The Head of Legal leads the legal function within a financial services organisation, overseeing legal risk management, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. This senior role advises executive leadership on legal matters and ensures the business operates within a robust legal framework aligned with its strategic objectives.
Head of Legal job duties and responsibilities of the job
Key responsibilities of a Head of Legal in the financial services sector include:Providing strategic legal advice to the executive team and board of directorsManaging legal risk and ensuring compliance with financial services regulationsOverseeing all contractual, corporate, and regulatory legal mattersLeading the development and implementation of legal policies, governance frameworks, and compliance protocolsManaging relationships with external legal counsel and regulatory bodiesSupporting M&A transactions, capital raisings, commercial negotiations, and dispute resolutionEnsuring compliance with ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC, and other relevant regulatory obligationsOverseeing company secretarial functions, board support, and statutory filingsLeading, mentoring, and developing the in-house legal teamAdvising on legal aspects of financial crime, privacy, and accountability frameworks (e.g. AML/CTF, Privacy Act, FAR)Contributing to enterprise risk management, including conduct risk and regulatory change initiatives
Typical Head of Legal job qualifications and requirements
A qualified law degree and current legal practising certificate with extensive post-admission experience in financial services are essential. Strong leadership and regulatory knowledge are critical for success in this role.Key skills and attributes for success in this role include:Minimum 10 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong financial services focusDeep understanding of financial services regulation, including ASIC, APRA, AFSL, and CPS 220/234 compliance requirementsProven leadership in managing legal teams and complex legal issuesExperience in contract negotiation, corporate governance, and regulatory complianceAbility to advise on financial crime, privacy, and data protection obligationsExperience supporting organisational change, product development, or regulatory transformationStrong commercial acumen and risk assessment skillsExcellent communication and stakeholder management abilitiesExperience in advising at board and executive levelDemonstrated understanding of ethical frameworks, governance codes, and accountability obligations (e.g. FAR/BEAR)Experience overseeing disputes, managing external counsel, and mitigating litigation risk
Looking for a head of legal or a head of legal job?
The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.
50th Percentile
245000
The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.
75th Percentile
303800
The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.
Salary range based on three percentiles
The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation.
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