VP Senior Legal Counsel – Wholesale Banking

About the role

The VP Senior Legal Counsel will lead the legal function for wholesale banking activities, providing expert advice on high‑value financing transactions across corporate, institutional and international banking. Reporting to the Legal Division, the role operates with significant autonomy and interacts with senior clients, regulators and internal stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and advise on complex bilateral and syndicated loan transactions, cross‑border financing and specialist banking products.
• Draft, review and negotiate financing documentation, including LMA‑based agreements and security packages.
• Manage external counsel, oversee legal project timelines and resources.
• Represent the Legal Division in senior‑level meetings with clients, regulators and industry bodies.
• Identify legal risks, ensure compliance with UAE and international banking regulations, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to bank‑wide initiatives such as digital transformation, AI adoption and innovation projects.
• Mentor junior legal staff and promote best practices in legal advice and documentation standards.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in banking and finance law, preferably within the UAE or international jurisdictions.
• Proven track record handling high‑value, multi‑jurisdictional financing structures.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to operate independently under pressure.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with experience managing external counsel.

Required skills

• Expertise in drafting and negotiating LMA‑based loan agreements.
• Deep knowledge of UAE banking regulations and international financial services law.
• Ability to assess regulatory and legal risk across corporate, investment and treasury divisions.