Legal Counsel, Capital Markets and Advisory

Overview

Member of the ING Legal Wholesale Banking Asia-Pacific team, based in the regional head office in Singapore. Reporting functionally to the General Counsel Asia-Pacific.

Part of the global Legal Capital Markets team, an international team of highly skilled lawyers.

Trusted advisor to the Bank’s Capital Markets and Advisory business, with the primary focus of providing legal advice and support to the Debt Capital Markets and Asset Securitisation business lines.

The team’s supported deal flow comprises both:

Debt Capital Markets:  Focused on Investment Grade (MTN programme or standalone), High Yield and Emerging Markets bond offerings in various currencies (USD, EUR, select local currencies) and formats (Reg S, 144A), where the Bank acts as a Sole or Joint Lead Manager / Bookrunner; and

Asset Securitisation: comprising public capital markets transactions (RMBS and ABS), warehouse (balance sheet) funding and accompanying support facilities (e.g. swaps, liquidity facilities). Transactions span the Asia-Pacific region (predominantly Australia and Korea) (further details below).

Support for Debt Capital Markets is both international and regional – largely supporting cross-border transactions by Asia-Pacific issuers, and potentially issuers from US and Europe when accessing Asia-Pacific Debt Capital Markets.

For the Asset Securitisation business:

It is expected that the candidate will have some experience working on securitisation transactions in the Asia-Pacific region.

An ideal candidate will have been involved in both i) public securitisation deals placed into capital markets (i.e. asset backed securities issuance) and ii) private securitisations bilaterally negotiated between institutional investors including banks (such as ING) and the originator/sponsor of the assets being securitised (i.e. not involving any capital markets distribution/syndication). Finally, experience with securitisation deals in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and/or South Korea would be viewed favourably.

An important part of the role is to advise on ESG regulations and market developments with regards to green and sustainable linked bonds or equities.

Key Responsibilities

Assisting colleagues from pre-mandate stage (pitches, presentations, RFPs) and structuring through to execution of a transaction.

Reviewing and negotiating engagement letters, underwriting agreements, subscription agreements, legal opinions, comfort letters, agreement among managers and other transaction documents.

Assisting with the development of ESG and Sustainability linked business, frameworks, pitches and presentations.

Handling of transactions as lead documentation bank or global coordinator for clients globally.

Being involved in the due diligence / prospectus writing process.

Horizon scanning and advising on regulatory developments.

Contacting and instructing external parties, such as outside legal counsel.

Identifying and managing legal risk, address cross-border issues to ensure ING’s legal and regulatory standards are maintained to a high level.

Attending, co-ordinating and initiating interdisciplinary meetings and projects within the Bank.

Providing legal advice to ensure compliance with internal policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures of the Bank.

Developing and maintaining a strong professional network with industry (including industry associations such as ICMA) and external counsel for transactional or regulatory matters.

Specifications

(A) Competencies

Sound understanding of key internal bank processes (such as compliance and risk).

Good quality transactional experience in relation to Debt Capital Markets and/or Asset Securitisation, including experience executing international and domestic public offerings and private placements, on the debt side.

Good working knowledge of other wholesale banking products (e.g., Financial Markets products including derivatives; Corporate Finance).

Proven ability to work in larger teams/organisations; capacity to interact and work with business teams and colleagues across Asia-Pacific, EU, UK and US jurisdictions.

Strong analytical skills, pragmatic, flexible and a good communicator with strong drafting and negotiating skills. 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in at least 1 Asian language would be welcome.

Able to multitask and prioritize multiple projects and/or deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
Familiarity with European laws and regulations relating to banking business would be an advantage.

Capable of working independently whilst collaborating effectively with team members located in other jurisdictions on product related matters or projects.

(B) Pre-requisites

Law degree with a common law background.

Qualified to practice law in UK, US or a Commonwealth jurisdiction.

8 to 12 years Post Qualification Experience, preferably gained in a top tier law firm or in an international bank.