Vice President - Corporate Legal Counsel; M​/W​/D

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives.

We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.

Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

The fixed-term Corporate Counsel, which is a fixed-term/temporary maternity replacement, role involves, inter alia, the following tasks:

• Advising on full range of banking and corporate law (i.a. KWG, AktG, HGB) applicable to financial institutions operating internationally as well as EU law initiatives incl. digital transformation and innovation technology (e.g. DORA, AI etc.).
• Assessing and advising on respective changes of the legal landscape, jurisprudence and market developments affecting the Bank and its operations in various jurisdictions.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders and supporting on strategic, regulatory and sustainability initiatives and projects.
• Reviewing, drafting and advising on a wide range of documentation (e.g. contracts, opinions, policies and procedures) in line with business requirements of SMBC Bank EU AG, its branches and its subsidiary on EU Group level in accordance with respective laws and regulations.
• Working closely with all Departments if the Bank to understand specific needs and provide legal solutions to dedicated tasks and projects.
• Engaging / managing external counsel with the aim of achieving high quality legal advice while considering the aim of controlling external legal costs.
• Ensuring close coordination and support across Legal Departments in SMBC Bank EU AG and SMBC EMEA in order to ensure that relevant stakeholders are provided with consistent and efficient legal advice.
• Representing SMBC Bank EU AG on industry working groups and ensure that the bank's interests are put forward consistently and coherently in consultations and advocacy efforts.
• The Corporate Counsel shall be providing corporate legal advice to all internal functions and lines of business operated by SMBC Bank EU AG's, its branches and subsidiary across EEA (first, second and third line of defence)
• The role requires deep knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework for financial institutions in Germany and EU

Knowledge and skills:

• Legal Education & Qualifications (1 st and 2 nd German Bar Exam)
• Several years' experience in the financial sector gained in a law firm or in-house in a financial institution
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers
• Team player with a commercial mindset
• Ability to work with different stakeholders on various corporate levels across different cultures

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it's only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued.

Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See…