Legal Counsel – Financial Services (Gibraltar / UK / Cape Town)

Frank Consult; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to provide legal and regulatory support across various business units. This role involves drafting and reviewing commercial agreements, managing legal risks, and supporting governance processes. The ideal candidate should be a qualified lawyer with in-house experience preferably in financial services, possess excellent drafting skills, and have a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks. This is a permanent, full-time position with hybrid working options in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• Qualified Lawyer in Gibraltar or the UK (South African qualification plus UK/Gibraltar experience may be considered).
• Previous in-house experience within financial services is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of trust structures, pensions, investment roles and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and regulatory support across various business units.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Monitor and advise on legislation affecting investment advisory operations.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks across business units.
• Support on strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and restructures.

Skills

Qualified Lawyer in Gibraltar or the UK

Strong understanding of trust structures

Excellent drafting skills

Ability to work under pressure

Strong communication skills

Education

Law Degree

Job description

Permanent | Full-Time | Hybrid Options Depending on Location

A leading international financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join its Legal Department. The organisation operates across multiple jurisdictions and provides corporate, private client, retirement planning, insurance and investment-related services. This role offers exposure to complex cross-border legal work within a highly regulated environment.

Role Purpose

The Legal Counsel will provide legal and regulatory support across various business units and jurisdictions, primarily focusing on reviewing and drafting commercial agreements, managing legal risk, and supporting governance processes. The role also includes line management responsibilities for legal support staff involved in delivering services to the pensions, investment advisory and insurance divisions.

Key Responsibilities

Legal & Regulatory Advisory

• Monitor, review and advise on legal and regulatory issues relating to trust schemes across relevant jurisdictions.

• Ensure trust structures comply with local and international regulations.

• Respond to legal and regulatory queries from internal teams and stakeholders.

Commercial Agreements

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts including:

  • investment management agreements

  • outsourcing and service provider agreements

  • distribution agreements

  • NDAs

• Maintain contract templates, resolutions, minutes and legal documentation.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Monitor and advise on legislation affecting investment advisory operations (e.g., MiFID II, AIFMD).

• Support governance processes, including board and committee meetings, minute preparation and filings.

• Ensure adherence to corporate governance frameworks and internal policies.

• Liaise with regulators and manage regulatory submissions.

Risk Management & Disputes

• Identify and mitigate legal risks across business units.

• Manage disputes and litigation, including coordination with external counsel.

• Oversee significant complaints and legal claims.

• Assist with consumer duty obligations.

Insurance-Related Legal Support

• Draft and review agreements for insurance products and services.

• Provide legal guidance on insurance-related regulatory requirements.

Data Protection & Policy Development

• Ensure strong data protection and privacy procedures.

• Oversee Data Subject Access Requests and reporting obligations.

• Assist in developing precedents, internal training and knowledge-sharing materials.

Strategic Projects

• Support on strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, restructures and other corporate transactions.

• Review and summarise relevant legal articles and industry developments for internal distribution.

Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Lawyer in Gibraltar or the UK (South African qualification plus UK/Gibraltar experience may be considered).

• Previous in‑house experience within financial services is strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of trust structures, pensions, investment roles and regulatory frameworks.

• Excellent drafting skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Strong communication skills and ability to support cross‑border teams.

• Knowledge of UK or Gibraltar employment law is advantageous.

Key Interfaces

• Senior management

• Legal team members

• Operational, compliance, HR and finance teams

• External advisers and regulatory authorities

Equal Opportunities

The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse working environment. All applicants will be considered fairly and without discrimination based on protected characteristics. Equal opportunities apply throughout all aspects of employment, including recruitment, training, remuneration and progression.