Managing Director, Head of Middle East Legal

About the role

The Head of Middle East Legal provides senior legal leadership for State Street’s custody and fund administration services across the Middle East. Reporting to the SVP Head of Investment Services EMEA Legal and the EVP Head of International Legal, the role is based in Abu Dhabi and involves regional travel to support strategic transactions and regulatory permissioning.

Key responsibilities

• Counsel executive management in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on strategic decisions, governance and regulatory expectations.
• Lead regulatory and governance advice for country and regional management, boards, compliance and company secretarial functions.
• Provide legal support for client commercial contracts across Investment Services, Alpha, CRD, Wealth and Global Delivery organizations.
• Advise on outsourcing, client disputes, internal investigations and regulatory remediation programs.
• Navigate jurisdictional differences in investment servicing legal and regulatory requirements.
• Manage, develop and mentor a team of legal professionals with a focus on talent development.
• Report risks, developments and events to senior legal leadership and local management.
• Liaise with regulatory and governmental agencies on licensing applications and regulatory interpretations.

Required profile

• Recognized subject‑matter expert in global custody, collective investment schemes, commercial outsourcing or asset management.
• Extensive senior‑level experience in regulatory and governance matters with proven leadership background.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated stakeholder management.
• Law degree from an accredited university and admission to practice in a major international financial centre.
• Highly organized, problem‑solving orientation and ability to evaluate risks and provide sound counsel.