Head Legal & Corporate Secretary – Private Banking

About the role

Standard Chartered is recruiting a Head Legal & Corporate Secretary for its Wealth & Retail Banking business in Switzerland, specifically the Global Private Bank (PvB). The role promotes and leads the legal function in line with legal, regulatory and ethical requirements, advises management, acts as an independent second-line risk control function and serves as company secretary for the Swiss entity.

Key responsibilities

• Promote and lead the legal culture and practice of the Wealth & Retail Banking business in Switzerland, protecting the Bank's reputation.
• Advise management and promote best practices and company policies aligned with the Swiss regulator and cross-border implications.
• Provide legal advice, transactional support and issue resolution for the PvB business in Switzerland.
• Act as an independent second-line risk control function, challenging the business on conduct and compliance and escalating risks and issues promptly.
• Maintain constructive relationships with the Business Head and CEO in Switzerland.
• Support and implement the vision, strategy and leadership of Wealth & Retail Banking in Switzerland, in line with the Global Head of Legal's vision.
• Identify material legal and regulatory risks proactively and influence stakeholders to improve their management.
• Build trusted relationships with business and functional stakeholders and provide legal advice, briefings, recommendations and reports on material legal risks.
• Act as company secretary for the Swiss entity and liaise with the Group Corporate Secretariat in the UK.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer in Switzerland with a minimum of 8 years' post-qualification experience.
• Expert knowledge of financial services, banking, company and applicable laws and regulations in Switzerland.
• Strong understanding of private banking/wealth management and practical experience in company secretarial, board governance and corporate governance matters.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; French and/or German optional.

Required skills

• Good analytical and innovative legal skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with business people.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and work effectively with business units.
• Good command of Microsoft Office.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits in line with the Fair Pay Charter.
• Core bank funding for retirement savings, medical and life insurance, with flexible and voluntary benefits in some locations.
• Annual leave, parental/maternity leave (20 weeks), sabbatical (up to 12 months) and volunteering leave (3 days), with a minimum of 30 days of annual and public holidays combined.
• Flexible working options around home and office locations.
• Wellbeing support through a digital wellbeing platform, resilience courses, an Employee Assistance Programme, sick leave and mental health first aiders.
• Ongoing learning opportunities, reskilling and upskilling.