Assistant Vice President, Legal

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited; Singapore; On-site; SGD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited Singapore branch is seeking an experienced lawyer to join its legal team. The role focuses on advising on and negotiating a broad range of banking transactions, with emphasis on cross-border matters and regulatory compliance.

You will work closely with management, compliance and business units, developing templates and guidelines, and supporting product and outsourcing contracts. A strong PQE in corporate banking and excellent English writing are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree/Bachelor of Laws or equivalent professional degree from Singapore or other common law jurisdiction.
• 7+ years PQE in corporate banking legal practice (in-house corporate bank experience or private practice undertaking corporate banking work – a combination of both is preferred) with strong drafting and technical capability.
• Self-motivated, diligent and committed, with a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Meticulous with strong analytical skills and the ability to assess complex legal and regulatory issues.

Responsibilities

• Advise on, review and negotiate a wide variety of structured banking transactions, including corporate lending, real estate finance, project/infrastructure finance, commodity and trade finance, leveraged buy-outs, aircraft and ship finance, subscription/fund finance and ISDA documentation.
• Draft and negotiate bilateral loan agreements and facility letters.
• Draft, review and/or negotiate ancillary documentation like corporate authorities, security documents and confidentiality agreements and other transaction related documentation.
• Assist in the review and update of standard terms and conditions for the bank’s products and services.
• Support other aspects of the bank's operations, including drafting and reviewing outsourcing contracts and other third-party service provider contracts, like IT vendor contracts, advisory service agreements.
• Take the lead on legal or cross-functional projects and initiatives, working closely with relevant departments and stakeholders to drive implementation and achieve desired outcomes.
• Support the bank’s cross-border transactions and business activities by providing guidance on applicable regulatory requirements and restrictions.
• Support the assessment and implementation of new products, business initiatives and activities in new jurisdictions.
• Develop and maintain legal templates and internal guidelines.
• Liase with external legal firms.
• Be involved in monitoring changes to applicable laws and regulations and implement policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the development of the legal team through knowledge-sharing, collaboration and providing guidance and support within the team.
• Provide training and guidance and legal knowledge management to internal stakeholders.

Skills

Legal drafting

Regulatory compliance

Cross-border transactions

English writing

Education

LL.B. or equivalent

Job description

This is an opportunity to join the legal team of the Singapore branch of a well-established foreign bank, with broad regional coverage. The work is interesting and varied and provides an opportunity for continuous growth as a lawyer. The small legal team means that this role is highly visible and what you do will make a tangible difference to the bank. This role involves close collaboration with management, compliance and business departments on a variety of domestic and cross-border transactions and projects/initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

1. Advise on, review and negotiate, a wide variety of structured banking transactions, including corporate lending, real estate finance, project/infrastructure finance, commodity and trade finance, leveraged buy-outs, aircraft and ship finance, subscription/fund finance and ISDA documentation.
2. Draft and negotiate bilateral loan agreements and facility letters.
3. Draft, review and/or negotiate ancillary documentation like corporate authorities, security documents, confidentiality agreements and other transaction related documentation.
4. Assist in the review and update of standard terms and conditions for the bank’s products and services.
5. Support other aspects of the bank's operations, including drafting and reviewing outsourcing contracts and other third-party service provider contracts, like IT vendor contracts, advisory service agreements.
6. Take the lead on legal or cross-functional projects and initiatives, working closely with relevant departments and stakeholders to drive implementation and achieve desired outcomes.
7. Support the bank’s cross-border transactions and business activities by providing guidance on applicable regulatory requirements and restrictions.
8. Support the assessment and implementation of new products, business initiatives and activities in new jurisdictions.
9. Develop and maintain legal templates and internal guidelines.
10. Liase with external legal firms.
11. Be involved in monitoring changes to applicable laws and regulations and implement policies and procedures.
12. Contribute to the development of the legal team through knowledge-sharing, collaboration and providing guidance and support within the team.
13. Provide training and guidance and legal knowledge management to internal stakeholders.

Job Requirements

1. Degree/Bachelor of Laws or equivalent professional degree from Singapore or other common law jurisdiction.
2. Minimum 7 years PQE in corporate banking legal practice (in-house corporate bank experience or private practice undertaking corporate banking work – a combination of both is preferred) with strong drafting and technical capability.
3. Self-motivated, diligent and committed, with a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
4. Meticulous with strong analytical skills and the ability to assess complex legal and regulatory issues.
5. Able to work independently with sound judgment, taking ownership of matters while recognising when to seek guidance or escalating issues appropriately.
6. Collaborative team player who works effectively with colleagues across functions.
7. Resourceful and comfortable navigating ambiguity and unfamiliar situations, with the ability to identify issues, develop practical solutions and adapt to evolving business needs.
8. Possesses the maturity and interpersonal skills to take on broader responsibilities, support team development and serve as a reliable point of reference for colleagues.
9. Experience in Singapore banking regulatory compliance would be advantageous.
10. Professional level English writing and excellent communication skills.