Business: Legal
Open positions: 1
Role Title: Legal Counsel GSC’s
Global Career Band: GCB 5
Location (Country / City): India/Bangalore
Recruiter Name: Geetika Gupta
Why join us?
Transaction Management involves supporting the documentation process for corporate loan transactions across Large Corporate, Mid-Market Enterprise, International Subsidiary Banking, Infrastructure and Real Estate Finance business segments, typically in the £10m – £750m space and this role will be an excellent and unparalleled opportunity for an Indian qualifier lawyer experienced in the Indian domestic lending space to develop both their technical legal and commercial skills and the broader skillset required to become a top performing banking lawyer in the UK corporate loan markets, and in the cross-border lending space as well.
While in this role, the role holder will gradually develop a deeper knowledge of certain key commercial aspects of structuring loans and LMA facility agreements more broadly that will be valuable in future frontline roles, giving them the skillset to negotiate key commercial points on transactions as well improving their ability to structure a deal. They will also become proficient in running multiple loan processes, as their confidence in negotiating key commercial terms and bank policy points increases whilst developing a better understanding of the latest market trends. This is also an excellent opportunity to build one’s external professional network.
As team lead, the role holder will have an opportunity to deepen their subject matter expertise while developing leadership capabilities through team management in a dynamic and growing legal function. This unique combination of SME ownership and team leadership offers high visibility and a chance to shape team performance and stakeholder relationships.
The Opportunity:
The role holder, Legal Counsel, will lead and be a part of the Transaction Management team within the larger Bangalore Legal team, which is responsible for providing support to onshore Senior Transaction Managers on various aspects of the documentation process for their complex loan deals, right from the early stage documentation (such as term sheets) through to the negotiation of key finance documents (such as facility agreements), whilst working closely with top UK Commercial Banking clients and key internal stakeholders in the Bank such as Coverage, Commercial Banking Origination, Infrastructure, Sustainable Finance, Wholesale Portfolio Management, also acting as the main point of contact for external lender counsel ensuring the successful completion of the relevant loan transaction within the requisite timeframes. The role responsibilities will increase gradually and over time as part of the broader offshoring strategy of the Global Legal Function.
This role is a part of the Global Legal Function and is an external client-facing role with the client-base spanning various geographies globally.
What you’ll do:
Assisting onshore Senior Transaction Manager with all aspects of loan execution (bilateral or multi-banked loans) and advisory on the structure of a transaction, including:
Drafting/reviewing term sheets;
Reviewing facility agreements for policy points/term sheet tick back of key terms;
High level review of minimum standard report (i.e HSBC’s policy document) and finalising the report with external Lender counsel;
Reviewing, negotiating and settling release letters, reliance letters, legal opinions, fee letters, deeds of priority, deeds of subordination, CP sat letter, insurance broker letters and deeds of release;
Explaining common risks (both commercial and legal) associated with complex loan transactions;
Drafting Lender counsel scope of work;
Drafting simple fee indemnity letters;
Drafting internal dispensations for non-compliant policy points;
Supporting and advising UK Commercial Banking clients and the above-mentioned key stakeholders by interpreting legal advice/concepts and explaining impact and associated risks.
Negotiating and agreeing key terms embedded within term sheets and LMA facility agreements, ensuring compliance with HSBC’S internal policy, relevant credit approvals, common market practices in line with any external regulatory requirements.
With the support of Coverage, CMBO and other key stakeholders, participate in all parties calls on legal and policy points alongside with key commercial issues.
Responsible for delivery of volumes and quality, whilst working in a pressurized, time sensitive environment.
Effective and timely communication of matters requiring consideration and decision to the function heads, onshore SMEs and various internal stakeholders.
As team lead, leading, mentoring and supporting the team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team culture, including:
Allocating work, setting clear expectations, and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery of outputs aligned with business priorities by the team members;
Providing regular performance feedback, and development support to team members, including through goal-setting, regular/real-time feedback, mid-year checks, and year-end assessments;
Driving team engagement and professional growth through knowledge sharing, upskilling initiatives, and stretch opportunities;
Acting as a point of escalation for team members, resolving issues and supporting decision-making where required;
Collaborating with stakeholders to assess capacity, aligning resource planning, and ensuring optimal team utilization; and
Supporting hiring, onboarding, and integration of new team members, contributing to a strong team bench and succession planning.
Helping the team to achieve team goals.
Following appropriate processes, procedures and understanding statutory and regulatory obligations.
Fulfill appropriate training & development requirements periodically and maintaining a mindset of continuous growth and learning.
Addressing any areas of concern in conjunction with line management and/or the appropriate department.
What you will need to succeed in the role:
Legal qualification with 8-10 years of relevant work experience within the banking/financial services industry. Though not mandatory, it would be beneficial to have some private practice or law firm background, including exposure to diverse legal issues and client interactions.
Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex credit and lending agreements/ loan documentation, security documents/arrangements and ancillary lending transaction documents in line with industry standards. Examples include: bilateral uncommitted/committed facilities, syndicated facility/loan agreements, guarantees and guarantee confirmation letters, mortgage/hypothecation/pledge documents, term-sheet mapping, ancillary documentation (for example corporate authorizations, commitment letter, fee letter, etc). Experience with LMA templates would be beneficial.
Demonstrable comprehensive knowledge of credit and lending laws, regulations, and practices.
Experience in delivering legal advice and guidance on credit transactions, risk management, and regulatory compliance to business counterparts and other stakeholders.
Prior experience in a people leadership or team management role, preferably in an in-house or law firm environment.
Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop junior team members.
Strong organizational and delegation skills, with a track record of managing workflows and delivering through others.
Though not mandatory, it would be beneficial to have prior experience in managing cross-border lending deals, considering the legal and regulatory requirements of multiple jurisdictions, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders across different regions for smooth facilitation of cross-border deals. Good understanding of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and other regulatory obligations in cross-border dealings.
A genuine interest to develop your technical and commercial skills relating to the loan market.
A desire to work towards leading the documentation process for LMA facilities from both a commercial and legal perspective and advising internal stakeholders on key issues.
A strong desire to develop structuring skills and to lead negotiations on complex corporate loan transactions including refinances, Sustainable Linked Loans, MBO’s, “cashouts”, acquisition finance and post IPO financing is preferable.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills, alongside an eye for detail, with some experience of successfully influencing others, negotiating effectively.
Ability to effectively engage and negotiate with senior stakeholders, demonstrating considered foresight and highly developed interpersonal skills.
Experience of successfully working with teams of highly skilled individuals.
Willingness to undertake internal and/or external training for personal and professional development and to bolster the skill set that will be developed while in this role, including documentation training.
Able to deal with and constructively resolve conflicting views and where necessary, escalate to and advise senior management in a clear and succinct manner.
Be change oriented, open to receiving and acting on feedback, and able to cope with pressure and tight deadlines.
What additional skills will be good to have?
Ability to understand and consolidate diverse and complex business information and identify/mitigate risk issues.
Evidence of very good prioritizing, planning and organizing skills.
Ability to comprehend and minimize operational risks including wide understanding of Legal risk, audit controls and compliance requirements.
Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, complex matrix environment and multiple stakeholders.
Strong understanding of HSBC Group policies, values and businesses.
Experience of working in a role with a proven record of senior stakeholder navigation and influencing skills.
Link to Candidate User Guide:
(Or)
Go to the below link and type “IND GSC : IJP Applicant User Guide” in search bar. https://hsbchrdirect.service-now.com/hrsp?id=hrdirect_employee_dashboard
You’ll achieve more at HSBC
HSBC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a culture where all employees are valued, respected and opinions count. We take pride in providing a workplace that fosters continuous professional development, flexible working and, opportunities to grow within an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons irrespective of, but not limited to, their gender or genetic information, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, social status, medical care leave requirements, political affiliation, people with disabilities, color, national origin, veteran status, etc., We consider all applications based on merit and suitability to the role.”
Personal data held by the Bank relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.
***Issued By HSBC Electronic Data Processing (India) Private LTD***