At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy for payments and digital assets, advising on regulations and innovations.
- Company: Dynamic bank at the forefront of payments and digital asset transformation.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of banking while navigating exciting legal challenges in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in banking law, payments regulation, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Join us as a Managing Legal Counsel, Payments and Digital Assets. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the legal strategy of the bank’s payments and digital assets activities, while acting as a trusted advisor on regulation, industry developments and emerging technologies.
Whilst your role sits within Retail & Private Banking, you’ll lead our Payments Legal Centre of Expertise (CoE), providing specialist legal support across the bank and wider Legal, Governance and Regulatory Affairs (LG&RA) function. You’ll operate at the forefront of legal and regulatory change, working with senior stakeholders, regulators and industry bodies to help the bank navigate an evolving payments and digital assets landscape. You'll work from home some of the time, coming into the office at least one day per week to collaborate closely with your colleagues.
As our Managing Legal Counsel, you’ll be an experienced and ambitious senior lawyer leading the Payments Legal CoE and coordinating the delivery of legal advice across the bank’s payments and digital assets activities. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders and legal colleagues across LG&RA to make sure legal support is delivered efficiently, effectively and in line with business priorities. You’ll keep advice commercially focused and accessible, helping stakeholders understand and manage legal and regulatory risks.
As a key advisor to the business, you’ll help shape strategic decisions, support innovation and manage legal and regulatory risk in a practical way. You'll play an important role in supporting the development and launch of innovative products and services, including digital assets and emerging payment technologies such as tokenisation, stablecoins, custody and programmable payments, helping the bank navigate a rapidly evolving market.
You’ll be:
- Leading the development and delivery of the bank's payments legal strategy, including horizon scanning for regulatory, market and technological developments.
- Providing expert advice on payment products, schemes, infrastructure, open banking, account-to-account payments and strategic payments initiatives.
- Building strong relationships with regulators, industry bodies, advisers and internal stakeholders to influence and respond to market and regulatory developments.
- Providing the communication of internal and external legal advice and helping to deliver transactions and projects to stakeholders in a commercial, user friendly and efficient manner.
- Driving continuous improvement through process optimisation, technology, automation and AI-enabled solutions that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Developing and mentoring legal colleagues while strengthening payments and digital assets expertise across LG&RA.
- Managing legal spend effectively through e-billing, auctions and other cost management tools.
The skills you'll need:
We’re looking for someone with deep knowledge of banking law and practice, supported by significant experience within financial services industry. You’ll bring extensive expertise in payments regulation and, at the minimum, a developing understanding of digital assets regulation gained either in-house or within a leading law firm.
You'll be comfortable operating at a senior level, managing complex legal and regulatory issues while building strong relationships across the bank and externally with regulators, industry bodies and advisers. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills will be essential, alongside experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.
You’ll also need:
- Industry-leading knowledge of payments regulation, payments schemes and the legal frameworks underpinning UK and international payment services.
- An understanding of emerging legal and regulatory developments affecting digital assets, open banking, future payment models and agentic AI.
- The ability to identify, assess and communicate complex legal and regulatory risks in a clear, pragmatic manner.
- Deep knowledge of payments regulation, payment schemes and the legal framework underpinning UK and international payment services.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and contributing to strategic business decisions.
- A proactive approach to horizon scanning, thought leadership and sharing legal and market developments with business and legal colleagues.
- The ability to identify issues of strategic, legal or reputational importance and determine how they should be addressed.
Hours: 35
Location: Edinburgh; Belfast; London
Type: Full time
Managing Legal Counsel in London employer: NatWest Group
Coutts & Co is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to join a leading Private Banking and Wealth Management firm during a pivotal growth phase. With a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development, employees are encouraged to influence strategic decisions while receiving support from senior leaders. The role of Managing Legal Counsel not only provides a platform for impactful legal work but also fosters an environment where innovation and efficiency are valued, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Legal Counsel in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including NatWest Group, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Legal Counsel in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at NatWest Group, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in NatWest Group and the specific role of Managing Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for NatWest Group’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at NatWest Group
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at NatWest Group.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at NatWest Group.
