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

Seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support to the CFO Division of Santander UK and other business divisions of the Santander UK Group in relation to structured finance transactions, regulatory compliance, and strategic projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Structure, negotiate, and execute a wide range of structured finance transactions across multiple asset classes.
• Advise on CRR and capital and liquidity rules, including related opinions and capital optimisation strategies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate documentation for structured notes, deposits, and derivative transactions.
• Participate in strategic bank‑wide projects and optimise the legal function’s output using digital solutions and AI.
• Work closely with the business on asset rotation, capital optimisation, insurance, and structured finance transaction documentation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate documentation including NDAs, marketing materials, investor presentations, and engagement letters with third‑party service providers.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments in structured finance, track regulatory consultations, and engage in internal and external working groups.
• Engage with and instruct external counsel.
• Liaise with key transaction parties, trustees, paying agents, corporate service providers, and swap providers.
• Review and develop internal standard documents, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 4–10 years of post‑qualification experience (required).
• Solid understanding and experience in securitisation and structured finance transactions, including capital markets and 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 and industry trends (required).
• Experience working in a transactional environment, either in private practice or in‑house (required).
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (required).
• Reputable commercial, pragmatic and enthusiastic approach to tasks (required).
• Commercially minded with adaptability to a varied workload (required).
• Numeracy skills with good experience of Excel and PowerPoint (preferred).

Benefits

• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after 5 years of service; option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.
• £6,000 car allowance per year.
• Company‑funded private medical insurance.
• Death‑in‑service benefit and income protection insurance, with discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
• Participation in share plans.
• Employee discounts on Santander products and services.
• Competitive rewards reflecting your impact.
• Well‑being support across physical, mental, social and financial pillars, including fitness access, online classes, and flexible healthcare.
• Family‑friendly benefits, including enhanced leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Opportunities for volunteering and global career growth.

Right to Work

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

Hybrid Working

Office-based role with a hybrid working pattern; colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro‑rata for part‑time roles).

EEO Statement

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.