Senior Legal Counsel

Kepler Search; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Kepler Search has partnered with an established international energy and commodities trading group to hire a commercially minded commodity trading lawyer for its Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore. The role is hands-on across the full deal lifecycle, working with trading, operations, finance, risk and senior leadership.

You’ll advise on physical and financial trading, draft and negotiate contracts, handle regulatory matters including sanctions and data privacy, and partner with Compliance to stay

Qualifications

• 7 to 11 years’ PQE advising on commodity trading.
• Experience in energy or metals trading.
• Familiarity with derivatives and exchange-traded documentation (ISDA awareness).
• Sanctions, AML/CFT and trade compliance exposure.
• Commercial mindset with ability to work with traders and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Advise on physical and financial commodity trading, incl. exchange-traded and bilateral transactions.
• Draft and negotiate supply and offtake contracts, master trading agreements, pricing mechanisms and related documents.
• Advise on title, risk transfer, delivery, shipping and related docs.
• Support exchange, clearing matters, onboarding, reporting obligations.
• Partner with Compliance on sanctions, AML/CFT and due diligence.

Skills

Commodity trading law

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

ISDA knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified in Singapore or common law jurisdiction

Tools

ISDA/derivatives docs

Job description

My client, an established international energy and commodities trading group with a significant Asia-Pacific trading hub in Singapore, is looking for a commercially minded commodity trading lawyer to join its regional Legal & Compliance function.

This is a hands-on role with genuine breadth. You’ll support the business across the full deal lifecycle, from structuring and negotiation through to execution, performance and regulation, while working closely with trading, operations, finance, risk and senior leadership.

What you’ll do

• Advise on physical and financial commodity trading, covering both exchange-traded and bespoke bilateral transactions
• Draft and negotiate supply and offtake contracts, master trading agreements, pricing mechanisms and related trading documents
• Advise on title and risk transfer, delivery, quality and quantity, shipping, storage and related operational documentation
• Support exchange and clearing matters, including market access, onboarding, and reporting obligations
• Partner with regional and global Compliance on sanctions, AML/CFT, anti-bribery and corruption, counterparty due diligence and trade controls
• Keep the business ahead of regulatory developments, requirements and market conduct rules
• Take ownership of local data protection governance, acting as the business’s point of contact for privacy matters. Prior privacy experience is not required.
• Support new product and market initiatives, as well as general corporate and legal matters for the Singapore entity

What you’ll bring

• Qualified in Singapore, England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction
• 7 to 11 years’ PQE advising on commodity trading, in private practice, in-house, or both
• Substantive experience in at least one traded commodity market within energy or metals. Multi-commodity exposure is a plus but not essential
• Familiarity with derivatives, and exchange-traded documentation. ISDA and exchange-specific knowledge is advantageous
• Working knowledge of sanctions, financial crime and trade compliance
• Exposure to disputes, defaults, shipping, trade finance or external counsel management is a bonus
• A pragmatic, commercial approach and the ability to work credibly with traders and senior stakeholders

Why this role

• A broad, mid-to-senior position spanning trading, financial markets, regulation and compliance
• Direct access to trading desks and regional leadership
• Real ownership within an established regional Legal & Compliance team