Legal Counsel/Documentation Specialist – Structured Securities (Hong Kong)

Overview

BNP Paribas is at the forefront of progress and development, delivering better outcomes for clients and careers. We are seeking a qualified lawyer or documentation specialist to join BNP Paribas’ Structured Securities LEGAL team in Hong Kong. The Structured Securities team currently comprises three members and supports Global Markets and ALM Treasury teams across APAC on structured securities (i.e., securities with an embedded derivative or other structured pay-off) issued under BNPP and third-party securities issuance programmes, as well as related legal and documentation issues (e.g., lifecycle events). The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Global Markets LEGAL teams across APAC on a variety of legal advisory and documentation tasks. The ideal candidate has a genuine interest in financial markets, derivatives, and structured finance transactions, with strong attention to detail and high accuracy in documentation. Candidates without direct experience but with motivation to learn and take on new challenges will be considered.

Primary Role Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for advising on transactional matters relating to all types of structured securities marketed and distributed to BNP Paribas’ clients across APAC (the Primary Coverage Area). This entails:

• Preparing documents for securities issuances (e.g., Pricing Supplements and/or Final Terms) in note, warrant, and certificate form issued under BNPP’s balance sheet issuance programmes and third-party EMTN programmes;
• Advising internal stakeholders from Global Markets and ALM Treasury teams on general and issuance-specific topics relating to securities and issuance programmes;
• Supporting internal stakeholders from front, middle and back office teams on all aspects of the securities issuance process (including settlement instructions and listing applications);
• Keeping up to date with market and regulatory developments and sharing knowledge with relevant areas of business, across legal teams globally and with other functions as appropriate;
• Managing legal risks relating to BNPP’s securities issuance business in accordance with prevailing CIB LEGAL standards; and
• Instructing and interacting with outside counsel in relation to the provision of external legal services.

Other Contributions

You will also be expected to demonstrate:

• Strong technical knowledge, experience and ability (including analytical skills) within the Primary Coverage Area;
• A high degree of accuracy, numeracy, attention to detail and logical thinking;
• Confidence to advise on legal and regulatory issues relating to structured securities and in managing relationships with business people in this demanding area;
• Ability to communicate effectively and confidently with individuals at all levels of seniority and from diverse cultures.

What is Required to Succeed?

In order to succeed, you should:

• Have a willingness to take ownership of assigned matters and projects;
• Maintain a pro-active and “can-do” attitude;
• Be able to independently progress legal-related assignments/projects and drive them through to completion;
• Adopt a commercial minded, solutions-focused approach;
• Be detail oriented but able to act with perspective;
• Be adaptable and intellectually curious;
• Be well-organised and capable of managing multiple tasks in a timely manner;
• Be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, including providing timely updates/reports to your supervisor and colleagues;
• Demonstrate a willingness to support other team members and foster a cohesive, respectful working environment; and
• Be fluent in English (proficiency in Mandarin or another Asian language is advantageous).

Required Education / Certification / Licenses

Prospective candidates should be a qualified lawyer with one (1) to three (3) years of post-qualification experience (or equivalent), relevant to the Primary Coverage Area and gained at an international law firm and/or a global financial institution. Experience in equity, credit, rates, FX or commodity derivatives is a distinct advantage. Candidates who do not hold this qualification but have extensive experience in similar roles and can demonstrate a high level of technical expertise will be considered.

About BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas is a leading European Union bank and one of the world’s largest financial institutions, with an uninterrupted presence in the region since 1860. We offer a wide range of financial services for corporate, institutional and private investors, spanning corporate and institutional banking, wealth management, asset management and insurance. We are committed to diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds, including diversity of origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and disability. We have several internal networks to empower our staff and champion our values.

Diversity & Inclusion Networks

• BNP Paribas PRIDE — active in support of the LGBTQIA+ community
• BNP Paribas MixCity — fosters better representation of women at all levels
• Ability — mutual aid network for employees with a disability or chronic illness
• BNP Paribas CulturAll — celebrates diverse backgrounds

Sustainability & Commitment

BNP Paribas is committed to financing a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. The Group is a founding member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance and has established its own Low Carbon Transition Group to support clients through energy transitions.

Contact / More Information

For more information, visit: https://careers.apac.bnpparibas/

Additional Resources

• BNP Paribas - Diversity & Inclusion Journey
• BNP Paribas - The Bank Of Green Changes
• Award: Top Employer Europe (10th consecutive year)