Legal Counsel/Assistant Corporate Secretary-Banking

SUMMARY:
The Legal Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary, Banking Sector is responsible for providing legal advice and services to the sector as constituted from time to time including but not limited to ANSA Bank Limited, ANSA Merchant Bank Limited, ANSA Merchant Bank (Barbados) Limited and ANSA Wealth Management Limited in connection with all aspects of the companies' operations, including contract drafting and negotiation, transaction management, regulatory advice, intellectual property, and debt recovery.

In addition, as Assistant Corporate Secretary, the role will support the Corporate Secretaries of the entities in the Banking Sector in ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance. This includes assisting with Board and Committee administration, maintaining statutory records, ensuring regulatory filings are completed accurately and on time, and facilitating effective communication and decision-making between the Board, management, and shareholders.

The Legal Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary, Banking Sector will report to the Legal Manager, Banking – Corporate Secretary, ANSA Bank Limited, who may modify or change his/her duties and responsibilities based on prevailing organizational needs and/or business conditions within the ANSA McAL Group.

LEGAL COUNSEL DUTIES:

1. Providing professional legal services to the companies in the Banking Sector by analysing and advising regarding legal, regulatory and reputational issues arising that affect the businesses’ products and services.
2. Reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts as well as assessing and mitigating risks
associated with the commercial arrangement.
3. Assisting in the formulation and implementation of policy in response to new regulations and guidelines that impact the Banking Sector and advising how to proactively manage any issues that may arise.
4. Overseeing debt recovery, litigation and other contentious or potentially contentious matters and settlement negotiations with a view to achieving a beneficial commercial outcome.
5. Providing support on legal due diligence exercises and advising on merger & acquisition legal and regulatory issues.
6. Assisting with the management of external counsel relationships and engagements including monitoring compliance with Outside Counsel Guidelines.
7. Preparation and delivery of legal training as needed to the commercial teams.
8. Assisting in the development and maintenance of the legal contract template database ensuring best practice.
9. Conducting legal research and providing legal & regulatory advice to the business units in support of commercial objectives.
10. Liaising with Internal Audit, Audit Committee and any external auditors from time to time rendering legal assistance as needed.

ASSISTANT CORPORATE SECRETARY DUTIES:

11. Supporting the Corporate Secretary in preparing agendas, notices, Board and Committee papers, and minutes in compliance with statutory and governance requirements.
12. Maintaining statutory registers and records for the Banking Sector companies, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act and applicable regulatory frameworks.
13. Coordinating timely filings with regulators to ensure compliance with statutory obligations.
14. Facilitating effective communication and information flows between the Board, its Committees, and management.
15. Assisting with the induction and ongoing training of Directors and maintaining records of Director and Officer disclosures, conflicts of interest, and fit-and-proper requirements.
16. Providing oversight, guidance, and delegation of tasks to the Corporate Governance Assistant to ensure the efficient execution of governance and statutory compliance responsibilities.
17. Supporting the Corporate Secretary in implementing and monitoring corporate governance frameworks, Board evaluations, and best practice initiatives across the Banking Sector.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor of Laws Degree.
• Eligible to practice law in Trinidad and Tobago along with at least five (5) years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in banking and finance law, with proven exposure to financial services regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in corporate governance, particularly supporting Boards and Committees in a regulated environment.
• A Master of Laws (LLM) or other advanced legal qualification would be considered an asset.
• Eligibility to practice law in Barbados would be considered an asset.

BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS/CORE COMPETENCIES:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) with the ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and Board materials.
• Strong capability to assess, anticipate, and effectively manage legal, regulatory, and governance risks in alignment with the companies’ strategic objectives and risk appetite.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices governing the banking and financial services sector.
• Proven ability to apply sound judgment and demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior in complex and sensitive situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and persuasive legal and governance documentation.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills; able to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organisation and with external regulators, advisors, and counterparties.
• Effective influencing and advisory skills, with the ability to guide Boards, Committees, and senior management on governance and legal matters.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.