Lead Counsel - Country, Vice President

About the role

Citi's Global Legal Affairs and Compliance (GLAC) provides legal, compliance, investigative and security services to the firm. The Lead Counsel is a senior position responsible for giving legal advice and support to Citi's businesses and functions in Singapore, particularly Banking (Corporate Banking and Commercial Banking) and Services (Investor and Issuer Services). The role covers the local laws and regulations of Singapore and works closely with the Singapore Country Counsel team.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support on legal, control, franchise and regulatory matters for Citi's business activities and legal entities in the covered countries, and help address legal, regulatory, franchise and reputational risks
• Guide Country Officers and advise business management on laws, rules, regulations and industry practices affecting the business
• Coordinate internal and external legal support with the relevant Regional Product Counsel so that legal needs are met cost-effectively
• Build a broad understanding of Citi's businesses in Singapore and the major legal and regulatory risks they face
• Work with internal lines of business, control functions and external counsel to deliver coordinated outcomes
• Partner with country management to maintain good relations with local regulators and monitor key legal and regulatory developments, including those involving other financial institutions
• Take part in country-level governance committees such as the business risk and controls committee and the legal and compliance committee
• Manage day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert and provide senior advisory services to business partners
• Assess risk in business decisions, uphold compliance with laws and regulations, escalate control issues and supervise others

Required profile

• Qualified to practice Singapore law (strongly preferred)
• 6-10 years of relevant industry experience, preferably with both practice and in-house experience
• LLB or equivalent law degree
• Leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments in a demanding, fast-paced environment

Required skills

• Experience in banking and finance law, loans and trade finance preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of Singapore law and of international, multi-jurisdictional laws and practices
• Effective communication and negotiation skills