A leading global financial institution is seeking an experienced Senior Vice President, Country Counsel to join its Japan Legal team. In this role, you will provide strategic legal support to the firm's Securities Services and Commercial Cards businesses while partnering closely with business leaders across Japan and the APAC region. Depending on your expertise and business priorities, you will also advise on a broad range of banking, capital markets, and financial services matters.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a qualified lawyer with strong commercial acumen who is looking to work on sophisticated cross-border transactions within one of the world's leading investment banking and financial services organizations.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to the Securities Services and Commercial Cards businesses in Japan.
• Review, draft, and negotiate commercial contracts, transaction documents, and legal agreements.
• Advise business stakeholders on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters affecting day-to-day operations.
• Support new product launches, strategic initiatives, and business transformation projects from a legal perspective.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks while delivering practical, commercially focused solutions.
• Collaborate with regional and global legal teams on cross-border transactions and legal matters.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel where required.
• Monitor changes in Japanese and international laws and regulations impacting the business.

Required Skills and Qualifications Experience:

• Qualified lawyer admitted to practice in Japan.
• At least five years of post-qualification legal experience (PQE).
• Experience at a law firm or within the legal department of a financial institution.
• Proven experience advising on banking, financial services, capital markets, or financial transactions.
• Native-level Japanese and business-level English communication skills.

Soft Skills:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong commercial judgement and practical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working across international teams.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native
• English: Intermediate / Business

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting Securities Services, custody, settlement, or clearing businesses.
• Experience advising on payment products or Commercial Cards businesses.
• Previous experience within a multinational financial institution.
• Experience handling cross-border legal transactions and regulatory matters.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese banking laws, financial regulations, and regulatory frameworks.

About the Company
Our client is a globally recognized financial institution with market-leading businesses across investment banking, global markets, securities services, corporate banking, and transaction services. Serving multinational corporations, institutional investors, and financial institutions worldwide, the firm offers innovative financial solutions through its extensive global network. Its Japan Legal team works closely with regional and international colleagues, providing strategic legal support for some of the industry's most complex financial products and transactions.
Why You'll Love Working Here

• Join a globally respected financial institution with a strong presence in Japan.
• Advise on complex cross-border legal matters supporting market-leading banking businesses.
• Gain exposure to both banking and securities legal work across a diverse range of financial products.
• Work alongside highly experienced legal professionals across Japan and the APAC region.
• Build long-term career opportunities within a world-class global legal team.
• Thrive in an international, collaborative, and high-performing environment.
• Contribute to sophisticated, high-value financial transactions with global impact.
• Receive a highly competitive compensation package of ¥25M-¥30M.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!