Senior Legal Advisor, Global Markets, CIB

This role presents an exciting opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to play a crucial role within the Global Markets division of a major African-focused financial services group. Based in Johannesburg, the Senior Legal Advisor will be instrumental in shaping legal strategies and ensuring the successful execution of legal outcomes, with a specific emphasis on supporting the group's markets financing business. This is a position for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and possesses a deep understanding of complex financial transactions and regulatory landscapes.

About the Role

The primary objective of this position is to drive strategic legal objectives, contributing directly to the attainment of desired legal outcomes. A significant portion of the role will involve providing expert legal counsel to various stakeholders, particularly those involved in the markets financing activities within the Global Markets division. This advisory capacity will require navigating intricate legal matters, ensuring all advice and actions align with the rigorous standards and requirements of Standard Bank Group (SBG). The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential legal risks, safeguarding the organisation's interests.

You will be part of a leading financial services group with a significant presence across Africa and a growing international footprint. The company prides itself on fostering an innovative environment and attracting top talent within the sector. Their client base is diverse, encompassing individuals, small to large businesses, high-net-worth families, and major multinational corporations and institutions. A core part of their mission is to drive growth in Africa, creating tangible value for clients and communities, and offering employees a strong sense of purpose.

The Senior Legal Advisor will be responsible for a range of critical legal functions. Key duties will include:

• Developing and implementing legal strategies to support the strategic objectives of the Global Markets division, with a focus on financing transactions.
• Providing comprehensive legal advice to internal stakeholders on complex legal issues, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of legal documentation and agreements pertaining to financial markets activities, ensuring clarity and mitigating risk.
• Advising on the identification and mitigation of legal risks associated with the markets financing business.
• Ensuring adherence to SBG's established legal standards, policies, and procedures.
• Staying abreast of changes in the legal and regulatory landscape affecting financial markets and their impact on the organisation.
• Collaborating with other legal teams and business units to provide integrated legal support.

What They're Looking For

To be successful in this role, candidates will need a robust legal background combined with extensive experience in financial services. Essential qualifications and experience include:

• An LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted Attorney status, with the ability to practice law.
• A minimum of 8 to 10 years of proven experience in providing legal guidance and insight. This includes significant experience in the drafting, vetting, review, dissemination, and negotiation of complex legal documentation and processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying and mitigating legal risks.
• A minimum of 8 to 10 years of advanced knowledge and practical experience as a lead lawyer on transactions involving ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association) and GMRA (Global Master Repurchase Agreement) documentation.
• Substantial experience with legal aspects of bonds, loans, and structured financing.
• At least 8 years of dedicated experience within the legal or financial services sector.

Furthermore, candidates should possess strong behavioural competencies such as the ability to articulate information clearly, develop effective strategies, direct and empower individuals, establish rapport, and work collaboratively as part of a team. Technical skills will be equally important, including a solid understanding of the financial industry's regulatory framework, legal compliance, in-depth legal knowledge, legal research capabilities, policy development, risk awareness, and strategy definition.

In South Africa, senior legal advisor roles within financial institutions, especially those focused on global markets, typically command competitive remuneration packages. While specific figures vary significantly based on experience, the complexity of the role, and the size of the institution, a highly experienced professional in this area could expect a salary in the upper range of market benchmarks. Employers often include major banks, investment firms, and other large financial services groups operating within the country. Career progression from such a role can lead to Head of Legal positions within specific divisions or broader executive legal leadership roles within the organisation.

Type of Qualification: LLB

Field of Study: Law

Other Minimum Qualifications, Certifications or Professional Membership: Admitted Attorney

Experience Required

8-10 years proven experience in the provision of guidance and insight pertaining to the drafting, vetting, review, dissemination and/or negotiation of legal documentation and processes of a complex nature. Identification and mitigation of legal risks.

8-10 years advanced knowledge, understanding and proven experience as lead lawyer on transactions under ISDA and GMRA documentation, bonds, loans and structured financing. 

At least 8 years' experience within the legal/financial sector.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Articulating Information
• Developing Strategies
• Directing People
• Documenting Facts
• Empowering Individuals
• Establishing Rapport
• Interacting with People
• Managing Tasks
• Providing Insights
• Showing Composure
• Team Working
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Financial Industry Regulatory Framework
• Legal Compliance
• Legal Knowledge
• Legal Research
• Policy Development
• Risk Awareness
• Strategy Definition