At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function and advise senior leadership on strategic decisions.
- Company: Established UK financial services organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence major change and work closely with the Board.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to step into a General Counsel leadership role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a leading financial services firm during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant experience in regulated financial services.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
City Executive Search is partnering with an established UK financial services organisation to appoint a General Counsel on an interim basis for 3 to 6 months during the selection and appointment process of a permanent hire. This is a broad, influential leadership mandate for an accomplished financial services lawyer who wants to operate close to the Board and Executive team, shape major strategic decisions and lead the legal function through a period of meaningful change.
The General Counsel will act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, providing clear commercial judgement across complex legal, regulatory and governance matters while ensuring the organisation remains well positioned to respond to an evolving UK financial services landscape.
The opportunity
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the organisation's legal function, leading an experienced team of qualified lawyers and working closely with colleagues responsible for corporate governance. The remit will include:
- Acting as a senior legal adviser to the Board, Executive Committee and senior leadership
- Providing pragmatic counsel on strategic, commercial and regulatory matters
- Leading the legal response to significant business transformation and change
- Advising on complex commercial agreements, partnerships, outsourcing and technology arrangements
- Supporting major corporate or strategic transactions where required
- Maintaining effective relationships with regulators, external counsel and key stakeholders
- Developing legal capability and ensuring the function remains commercially focused and responsive
- Anticipating emerging legal and regulatory risks and translating these into clear executive advice
About you
You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with substantial post-qualification experience and a strong track record gained within regulated financial services. We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates currently operating as a: General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, Head of Legal, or Legal Director.
You are likely to bring:
- Significant senior in-house experience within banking, lending, savings, insurance or another closely regulated financial services environment
- Strong knowledge of the UK regulatory framework, including the FCA, PRA, SM&CR and Consumer Duty
- Experience advising Boards and Executive teams on complex or sensitive matters
- Evidence of successfully navigating significant organisational change
- Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge constructively
- An ability to make complex legal and regulatory issues clear to non-legal audiences
- Experience leading, developing and retaining high-quality legal teams
- Exposure to retail banking, mortgages, savings, mutual financial services, M&A or significant technology and outsourcing programmes would be particularly valuable.
The incoming General Counsel will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of an established financial services organisation, work directly with senior decision-makers and build a legal function capable of supporting an ambitious programme of change. For an existing General Counsel, it offers a substantial strategic mandate. For an experienced Head of Legal or Deputy General Counsel, it represents a credible opportunity to step into a full GC leadership role.
General Counsel (Interim) in Cardiff employer: City Executive Search
Join a leading UK financial services organisation that values innovation and strategic thinking, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff. As an interim General Counsel, you will have the opportunity to influence key decisions at the executive level while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth and development. With a commitment to navigating the complexities of the financial landscape, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact during a pivotal time for the company.
