VP, Senior Legal Counsel - Wholesale Banking

About the role

The Senior Legal Counsel will lead and provide expert legal support on complex, high‑value banking and finance transactions across the bank’s Corporate & Investment Banking, International Banking and Treasury & Capital Markets divisions. Operating with significant autonomy, the role involves drafting, reviewing and negotiating financing documentation while advising on regulatory and legal risk issues.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and advise on complex banking and finance transactions, including bilateral and syndicated loans, cross‑border matters and specialist products.
• Draft, review and negotiate financing documentation such as LMA‑based agreements and security packages.
• Represent the Legal Division in senior‑level meetings with clients, regulators, industry bodies and internal stakeholders.
• Manage external counsel and third‑party advisors, ensuring quality and alignment with the bank’s interests.
• Mentor junior legal staff and contribute to the development of legal policies, procedures and templates.
• Identify legal risks, ensure compliance with UAE and international banking regulations and implement mitigation strategies.

Required profile

• 8–10 years of post‑qualification experience in international banking and finance law, preferably from a top‑tier law firm or financial institution.
• Qualified to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction and holding a law degree from a reputable university.
• Proven track record handling high‑value, multi‑jurisdictional financing transactions.
• Strong analytical, regulatory and commercial acumen with the ability to deliver under pressure.

Required skills

• ISDA
• GMRA
• CSAs
• LMA‑based financing agreements