Head of Legal - Capital Markets & Investment Transactions
About the job
Join a global investment platform as Head of Legal for Japan, leading legal operations supporting complex capital markets and equity-linked investment transactions across Japan and APAC. This senior in-house legal position will play a strategic role in structuring and executing sophisticated investment transactions while ensuring strong governance and regulatory compliance.
Working closely with international legal teams, financial institutions, and regulators, you will support the expansion of the firm's investment activities while building the legal infrastructure necessary to operate within global capital markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the structuring and execution of equity-linked financing transactions across Japan and APAC, including PIPE investments and third-party allotments.
- Draft and negotiate transaction documentation, including term sheets, subscription agreements, and equity-linked instruments.
- Design internal legal workflows and governance frameworks that balance transaction speed with appropriate risk controls.
- Manage Japan entity establishment, governance matters, and regulatory coordination with advisors and regulators.
- Collaborate with international legal teams to align legal policies, risk management strategies, and transaction precedents.
- Oversee and coordinate external legal counsel across multiple transactions.
- Build relationships with financial institutions, issuers, and law firms to support deal execution and market intelligence.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Qualified Japanese lawyer (弁護士) with approximately 7-12+ years of legal experience in a leading law firm or sophisticated in-house environment.
- Direct experience advising on public company financing transactions in Japan, including PIPE or third-party allotments.
- Strong familiarity with equity-linked instruments such as convertible bonds, warrants, or rights offerings.
- Experience navigating Japanese securities regulations, disclosure rules, and insider trading frameworks.
- Exposure to international capital markets transactions across APAC or global markets.
Soft Skills:
- Ability to explain complex legal and financial concepts clearly to business stakeholders.
- Strong project management capability in fast-paced transactional environments.
- Commercial mindset with understanding of how legal terms influence transaction economics.
- Independent and pragmatic decision-making ability with strong judgment.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Native level
- English: Fluent
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with derivatives documentation such as ISDA agreements or structured equity transactions.
- Background within investment management, financial services, or capital markets platforms.
- Experience establishing governance frameworks or legal structures for new market operations.
About the Company
Our client is affiliated with one of the world's largest privately held global financial institutions. Operating across major international financial centers, the firm combines advanced quantitative strategies with long-term capital to pursue complex investment opportunities across global markets.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Opportunity to build and lead the Japan legal function within a globally recognized investment platform.
- Direct exposure to high-profile capital markets transactions across APAC.
- Entrepreneurial environment with high autonomy and global collaboration.
- Competitive compensation with potential earnings exceeding ¥50M for top candidates.
- Long-term platform backed by significant global capital and strategic growth plans.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
