Assistant Vice President, Legal Department (Legal Counsel)

SMBC Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Singapore is seeking a qualified lawyer to advise on credit and lending legal matters. The role involves drafting and maintaining legal documents, reviewing agreements, and coordinating with teams in the Asia Pacific region. The ideal candidate should have at least 4-6 years of post-qualification experience, possess strong negotiating and communication skills, and be able to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 4-6 years of experience in financial services.
• Familiar with credit and lending documentation.
• Ability to manage work efficiently under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Advise on legal aspects of credit and lending.
• Draft and maintain legal documents for the Bank.
• Coordinate legal matters with APAC offices.

Skills

Legal judgment

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Law degree from a recognized university

Job description

Responsibilities

• Advising on legal aspects of credit & lending, litigation and other sensitive matters.
• Advising on customer documentation, new products and structures for financing and other transactions and services offered / entered into by the Bank.
• Drafting, updating, improving and maintaining agreements, standard templates, framework, guidance notes and other legal documents for the Bank.
• Reviewing agreements, NDAs, mandate letters, customer onboarding documents and other contracts to be entered into by Bank and advising and negotiating on behalf of the Bank.
• Advising Bank on changes and developments in law and regulations affecting the Bank and coordinating with Compliance teams and other internal stakeholders on implementation.
• Co‑ordinating legal matters with other offices under APAC where necessary. Assisting Head of Legal in managing, coordinating and rolling‑out initiatives affecting legal teams across Asia Pacific Division.
• Projects, initiatives and matters as may be assigned by Head of Legal from time to time.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Law degree from a recognized university and admitted to practice in a common law jurisdiction (e.g. Singapore, the UK).
• Qualified lawyer with at least 4‑6 years of post‑qualification experience in a law firm and / or in‑house legal dept in financial services.
• Familiar with credit and lending documentation and other common banking products and services.
• Ability to prioritise and manage work efficiently delivering with speed and quality.
• Good communication, analytical, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work independently and exercise good legal judgment.
• Able to balance risks and commercial considerations and provide sound and practical legal advice.
• Confident and meticulous and able to work in fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive and growth‑minded.