Legal Counsel – Global Trade Finance (GTS)

About the role

HSBC is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide expert legal advice and support to its Global Trade Services (GTS) business across the UAE and the MENAT region. The role focuses on mitigating legal and reputational risks for Corporate & Institutional Banking customers while supporting innovative trade and digital product initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver professional legal advice to the GTS business, ensuring risks are identified, reported and mitigated.
• Act as the accountable or supporting lawyer for material legal issues affecting GTS in MENAT.
• Draft, review and negotiate transaction documentation for core and structured trade transactions, as well as broader CIB and GTS agreements.
• Execute relevant policies and procedures, reinforcing Legal’s role in the second line of defence.
• Advise GTS management on non‑standard legal and reputational risks.
• Monitor and respond to changes in legal and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate legal implications of initiatives clearly to business stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Regional General Counsel, Head of Banking Legal and other functional teams on wholesale and cross‑functional projects.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with experience in trade finance, corporate banking or related financial services.
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks affecting trade and structured finance in the MENAT region.
• Ability to provide concise, pragmatic advice that balances legal risk with commercial considerations.
• Excellent communication skills and the capacity to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders.

Required skills

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex trade finance documentation.
• Knowledge of corporate and institutional banking legal issues.
• Awareness of regulatory developments in the MENAT region.