Legal Counsel

Momentum Investments; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services provider in South Africa seeks a qualified legal professional to provide business-focused legal advice and support to its retail businesses. The successful candidate will handle contract drafting, monitor regulatory developments, and work closely with compliance teams. Ideal applicants should possess an LLB degree, substantial legal experience particularly in the financial services sector, and be well-versed in South African financial regulatory laws. This role emphasizes strong analytical and problem-solving skills as well as effective communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 3–5 years of post-admission experience in LISP/wealth business.
• Strong knowledge of financial sector laws in South Africa.
• Experience in legal risk management and governance.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review a wide array of legal documents.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal matters and compliance.
• Support product development and project initiatives.

Skills

Legal advice

Contract drafting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Regulatory knowledge

Education

LLB Degree

CFP designation

Job description

Introduction

Momentum Investments is part of the Momentum Group, one of the largest insurance and financial services providers in South Africa. Momentum Investments comprises over ten retail and institutional businesses including an asset manager, alternative investments/hedge fund manager, stockbroker, collective investments scheme manager, and local and offshore wealth platforms.

Role Purpose

The successful candidate will provide business-focused legal advice, contract and product support primarily to the retail businesses within Momentum Investments. This role requires knowledge of the South African financial services regulatory landscape with a focus on LISP administration platforms, insurance and retirement products, FAIS, the Insurance Act and the Pension Funds Act. The role includes reviewing and drafting contracts, supporting compliance and product development efforts, dealing with queries and staying up to date with legislative changes.

Requirements

• LLB Degree
• Admitted Attorney.
• CFP designation is advantageous.
• 3–5 years of post-admission legal experience, preferably in a LISP/wealth business.
• Strong knowledge of wealth platforms, retail and retirement investments and products.
• Understanding of financial sector laws in South Africa such as FAIS, FICA, CISCA, Insurance Act, Pension Funds Act and POPIA.
• Notable experience in contract drafting.

Duties & Responsibilities

Contractual support

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of legal documents including investment management agreements, service level agreements, LISP SLAs, client-facing documents, product terms and marketing material as well as data agreements.
• Support the team with continuous improvements on templates.
• Ensure efficient management of contracts through the entire contract lifecycle.

Legal Risk Management

• Monitor and report on legal risks and regulatory developments.
• Identify and communicate legal risks in projects, policies, and systems.
• Support training initiatives regarding legal and regulatory updates.

Legal Advisory and Queries

• Advise internal stakeholders on legal matters, including contracting, service and product queries and queries on the interpretation and implementation of legislation.
• Provide legal advice on operational processes.
• Carry out legal research and provide commercially focused legal opinions.

Product Development/Project Support

• Provide reliable legal support on the various initiatives and projects of the retail businesses, including the launch of new products and portfolios and developments due to regulatory changes.
• Collaborate and communicate confidently within a multi-disciplinary project team, including tax, marketing, compliance and IT teams.

Governance and Compliance

• Work closely with regulatory compliance and risk teams to manage regulatory changes and emerging risks within the business to embed a culture of good governance.
• Assist in implementing internal controls to mitigate legal risk, including systems and policies.
• Monitor legislative developments and be able to unpack the impact on the various businesses.

Competencies

• Meticulously detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of change and uncertainty.
• Exceptional legal and contract drafting skills.
• Be able to embrace and implement legal and financial technology solutions.
• Strong communication, collaboration and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism, integrity and sound judgment.