We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Associate General Counsel to join our legal team.  The ideal candidate will possess deep legal expertise in the life insurance sector and is integral in managing legal and governance matters, and providing strategic legal advice to support the company’s objectives. This role will report directly to the General Counsel. 

Job Responsibilities

Legal and Governance Oversight:

Assist the General Counsel in overseeing the legal function of the company and managing the legal department’s day-to-day operations, and developing and implementing legal strategies that support business growth opportunities. Provide comprehensive legal support and advice to management and business units on various issues, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, daily operations and strategic initiatives. Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to various stakeholders, ensuring alignment between legal and business strategies, and communicating changes to stakeholders. Support business growth opportunities related to high-net-worth clientele for distribution channels, in collaboration with the company’s affiliates or strategic partners, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address legal implications related to operational functions and distribution channels. Manage and provide technical support on legal and contractual documentation across various departmental needs. Develop and implement procedures that streamline workflows to enhance the operational efficiency, while maintaining the standard of legal due diligence.  End-to-end oversee the legal documentation review and approval processes for new products and marketing materials, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and collaboration with the Compliance team. Collaborate closely with Risk and Compliance teams and other departments to ensure relevant laws and regulations are complied.  Prepare regular and ad hoc reports / updates to senior management and the board of directors. Provide support on annual filings, regulatory submissions, and other corporate governance documents. Ensure that all governance documentation reflects the latest legal standards and promotes organizational compliance. Lead and mentor the legal team, fostering a high-performance culture and professional growth.

Regulatory Monitoring:

Identify and analyze emerging laws and regulatory changes that may impact business operations or overall company strategy by continuously monitoring legal and regulatory developments at local and international levels.   Maintain an up-to-date understanding on changes in the Hong Kong insurance regulatory framework that may impact the company and communicate these changes and implications to relevant stakeholders to help the company to stay ahead of regulatory changes, minimize legal risks and capitalize on new market opportunities. 

Vendor Management 

Work closely with external legal counsel on regulatory or litigation matters; assist the General Counsel in managing external counsel engagements; legal risks and legal expenses, ensure cost-effective legal services are provided. Qualified HK lawyer with 10 to 15 years' PQE.  Good understanding of the insurance market in Hong Kong and the ability to provide practical legal solutions that support business objectives.  Experience in life insurance business, commercial contract, product documentation reviews highly regarded. Good understanding of insurance law and regulatory framework specific to Hong Kong and broader APAC region.  Proactive self-starter and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.  Able to work effectively under pressure, is results-oriented and capable of delivering high-quality, business-oriented solutions.