Head - Legal South - Chennai

Job Description:

Role Summary:

The Head - Legal (Assets & Liabilities) is responsible for managing legal matters related to the organization's asset and liability portfolios, including loans, credit facilities, deposits, and investments. The role involves providing legal advice, drafting and negotiating complex agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mitigating legal risks across all asset and liability products and services.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Advisory:

1. Provide strategic legal counsel on asset and liability transactions, including structured finance, loan agreements, security documentation, and deposit products.
2. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies related to banking, finance, and liability management.
3. Advise business units on legal risks and recommend risk mitigation strategies.

Documentation and Negotiation:

1. Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, including loan documents, security instruments, guarantees, deposit agreements, and investment contracts.
2. Oversee the preparation of term sheets, facility letters, and related documents for complex transactions.
3. Ensure consistency and compliance in legal documentation across all products and services.

Risk Management and Compliance:

1. Identify and mitigate legal risks related to the organization’s assets and liabilities.
2. Conduct periodic legal reviews of the asset and liability portfolios to ensure compliance with regulatory changes.
3. Liaise with regulators and ensure timely reporting and resolution of legal issues.

Dispute Resolution:

1. Manage legal disputes related to non-performing assets, defaults, or other liability-related issues.
2. Collaborate with external counsel on litigation and arbitration matters as required.
3. Oversee enforcement actions, including recovery proceedings and asset foreclosures.

Team Management and Leadership:

1. Lead and mentor a team of legal professionals, building their expertise in asset and liability-related matters.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including credit, risk, compliance, and operations, to align legal strategies with business goals.
3. Develop and implement training programs to enhance awareness of legal and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. Education: LLB/LLM from a recognized university. Additional qualifications in banking or finance law are a plus.
2. Experience:
   • 12+ years of legal experience in banking, finance, or corporate law, with significant exposure to asset and liability management.
   • Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements.
3. Skills:
   • Strong knowledge of banking regulations, contract law, and corporate governance.
   • Excellent negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
   • Ability to manage high-pressure situations and complex transactions.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to identify legal risks.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proactive problem-solving and risk mitigation mindset.