Director, Legal Counsel

We are seeking an experienced and highly qualified lawyer to join our dynamic legal team. This senior role requires an individual with extensive expertise in high net worth (HNW) individual businesses, wealth structures and asset management. The ideal candidate should possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience and demonstrate a strong ability to navigate the complexities of wealth management legalities, including Family Office, trust and personal investment company structures.

This senior role requires a strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to provide sound legal advice in a fast-paced environment.

This role will function as the primary subject matter expert on legal matters for certain HNW products and HNW line of business, and as secondary support to fellow team members on several other legal matters, including investments. This role requires active and effective management of stakeholder relationships, both internal and external.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide expert legal advice and support on matters related to HNW line of business, including assessing wealth structures, estate planning methodologies and asset management. Such advice supports customer onboarding and assessment of fit for product.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex legal documents and agreements pertinent to HNW line of business.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Advising potential impacts from changes to legislation and regulatory environment to HNW line of business.
• Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes to support business objectives related to the HNW sector.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with new product development and investment activities.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to ensure best practices and compliance across the organization.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior legal team members.
• Lead and manage legal projects, ensuring timely and effective delivery of legal services.
• Representing Legal at steering committees on Products.
• Supporting timely on boarding and management of fund houses and custodians to facilitate the ILP suite of products and other HNW insurance solutions.
• Continuous support to ensure/improve better drafting practices in the product documentation space.
• Working closely with compliance team on issues with regulatory development to offer holistic and consolidated L&C position.
• Staying abreast of changes to the legal and regulatory landscape through industry interactions, external seminars, MAS and LIA updates and law firm publications.
• Actively deliberating and advising on legal and regulatory updates that impacts business.
• Function as key contact representing the Singapore legal team for regional and/or global legal initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience, with a strong focus on HNW business and wealth management with a private bank, wealth management firm, or life insurance company.
• In-depth knowledge of wealth structures, asset management and related legal frameworks.
• Familiarity with international wealth management practices.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements.
• Law degree from a reputable law school.
• Singapore qualified lawyer.
• Working knowledge of MAS regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and analytical skills.
• Exceptionally organisational and leadership abilities.
• Good working attitude, team player and able to work well under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with fluency in written and spoken English.
• A self-starter who is independent and able to take the initiative.
• High sense of responsibility, diligence, integrity and professional ethics.
• Strong analytical and evaluative skills.
• Good drafting skills.
• Attentive to details.

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.