Senior Lead Counsel - Spread Products – Asset Backed Financing and Securitization

Citigroup Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 211,280 - 316,920; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision coverage

401(k)

Life, accident, and disability insurance

Wellness programs

Paid time off packages

Job summary

A leading financial services firm located in New York is seeking a Senior Lead Counsel to provide legal support and strategic guidance to the Spread Products business. The candidate should have 7+ years of relevant experience, particularly in structured finance and asset-backed products. Responsibilities include advising on legal matters, collaborating across business lines, and managing risk. A Juris Doctorate and good standing NY Bar license are required for this full-time position, which offers a competitive salary range from $211,280 to $316,920.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in relevant industry experience and in-house legal role.
• Experience with structured finance, securitizations, and lending facilities.
• Knowledge of international laws and regulations impacting the business.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on strategic initiatives and various legal matters.
• Collaborate with internal teams to achieve efficient outcomes.
• Participate in risk reviews and manage day-to-day legal activities.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Organization skills

Relationship management skills

Effective communication skills

Negotiation skills

Collaborative abilities

Education

Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

Job description

The Senior Lead Counsel is a position responsible for serving as strategic business partner and subject matter expert by providing legal counsel and thought leadership to the Spread Products business (the “Business”). The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance to the Business.

Should have experience in structured finance, securitizations and lending facilities. Should have experience in a broad range of asset‑backed products, including auto loans, consumer loans, credit cards and trade receivables, preferably with global exposure. Must be collaborative.

This role requires thorough understanding of the strategic direction of the Business, combined with knowledge of the laws and regulations for the geographies in which we operate. Provides input into strategic decisions, exercising sound legal judgment to develop proactive, risk‑appropriate and commercially practical business‑oriented solutions.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing legal counsel to the Business, supporting strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management/leadership on all manner of legal matters and risks impacting the business.
• Provides advisory services in respect of business decisions by applying institutional knowledge against industry standards, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating where appropriate.
• Collaborates across internal lines of business and control/support functions to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters of common interest; coordinate closely with the Legal team on a regional and global basis.
• Accomplishes results by leveraging networks/connections, colleagues, and peers.
• Serves as business partner and advisor to business stakeholders and functional partners (e.g., Risk, Compliance) by participating in planning and development initiatives; contribute to business objectives by using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations.
• Actively participates in various risk reviews, governance and control forums while demonstrating keen awareness of issues that could cause financial, reputational, or legal consequences.
• Proactively identifies, evaluates and contributes to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk through cross‑function collaboration, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, and escalating as appropriate.
• Manages day‑to‑day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provides senior advisory services to business partners.
• Negotiates, coordinates, and monitors management of complex legal issues and makes key decisions within area of responsibility, escalating where necessary.
• Appropriately assesses risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm’s reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervising the activity of others and creating accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant industry experience with some experience working in an in‑house legal role in financial services.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills.
• Experience in working with regulators/regulatory bodies is preferred.
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing multiple assignments simultaneously in a demanding, fast‑paced environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international, multi‑jurisdictional laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the Business.
• Experience with complex deals, demonstrated ability to analyze issues and develop legal solutions.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships.
• NY Bar license in good standing to practice law.
• Experience in structured finance, securitizations and lending facilities.
• Experience in a broad range of asset‑backed products, including auto loans, consumer loans, credit cards and trade receivables, preferably with global exposure.
• Must be collaborative.

Education

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree.

Job Family Group

Legal

Job Family

Legal - Product

Time Type

Full time

Primary Location

New York, New York, United States

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range

$211,280.00 - $316,920.00

Benefits

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

Equal Opportunity

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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