Legal, VP

Who we are looking for:

Lawyer working as part of a team reporting to Head of Legal, Institutional Services Japan, supporting State Street’s Institutional Services and Global Markets businesses in Japan. The role supports trust and collective investment funds services, custodial and fund accounting services, investment manager outsourcing and banking business in Japan. Particular focus on and experience in Japanese trust and banking agreements and regulations desirable.

The role involves advising senior management on legal matters affecting the continued operation and expansion of the institutional services business and global markets business in Japan; actively participating in onboarding new clients and mandates; assessing and supporting the development of new products and services; advising on corporate and regulatory governance matters affecting trust, banking, global custody and markets activities; and researching and analysing the impact of legislative developments on the State Street Japan businesses.

What you will be responsible for:

• Advising on financial services, banking and related laws applicable to the key business areas of trust and collective investment fund services, global custody and outsourced administration services and global markets services, as well as corporate and governance matters
• Advising on regulatory and governance matters affecting State Street’s institutional services and global markets businesses in Japan, with experience in regulation relating to banking, offshore funds and derivatives particularly sought
• Supporting the development of new products and services with active participation in the new product approval process
• Supporting the onboarding of new clients and mandates, including interacting and negotiating directly with prospects and clients, contributing to RFP proposals
• Reviewing, negotiating and drafting key service agreements with customers and/or service providers (trust agreements, outsourcing agreements, limited partnership agreements, intercompany agreements etc.)
• Providing reporting as needed for Legal Department management and local/regional governance committees
• Conducting regular and/or ad hoc training and education for employees on key legal risk issues relating to their activities
• Leading/participating in key ad hoc projects as needed
• Supervising and managing external counsel

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the successful candidate. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Experience / Qualifications / Key skills/ Attributes:

• Minimum of 4-5 years PQE (post qualification experience) working at a law firm or in-house in the financial services sector. A lesser period of PQE or legal experience in another sector may be acceptable, depending on candidate’s other skills, qualifications and experience. Admission to the bar in Japan is preferred, but not an absolute condition; admission in a common law jurisdiction also desirable (US, UK etc.).
• Fluency at native level (written and spoken) in Japanese required. Good spoken and comprehension in English required; ability to draft in English highly desirable
• Ability to interact and negotiate directly with clients, prospects and regulators
• Ability to work with business unit teams to develop practical solutions within applicable legal and regulatory framework
• Ability to develop and sustain strong relationships with internal and external clients, peers and staff and interact with multiple levels within local, regional and global organization
• Strong understanding of key legal risk issues and market practices applicable to investment servicing and/or global markets in Japan
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong project management skills and deadline oriented; ability to prioritise and execute multiple tasks with attention to detail
• Flexible and high learning orientation, with ability to gain quick familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks applicable to products and services.

About State Street

What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.

Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary in locations, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Program to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.

Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspective are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome the candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift program and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.

State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.