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Lead Counsel 1 - Product - C12 - Job Opportunity at Citi

Kowloon, Hong Kong
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 23, 2025
On-site
USD 120,000 - 180,000 per year based on Hong Kong market rates for mid-level legal counsel positions at major international banks, with potential for performance bonuses and regional allowances typical of global financial institutions

Benefits

Equal opportunity employment fostering diverse and inclusive workplace culture
Professional development opportunities through global collaboration and strategic initiatives
Exposure to complex international financial regulations and cross-border legal frameworks
Career advancement within prestigious global financial institution
Comprehensive legal professional development through participation in regulatory and remediation projects

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic legal counsel to business units while participating in high-impact strategic initiatives that shape organizational direction and market positioning
Lead objective evaluation of complex business proposals by analyzing critical documentation and applying institutional knowledge against industry standards and regulatory guidelines
Drive cross-functional collaboration across internal business lines and external counsel to achieve coordinated outcomes on matters affecting organizational success
Contribute to business planning and development initiatives by providing thought leadership using comprehensive knowledge of industry dynamics, laws, and regulations
Manage legal, regulatory, and reputational risk assessment by collaborating with risk management teams and monitoring legal developments that impact business operations
Oversee day-to-day legal activities as subject matter expert while providing advisory services that directly support business partner objectives
Negotiate and prepare critical trading documentation including ISDA Master Agreements, Global Master Repurchase Agreements, and other markets trading documentation for Prime desk operations
Conduct comprehensive due diligence to ensure agreements meet enforceability standards and comply with applicable capital rules and regulatory requirements
Coordinate deviation approvals and ensure documentation compliance with legal, regulatory requirements and organizational policies
Manage data systems for trading documentation while coordinating with regional support teams on amendments and related queries

Requirements

Education

Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

Experience

5-8 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services

Required Skills

Banking or financial industry experience, including laws related to banking regulations Knowledge of international laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the business Experience with complex deals, demonstrated ability to analyze issues and develop legal solutions Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships Excellent interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing assignments in a demanding, fast-paced environment

Certifications

Bar license in good standing to practice law
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Financial services legal roles are increasingly focused on regulatory compliance and risk management as global regulatory frameworks become more complex and interconnected, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets where regulatory harmonization efforts are accelerating. Digital transformation in financial services is driving demand for legal professionals who understand both traditional banking regulations and emerging fintech compliance requirements, creating opportunities for lawyers with cross-border expertise. Post-pandemic market volatility and increased regulatory scrutiny have elevated the strategic importance of legal counsel in financial institutions, with greater emphasis on proactive risk assessment and business-oriented legal solutions.

Role Significance

Typically manages individual contributor responsibilities while collaborating with regional and global legal teams of 15-25 professionals, with coordination responsibilities across multiple business lines and external counsel relationships
Mid-level position with significant strategic influence, serving as subject matter expert while contributing to business planning and providing thought leadership on legal matters affecting organizational direction

Key Projects

ISDA Master Agreement negotiations for Prime brokerage operations across Asia-Pacific markets Global documentation regulatory remediation projects involving multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks Strategic business planning initiatives requiring legal risk assessment and compliance guidance Cross-border trading documentation standardization and due diligence projects

Success Factors

Deep understanding of international banking regulations and cross-border legal frameworks, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets where regulatory complexity requires sophisticated legal analysis and strategic thinking. Strong negotiation and relationship management skills essential for managing complex trading documentation negotiations with counterparties while maintaining productive working relationships across global teams. Proactive risk assessment capabilities that enable identification and mitigation of legal, regulatory, and reputational risks before they impact business operations or strategic initiatives. Business acumen that allows translation of legal requirements into commercially practical solutions that support organizational objectives while maintaining appropriate risk management standards.

Market Demand

High demand for experienced financial services lawyers in Asia-Pacific region, particularly those with expertise in trading documentation and cross-border regulatory compliance, driven by continued expansion of international banking operations in Hong Kong

Important Skills

Critical Skills

International banking law expertise is essential given the cross-border nature of financial transactions and the need to navigate multiple regulatory jurisdictions while ensuring compliance with local and international standards. Trading documentation negotiation skills are critical for success in this role, as the primary responsibility involves complex ISDA and master agreement negotiations that directly impact business operations and risk exposure. Risk assessment and management capabilities are fundamental to the position, as legal counsel must identify and mitigate potential legal, regulatory, and reputational risks that could affect organizational performance. Cross-functional collaboration abilities are vital for working effectively with business lines, risk management teams, and external counsel to achieve coordinated outcomes on complex legal matters.

Beneficial Skills

Fintech and digital banking knowledge would be valuable as financial services continue digital transformation and regulatory frameworks evolve to address technological innovations in banking and trading. Project management skills would enhance effectiveness in coordinating global documentation projects and managing multiple stakeholder relationships across different time zones and regulatory environments. Languages other than English, particularly Mandarin or Cantonese, would be advantageous for client relationships and regulatory interactions in the Asia-Pacific region. Corporate governance expertise would complement the role's strategic advisory function and support involvement in high-level business planning and decision-making processes.

Unique Aspects

Specialized focus on Prime brokerage trading documentation provides exposure to sophisticated financial instruments and complex regulatory frameworks that are highly valued in the financial services legal market.
Direct involvement in global documentation projects offers opportunity to develop expertise in multiple jurisdictions and regulatory systems, enhancing career portability and market value.
Strategic positioning within Citi's Asia-Pacific operations provides access to high-profile transactions and business initiatives that significantly impact regional market development.
Combination of legal counsel and business advisory responsibilities creates comprehensive skill development opportunity spanning both legal expertise and commercial business understanding.

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior legal counsel roles within 3-5 years, with potential advancement to deputy general counsel or regional legal leadership positions within 7-10 years based on performance and business expansion

Potential Next Roles

Senior Legal Counsel or Lead Counsel II positions with expanded regional responsibility and team management duties Deputy General Counsel roles focusing on specific business lines or geographic regions within Asia-Pacific Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer positions at smaller financial institutions seeking experienced banking law expertise

Company Overview

Citi

Citigroup is one of the world's largest financial institutions with comprehensive global presence and significant operations across investment banking, commercial banking, and financial services, maintaining strong market position through diversified revenue streams and international reach.

Leading global financial services institution ranked among top 10 banks worldwide by assets, with established market presence in Asia-Pacific region and strong competitive position in cross-border banking and trading operations.
Hong Kong serves as critical Asia-Pacific hub for Citi's regional operations, with Kowloon location supporting major trading and investment banking activities that require sophisticated legal support and regulatory compliance expertise.
Large corporate environment emphasizing regulatory compliance, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration, with global perspective that values diverse expertise and provides opportunities for international career development and professional growth.
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