A leading global financial institution is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its Tokyo legal team. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced financial services lawyer to provide legal support across Corporate Banking, Cash Management, Global Markets, and Securities Services while working closely with senior business leaders and regional legal teams.
The role offers broad exposure to complex financial transactions, regulatory matters, governance initiatives, and strategic business growth projects. You will play a key role in supporting business innovation while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in a highly international environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and support across Corporate Banking, Cash Management, Global Markets, and Securities Services businesses.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of transaction documents and commercial agreements.
- Advise business teams on legal, regulatory, compliance, and risk-related matters.
- Partner with business and control functions to identify legal issues and develop practical commercial solutions.
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel and oversee legal projects and budgets.
- Participate in governance committees and represent the legal function in key decision-making forums.
- Support new business initiatives through legal analysis, transaction structuring, and risk assessment.
- Collaborate with regional and global legal teams on cross-border transactions and regulatory matters.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Qualified lawyer in Japan (Bengoshi).
- At least 7 years of legal experience gained within a leading law firm, financial institution, investment bank, or multinational organization.
- Strong experience advising on financial transactions, banking products, and financial regulations.
- Proven experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial and financial agreements.
- Experience working closely with business stakeholders within regulated environments.
- Strong understanding of banking regulations, financial markets, and legal risk management.
Soft Skills:
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proactive, commercial, and solutions-oriented mindset.
- Ability to balance business objectives with legal and regulatory risk considerations.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn new products and business areas.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of complex matters.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Native level.
- English: Business level proficiency.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Foreign legal qualification.
- Experience supporting Global Markets, Capital Markets, or Securities Services businesses.
- Experience advising on cross-border transactions and international regulatory matters.
- Previous experience within an international financial institution.
- Exposure to governance committees, board-level matters, and senior management advisory work.
About the Company
Our client is one of the world's leading international banking groups, with a strong presence across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The Tokyo legal team plays a critical role in supporting a diverse range of banking and financial services businesses while partnering closely with regional and global stakeholders.
The organization is known for its strong international platform, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation, providing lawyers with exposure to sophisticated financial products, cross-border transactions, and strategic business initiatives.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Gain exposure beyond traditional Corporate Banking legal work into Global Markets and Securities Services.
- Work directly with senior business leaders and the Japan General Counsel.
- Develop expertise across a broad range of financial products and banking businesses.
- Join a globally respected financial institution with an extensive international network.
- Collaborate closely with regional and global legal teams on complex cross-border matters.
- Build a well-rounded career as a financial services lawyer within a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Flexible working arrangements including remote work and flex-time policies.
- Long-term career development opportunities within a leading global banking group.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
