Job description

Some careers have more impact than others

Some careers have more impact than others.

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real impression, join HSBC and discover how valued you’ll be.

HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world, with operations in 62 countries and territories. We aim to be where the growth is, enabling businesses to thrive and economies to prosper, and, ultimately, helping people to fulfil their hopes and realise their ambitions.

We are currently seeking an experienced professional to join our team in the role of Legal Counsel.

Principal responsibilities

  • 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. 

  • We are seeking an experienced legal professional to join HSBC’s Global Legal Services team in the role of Legal Counsel, to provide support to HSBC’s Transaction Management Legal vertical, catering specifically to the UK Commercial Banking business’ corporate loan transactions ensuring legal risks are mitigated and escalations occur in a timely manner.

  • 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.

  • Assisting onshore Senior Transaction Manager with all aspects of loan execution (bilateral or multi-banked loans) and advisory on the structure of a transaction and reviewing facility agreements for policy points/term sheet tick back of key terms.

  • 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, drafting Lender counsel scope of work, simple fee indemnity letters, internal dispensations for noncompliant 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. Explaining common risk (both commercial and legal) associated with complex loan transactions.

  • 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. Also 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.

  • Following appropriate processes, procedures and understanding statutory and regulatory obligations,Addressing any areas of concern in conjunction with line management and/or the appropriate department.

Requirements
  • Legal qualification with 5-8 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.

  • 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.

  • Ability to effectively engage and negotiate with senior stakeholders, demonstrating considered foresight and highly developed interpersonal skills.

  • Able to deal with and constructively resolve conflicting views and where necessary, escalate to senior management in a clear and succinct manner.

 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***