Head of Legal – Non-Banking Financial Services | Claremont

SUMMARY:
Head of Legal – Non-Banking Financial Services | Claremont

POSITION INFO:
About the Client Our client is a leading, highly respected South African financial services group specializing in wealth management, asset management, and broader non-banking financial solutions . With a diverse ecosystem comprising a CIS manager, retirement fund administrator, long-term insurer, and treasury outsource business, they offer an intellectually stimulating environment with significant legal complexity . The Opportunity Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Legal will lead and empower a small, dynamic legal team . You will serve as a strategic legal advisor to group entities, executive leadership, and operational business units . Key Responsibilities Strategic Legal Leadership: Provide comprehensive legal counsel across diverse operations, including wealth management, asset management, linked long-term insurance, collective investment schemes, treasury solutions, and marketing . New Business & Growth: Advise on legal risks and lead the legal execution of new business ventures and strategic initiatives . Contracts & Commercial: Draft, vet, and negotiate complex commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and client-facing documentation . Regulatory Engagement & Industry Representation: Proactively interpret regulatory changes, update executive leadership, and represent the group at industry bodies (such as ASISA) . Compliance & Governance: Partner closely with the Compliance department and manage relationships with external legal counsel . Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and drive performance within the internal legal team . Requirements & Qualifications Education: LLB degree and admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa . Experience: Minimum 15 years post-qualification legal experience (PQE) . At least 12 years dedicated experience as an in-house legal advisor or practicing attorney specializing in non-banking financial services law . Demonstrated experience leading and managing a team . Expertise: Deep knowledge of general commercial law and non-banking financial services regulation in South Africa . Skills & Attributes: Strong negotiation skills, exceptional contract drafting abilities, high ethical standards, hands-on leadership style, and strong business insight .