Job description

Job Description

The Global Markets Legal Documentation Unit, Group Legal & Secretariat supports the Bank’s global markets businesses by overseeing the drafting, negotiation, and execution of legal documentation for trading activities. The unit ensures documentation accurately reflects commercial terms, manages legal and regulatory risk, and complies with applicable laws and internal standards. It works closely with Front Office, Risk, Credit, Compliance, and Operations to support business objectives.

The Head of the GM Legal Documentation Unit is responsible for leading and overseeing the legal documentation function supporting the Bank’s Global Markets (GM) businesses. This role ensures the timely, accurate, and consistent drafting, negotiation, and execution of trading documentation, while managing legal risk, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of legal documentation professionals supporting GM businesses.
• Set strategic direction, operating standards, and best practices for the legal documentation function.
• Drive efficiency, standardisation, and continuous improvement of documentation workflows and controls.
• Act as a senior point of escalation for complex, high‑risk, or novel transactions.

Legal Documentation & Advisory

• Oversee the negotiation and execution of documentation for GM products, including:
  • ISDA Master Agreements and related collateral documentation
  • GMSLA, GMRA, and other securities financing agreements
  • Derivatives, FX, commodities, and structured products documentation
• Ensure documentation appropriately reflects commercial intent while protecting the firm’s legal and regulatory interests.
• Partner closely with Front Office, Risk, Credit, Compliance, and Operations to support business objectives.

Risk Management & Governance

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Identify and manage legal, regulatory, and documentation risks arising from GM activities.
• Maintain strong governance and controls over documentation processes.
• Contribute to regulatory change initiatives impacting global markets documentation.

Stakeholder & External Management

• Serve as a trusted legal partner to business and management stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with external counsels and industry bodies.

People Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop team members, fostering a high‑performance and collaborative culture.

Key Requirements

Qualifications

• Law degree from a recognized university
• Qualified lawyer in a Common Law jurisdiction.
• Strong expertise in ISDA, collateral documentation, GMRA, GMSLA, and other GM trading documentation.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing legal documentation teams.
• Solid understanding of global markets products, legal risk, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent commercial judgment, drafting, negotiation, and senior stakeholder management skills.

Additional Requirements