Head of Legal (Singapore)
Our client is a reputable organization committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. They value strategic thinking, legal expertise, and leadership within the financial services or insurance sector. This role offers an opportunity to work onsite within a dynamic team, contributing to the company's growth and compliance strategies.
The Head of Legal will serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Committee, providing commercially astute legal guidance while ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements across relevant jurisdictions. The role involves managing the legal department, overseeing complex transactions—including M&A and reinsurance—and proactively future-proofing the business against evolving regulations.
Role Overview:
This position plays a critical part in shaping the company’s legal strategy, managing key regulatory relationships, and leading legal initiatives across corporate transactions, product development, and organizational governance. The role also involves leading a team of legal professionals and driving legal technology projects to enhance departmental efficiency.
Key Skills & Experience:
• LL.B. or LL.M. from a recognized university
• Admitted to the bar in a common law jurisdiction
• 12+ years of PQE within the Insurance or Financial Services sector
• Deep knowledge of life/general insurance products, regulations, and corporate law
• Strong negotiation skills and executive presence
• Ability to translate complex legal risks into actionable business advice
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide high-level legal counsel on business strategy, including geographic expansion and new product lines
• Oversee the Company Secretariat to ensure robust corporate governance across subsidiaries and joint ventures
• Manage legal risk frameworks and advise on regimes such as RBC or Solvency II
• Act as the primary contact for regulators (e.g., MAS, HKIA, SFC), leading responses to inquiries and licensing requirements
• Lead legal workstreams for M&A activities, including due diligence and drafting SPAs
• Negotiate and draft reinsurance agreements, portfolio transfers, and investment mandates
• Collaborate with product teams to review policy wordings and ensure compliance with "Fair Dealing" standards
• Oversee negotiations for distribution agreements across bancassurance, agency, and digital partnerships
• Manage and mentor the legal team, fostering high performance and continuous learning
• Drive legal tech initiatives to optimize contract management and automate routine tasks
Candidates with the relevant experience and skills are encouraged to apply. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization in a strategic leadership role.
