Legal Counsel, Vice President

Role Summary

Lawyer working as part of a team supporting the Institutional Services business of State Street, including custodial and fund accounting services, investment manager outsourcing, trustee services, performance and analytics, collateral management, transfer agency and other administrative services.

Based in Hong Kong and limited travel may occasionally be required to support relevant key focus markets (Hong Kong, Korea, PRC, Taiwan). Support for other APAC markets may be required for projects, team coverage or other ad hoc business needs.

The role entails advising business partners on the full range of legal matters affecting the continued operation and expansion of that business, taking an active role in on-boarding new clients, assessing and developing new products, services and markets, corporate and regulatory governance matters, designated human resources matters and the impact of legislative developments on the business.

Key Responsibilities

Advising on financial services and related laws applicable to the key business areas of custody and administrative services, and investment manager outsourcing (such as the Banking, Securities and Futures laws of the relevant jurisdictions), trustee services as well as corporate and governance matters

Participating in the development and on boarding of new clients, products and services and the expansion into new sectors and markets, including interacting and negotiating directly with prospects, clients and regulators in country, undertaking regulatory assessments, participating in RFP responses, drafting and negotiating key service agreements with customers (e.g. custody, administrative services, investment manager outsourcing and transfer agency agreements) and suppliers, and participating as an active member of the deal team and new products approval processes

Participating in legal aspects of the corporate and regulatory governance process locally and internationally and being a key member of the local management teams in the relevant jurisdictions (including working with risk and compliance teams on regulatory compliance; participate in fiduciary risk and risk management committees; participating in the deal team approval process for new business assessment and the approval of new products and services; SOX and related reporting globally)

Reviewing and approving agreements for operational purposes including confidentiality agreements, operational agreements (pricing agreements, supply agreements) and miscellaneous agreements

Prepare regular activity and legal developments reports for legal department management and local governance committees

Conducting investigations and legal claims and disputes management, as needed

Providing regular and ad hoc education seminars to employees on legal and ethical issues relating to their business unit

Providing ad hoc legal advice as required over a range of issues impacting the business

Managing external counsel as necessary, within internal budget requirements

Key skills and attributes

Solicitor with 6-9 years PQE in the financial sector, and preferably with specific recent experience supporting investment manager operations. A combination of in house and external counsel experience is desirable

Fluency in English and Mandarin, and English and Chinese drafting essential

Ability to interact/negotiate as necessary directly with clients, prospects and regulators in country to support relevant markets is required

Keen understanding of current market practice impacting the business lines and ability to work with the business units to come up with practical solutions within applicable legal constraints

Ability to sustain strong relationships with clients, peers and staff and interact with multiple levels in the organization, including more senior management levels

Ability to work independently and collaboratively and foster a team environment, working with colleagues and peers to create a productive, efficient and engaged team with APAC and global Legal team colleagues and with business partners in APAC and globally

Strong project management skills and deadline oriented, ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks with attention to detail

Computer proficient, with strong legal research and drafting skills

Willingness to take proactive decisions and be accountable for decisions and advice, within parameters of professional legal obligations and company policy

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people undertaking this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that a successful candidate may be expected or asked to perform, and those and any other duties within the role can be expected to evolve and change over time.

Are you the right candidate? Yes

We truly believe in the power that comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences our employees bring with them. Although each vacancy details what we are looking for, we don’t necessarily need you to fulfil all of them when applying. If you like change and innovation, seek to see the bigger picture, make data driven decisions and are a good team player, you could be a great fit.

About State Street

What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation, we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.

Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary by location, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans, among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Programs to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.

Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift programs and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.

State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Discover more at StateStreet.com/careers