Job Description

About Crown Agents Bank

Crown Agents Bank is a rapidly growing, regulated UK bank connecting emerging and frontier markets to the world through innovative FX and payments technology. Our mission is simple: reduce friction so more money reaches those who need it.

For over 200 years we’ve built trusted networks across hard‑to‑reach markets. Today, we pair that heritage with digital innovation to support fintechs, corporates, governments, development organisations and banks with cross‑border payments and FX solutions.

Role Purpose

SVP reporting to the Head of Legal focusing on banking matters affecting CAB, playing a key role in rollout of products and initiatives across the bank including deposits, lending, structured deals, stablecoin, licensing and regulatory matters.

Role Responsibilities

CAB’s Legal function is ambitious, agile, curious and purpose-driven. We work closely with the business to become trusted advisors who deliver thoughtful, pragmatic guidance that supports the business in achieving its goals around the world. Our work is meaningful and challenging – from helping some of the world’s largest international institutions access critical markets during a crisis, to supporting product rollout in new jurisdictions around the world, no two days are the same.

CAB is seeking a dynamic Banking Senior Legal Counsel to play a key role in ensuring CAB delivers on its mission statement to move money where it’s needed. The Banking Senior Legal Counsel will:

• Take day-to-day ownership of the rollout and provision of new banking products to CAB’s global customer base;
• Be a subject matter expert partnering closely with CAB’s Global Markets and Front Office teams, driving forward business initiatives from a legal and regulatory perspective – this doesn’t mean always knowing the answers or being an SME on everything, but knowing how to find answers, quickly build an understanding and confidently provide clear and pragmatic guidance on novel issues is crucial;
• Advise on the development of a continually evolving product set, proactively identify associated risks and recommend mitigation strategies to deliver across challenging markets globally;
• Advise on the structuring and implementation of banking arrangements and strategic partnerships, as delegated by the Head of Legal or General Counsel;
• Take a lead role in advising on legal matters across the wider organisation.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in UK, US or a common law jurisdiction
• 6-12 years PQE
• Experience in-house in a banking environment with an understanding of wholesale banking products and related risks
• Working knowledge and/or experience working with some or all of: Derivatives, Trade Finance, Lending, Guarantees, Deposits, Stablecoin, Foreign Exchange, Banking
• Strong negotiation skills, and experience across a range of products, deals and international counterparties
• Commercial mindset – able to see the big picture while protecting the business from key risks
• Capable of communicating complex legal concepts across the business, and proactively communicating with the other members of the legal team
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Able to tackle novel problems, research and understand new legal issues and products quickly
• Capacity to take ownership of matters, knowing when to take decisions and when to escalate
• Creative problem solver who remains calm under pressure and who can effectively prioritise
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and to tolerate change and ambiguity
• A talent for drafting legal documents in clear and plain English
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: excellent English is a necessity; other languages used across many of our markets (such as French, Spanish, Arabic) an asset

Additional Information

• Hybrid working
• Contributory personal pension plan: - Minimum: Employee 2% and Employer 7%. Employer matches contributions in 1% increments to a maximum of: Employee 5% and Employer 10%
• Life Assurance – 4 times annual salary
• Group Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance – this may include cover for partner and or children at company cost. Cover includes Optical, Dental and Audiology
• Discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Annual Leave
• 2 Volunteering Days
• Benefit Hub