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General Counsel for Germany, Austria and Nordics and Country Counsel for Germany

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Citi

11d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Legal
  • Frankfurt
  • 4d left

AI generated summary

  • You need strong banking/legal experience, knowledge of EBA guidelines, excellent English/German skills, a law degree, team leadership abilities, and strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • You will provide legal guidance to internal clients, manage regulatory relationships, oversee external legal services, and lead a team in supporting business operations in Germany, Austria, and Nordics.

Requirements

  • Demonstrable professional experience in banking and regulatory laws and very good background within Capital Markets/Investment Banking products
  • Knowledge of European Banking and applicable regulation
  • Good business and workflow understanding
  • Very good management and leadership skills
  • Excellent communication skills in German and English
  • Excellent PC skills
  • Fully qualified in German law (University degree and both state exams; at least one “Vollbefriedigend”)
  • Sound knowledge of and practical experience in EBA guidelines and European Regulations
  • Bank traineeship (Bankkaufmann)
  • Ability to lead a team and foster an open and inclusive team culture
  • Commercially focused problem solver
  • Flexibility and resilience, ability to react to changing priorities
  • Structured working
  • Open-minded, team-oriented mindset
  • Good project management skills
  • Well-developed organizational abilities
  • Thoroughness

Responsibilities

  • To provide legal advice to internal clients (colleagues from Legal and all business units in Frankfurt and other Citigroup offices) and on all legal matters relating to the businesses in Germany and in the countries where CGME is located, as well as in Austria and to the Citigroup offices in Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
  • Accountable for legal counsel provided to the CGME CEO, Citi Country Head for Germany, relevant Country Cluster Head, Citi Country Officers and country senior management, control functions and businesses on sensitive legal, regulatory and franchise matters associated with Citi’s business activities in the countries and/or region covered; ensuring that Citi is appropriately addressing legal, regulatory and franchise risks in these countries/regions. The role supports all Citi Legal Vehicles active in the countries covered.
  • Supports strategic initiatives of the businesses and functions in countries covered. Provides subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advises business management/leadership on all manner of legal matters impacting the business.
  • Advises the Regional CEO and CCO on business, franchise and reputational legal issues.
  • Takes an active role in any relevant regional, cluster or country-level governance committees (directly or through their team), e.g., regional management committees, country coordinating committee, business risk & controls committee; acts as lawyer providing support to the country.
  • The role is part of the CGME Management Board and is responsible for legal, regulatory, independent research and CSIS matters. As Member of the Management Board the role has to represent the interests of CGME towards external and internal stakeholders (such as regulators, headquarters, etc.) and has full responsibility for the legal entity, collectively with the other Management Board members as set out in the German Stock Corporation Act. The role is also responsible for CGME relations with the BaFin and all other German regulatory bodies and ECB that are relevant to Citi’s business in Germany.
  • Management and coordination of the provision of external legal services.
  • Liaise with compliance in the development, updating and presentation of training materials related to local laws and regulations.
  • Together with Litigation colleagues, as appropriate, manages and organizes the handling of litigation cases in which Citigroup entities are involved as defendants or claimants.
  • In coordination with CEO, Cluster head and CCOs, as appropriate, represents the firm with clients, government bodies or other organizations; provides legal advice to the CEO, Citi Cluster Head and/or Citi Country Officer and country management to support Citi’s maintaining good relations with local regulators and all other local regulatory bodies that are relevant to Citi business activities. The role will manage all relationships with external legal counsel retained to support the German, Austrian & Nordic businesses.
  • Anticipates, evaluates, and appropriately responds to developments in local and international environments that impact firm policies; assist the firm in evolving to meet marketplace and client needs.
  • In General Counsel capacity, appropriately assesses legal risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by providing clarity and analysis on applicable laws, rules, regulations and country or European guidelines and their interpretation. Provides support on Policy interpretation. Applies sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervises the activity of direct and matrix reports and creates accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.
  • Plays a leadership role in Europe and reports for Legal matters into the Europe Cluster and Europe Legal Vehicles Counsel. In addition, the role will work as a partner with product lawyers based in Europe on transactions that may be originated in Europe or other Citi offices but involve German and CGME legal matters.
  • Manages a team by providing guidance, evaluating employee performance, and providing recommendations for pay increases, promotions, terminations, personnel-related matters, as applicable. The team will comprise of a team of lawyers who support all of the products and services originated in Germany, Austria & Nordics by the businesses, including but not limited to, Equities, Commodities, Fixed Income derivatives, Investment Banking, Loans, Trade Finance and Global Transaction Services. In particular, the role will have direct responsibility to support the European Markets business. In addition, there are matrix reporting lines from German CSIS and independent research into the role. The role has the regulatory responsibility for these areas.

FAQs

What is the primary location for this position?

The primary location for this position is Frankfurt, Germany.

What are the countries covered in this role?

The role covers legal matters for Germany, Austria, and the Nordic countries, which include Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.

What is the organizational level of this position?

This position is a senior management-level role, classified as a Managing Director in the C16 grade.

What are the main responsibilities of the General Counsel for Germany, Austria, and Nordics?

The main responsibilities include providing legal support and guidance on a broad range of legal matters, managing a team of lawyers, advising senior management on legal issues, and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

Who does this role report to?

The role reports directly to the Europe Cluster and Europe Legal Vehicles Counsel and has a matrix report to CGME’s Chief Executive Officer.

What qualifications are preferred for this position?

Preferred qualifications include being fully qualified in German law, having sound knowledge of EBA guidelines and European Regulations, and completing a bank traineeship (Bankkaufmann).

What skills are essential for this role?

Essential skills include demonstrable experience in banking and regulatory laws, management and leadership abilities, excellent communication in German and English, and strong project management skills.

Is experience in Capital Markets or Investment Banking required?

Yes, a strong background in Capital Markets and Investment Banking products is required.

What is the expected development value for someone in this position?

The role has the potential to grow into a cluster or global Legal senior role with expanded responsibilities.

Does the role involve interaction with regulatory bodies?

Yes, this role is responsible for managing relations with regulatory bodies such as BaFin and other relevant German regulatory authorities.

What is the team size for this role?

The role involves leading a team of lawyers, but the exact team size is not specified in the job description.

Are there any specific competencies required for success in this role?

Key competencies include the ability to lead a team, flexibility and resilience, structured working habits, and strong organizational abilities.

Finance
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1998
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Citigroup Inc. or Citi is an American multinational investment bank and financial services corporation headquartered in New York City. Citi's operation is to provide financial services that enable growth and economic progress. Core activities are safeguarding assets, lending money, making payments and accessing the capital markets.

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