Legal Counsel | S4 | Legal & Corporate Governance, Treasury & Structured Finance Legal | London TSQ

Santander is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

The Treasury & Structured Finance Legal team is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel based in London. The successful candidate will provide legal advice and support to the CFO Division of Santander UK and other business divisions of the Santander UK Group in relation to:

• the structuring, negotiation and execution of a wide range of structured finance transactions, covering different asset classes (including retail mortgage loans, unsecured personal loans and commercial banking assets) and structures (including funded and unfunded significant risk transfers, asset sales, contracts of insurance, traditional and synthetic securitisations and CLOs);
• CRR and capital and liquidity rules and regulations and related opinions and capital optimisation and regulatory compliance;
• from time to time, the drafting, review and negotiation of documentation relevant to the issuance and distribution of structured notes and deposits and the execution of derivative transactions;
• strategic bank-wide projects relevant to the Treasury team and its operations, including involvement in the optimisation of the legal function’s output, including through the use of digital solutions/AI.

Key responsibilities will include:

• working with the business on the structuring and documentation of asset rotation, capital optimisation, insurance and structured finance transactions;
• drafting, reviewing and negotiating documentation in relation to structured finance transactions, hedging agreements, NDAs, marketing materials, investor presentations, engagement letters with third party services providers, etc;
• monitoring legal and regulatory developments in the structured finance space, monitoring regulatory consultations and participating in internal and external working groups;
• engaging with/instructing external counsel;
• liaising with/acting as the primary legal contact for key transaction parties (plus trustees; paying agents; corporate service providers; swap providers; etc.);
• reviewing and developing internal standard documents and policies/procedures.

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role:

• Qualified solicitor 4 – 10 years PQE (required)
• Solid understanding of and experience in securitisation (including related regulatory frameworks) and other structured finance transactions, understanding of capital markets (including knowledge of applicable securities laws and regulations) (required)
• Knowledge of derivatives is a bonus.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework applicable to UK financial services, industry trends and best practice (required)
• Experience working as part of a transactional environment (either in private practice or in house) (required)
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (required)
• Reputable commercial, pragmatic and enthusiastic approach in undertaking tasks (required)
• Commercially minded with an ability to adapt to a varied workload (required)
• Numeracy skills with good experience of Excel and PowerPoint (preferred)

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return. Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.

• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5 years service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year
• £6,000 car allowance per year
• Company funded individual private medical insurance
• Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
• Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans.
• As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services
• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone — regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates.

We want our people to thrive — at work and at home — while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow. To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles).

When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location(s). We welcome applications on the understanding that, should you be offered this role, there may be no relocation package available. Santander will pay the employer mandatory government fees that are required to pay in connection with visa sponsorship. You may be liable for your own personal employee immigration and relocation costs.

All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it’s a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we’re available through email. You can contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.