Legal Counsel

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Legal Counsel located in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. The Legal Counsel will serve as a key legal advisor on transactional matters, regulatory advisory, and corporate governance. The role is heavily focused on advising regulated firms, structuring and executing financial services transactions, and supporting board and shareholder governance frameworks. The Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing legal advice to the company, drafting and reviewing legal documents, conducting contract negotiations, addressing legal issues, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The role requires active collaboration with cross-functional teams and external legal entities to support business objectives. This is a senior, high-visibility position requiring strong expertise in common law and related regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

1. Transactional & Commercial Advisory

Lead and support complex financial services transactions, including structuring, negotiation, and execution.

Draft and negotiate investment agreements, shareholder agreements, funding documents, commercial contracts, and strategic partnership agreements.

Advise on regulatory implications of new business lines, products, and cross-border transactions.

Support capital raises, restructuring exercises, and strategic investments.

2. Regulatory Advisory

Advise regulated firms on compliance with common law-based regulatory frameworks.

Support licensing applications, variations of permission, and regulatory approvals.

Liaise directly with regulators and external counsel where required.

Provide ongoing advisory support on prudential requirements, conduct of business, and reporting obligations.

3. Governance & Board Advisory

Advise the Board and senior management on governance obligations.

Draft board resolutions, committee charters, governance policies, and corporate documentation.

Support board meetings, prepare materials, and ensure proper documentation of decisions.

Advise directors on fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, and regulatory accountability.

Strengthen internal governance structures aligned with regulatory expectations.

4. Risk & Regulatory Oversight

Identify legal and regulatory risks across the organization and provide mitigation strategies.

Develop internal policies aligned with regulatory requirements.

Oversee external counsel on disputes or enforcement matters if required.

Qualifications & Experience

Law degree (LL.B or equivalent); additional postgraduate qualification preferred.

Qualified lawyer in a common law jurisdiction (UK, Australia, or equivalent preferred).

812 years of experience with strong exposure to Financial services transactions, FSRA / ADGM regulatory advisory, Governance and board advisory work

Experience at a top-tier law firm or in-house within a regulated financial institution is highly preferred.

Key Competencies

Strong transactional drafting and structuring skills.

Deep understanding of regulated financial services environments.

Ability to engage confidently with regulators and board-level stakeholders.

Commercially pragmatic with strong risk judgment.

• High integrity and professional credibility.