Legal Counsel - Finance and Banking

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension fund

Annual leave

Professional certifications support

Training programs

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent financial institution in Welkom, Free State to hire a Legal Counsel. The role focuses on providing expert legal guidance across lending, regulatory compliance, and transactional work within the banking sector.

The successful candidate will possess admitted status as a South African attorney, at least five years post-admission experience, and a strong track record in drafting and negotiating financial agreements while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-admission experience in financial services or banking law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating financial agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of South African banking regulations and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on banking products, services, and transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate loan documentation and security documents.
• Ensure compliance with SA financial services regulations (Prudential Authority, FSCA).
• Advise on corporate finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions in financial services.
• Manage legal risks in retail and corporate banking operations.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures for the financial services division.
• Liaise with external counsel and regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct legal research on financial and banking law matters.
• Support dispute resolution and litigation arising from banking activities.
• Stay updated on regulatory developments impacting the financial services industry.

Skills

Admitted Attorney

Legal drafting

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Banking regulations

Legal research

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Legal Counsel to join their esteemed legal department in Welkom, Free State . This role focuses on providing expert legal advice and support across a broad spectrum of financial and banking operations, including lending, regulatory compliance, and transactional work. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of financial services regulation, corporate finance, and contract law. This position offers an excellent career advancement opportunity within a respected financial group, contributing to the strategic legal framework of their operations in the Free State . We are looking for a proactive individual with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage complex legal matters efficiently. The successful candidate will play a key role in advising on new financial products, structuring complex deals, and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing the banking sector. This role demands a sharp legal mind, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders. You will be a valued member of the legal team, working closely with business units to achieve strategic objectives while mitigating legal risks. This position is based in the economically significant city of Welkom.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on various banking products, services, and transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate financial agreements, loan documentation, and security documents.
• Ensure compliance with South African financial services regulations, including those from the Prudential Authority and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority.
• Advise on corporate finance transactions, mergers, and acquisitions within the financial services sector.
• Manage legal risks associated with retail and corporate banking operations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures for the financial services division.
• Liaise with external counsel and regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct legal research on relevant financial and banking law matters.
• Support the legal team in dispute resolution and litigation matters arising from banking activities.
• Stay updated on legal and regulatory developments impacting the financial services industry.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-admission experience, with a strong emphasis on financial services law, banking law, or corporate finance.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating financial agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of South African banking regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in legal research and a keen eye for detail.
• Resides in or is willing to relocate to Welkom, Free State .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary and potential for annual bonuses based on performance. Comprehensive employee benefits include private medical insurance, a company pension fund, and generous paid time off. The firm is committed to employee development, offering continuous training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for professional certifications. You will join a professional and collaborative work environment with opportunities for significant career growth. The role is situated in Welkom , a key economic hub in the Free State , offering a good balance between professional advancement and personal life.