to provide business-friendly legal solutions, particularly within the fast-paced fintech environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability in senior stakeholders’ and regulatory authorities’ engagement.
• High ethical standards and a strong commitment to integrity.

YTL Digital Bank Berhad (formerly known as Sea Capital Services Berhad)

About Us

Hey Malaysia, we’re Ryt Bank—your first AI-powered digital bank! Formed by the consortium of YTL Digital Capital Sdn Bhd and Sea Limited, two of Southeast Asia’s leading innovators, we’re here to reshape banking in Malaysia. At Ryt Bank, we believe in empowering you with fast, easy, and secure financial solutions that are as inclusive as they are innovative. It’s not just about banking—it’s about your right to better banking. Operating under YTL Digital Bank Berhad [Reg. No. 202201037182 (1482879-P)], we are fully licensed by Bank Negara Malaysia and Ministry of Finance. Excited? The Ryt Bank app is launching soon. Get ready for a new era of banking—one that’s done right!