Legal Counsel UAE & Middle East (UAE National)

About the role

This pivotal position within Standard Chartered's Middle East legal team provides expert legal counsel across the UAE and wider region. Reporting to the Head of Legal Middle East, the Legal Counsel will ensure that all legal activities align with the Group’s business strategies and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement legal strategies that support business objectives while mitigating legal and operational risks.
• Lead assessment, monitoring, and reporting of legal enforceability risks in line with the Group’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
• Provide timely escalation and resolution of significant legal and regulatory issues, including litigation and compliance challenges.
• Deliver expert advisory services on transactional matters related to core banking products such as account openings, cash management, trade financing, and lending instruments.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documentation, ensuring adherence to Group policies and applicable laws.
• Promote the use of standardized legal templates and manage approval processes for non‑standard documentation.

Required profile

• UAE national with a strong commercial acumen.
• Experience in a fast‑paced international banking environment.
• Demonstrated ability to uphold the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on high‑impact legal matters across multiple jurisdictions.
• Collaboration with senior business leaders and regional regulators.
• Exposure to complex banking products and regulatory frameworks.