Executive Director - Derivatives Legal - Banking/Financial Services

Role Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned legal professional to serve as the Executive Director for our Global Master Documentation and Derivatives Legal division in Mumbai. In this high-impact leadership role, you will oversee the strategic direction and execution of complex derivative documentation frameworks, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of global regulatory compliance. You will partner closely with senior global stakeholders, front-office trading desks, and risk management teams to navigate intricate legal landscapes. By spearheading large-scale documentation projects and driving institutional policy, you will directly influence the firm's risk mitigation strategies and operational efficiency, ensuring seamless cross-border transaction capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and mentor high-performing legal teams to manage the end-to-end lifecycle of ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes, and other complex derivatives documentation to ensure robust contractual protection.

- Drive the negotiation strategy for high-stakes, cross-jurisdictional transactions, providing expert counsel to internal stakeholders to balance commercial objectives with legal risk exposure.

- Oversee the implementation of global regulatory compliance initiatives, ensuring that documentation frameworks adapt swiftly to evolving international financial regulations and market standards.

- Manage large-scale documentation remediation projects, coordinating across global offices to streamline processes and enhance the firm's operational resilience.

- Cultivate strong relationships with external legal counsel, industry bodies, and regulatory authorities to represent the firm's interests and influence industry-wide documentation standards.

Required Skillset:

- Demonstrate mastery in drafting and negotiating complex derivatives documentation, including ISDA, GMRA, and GMSLA agreements, with a deep understanding of the underlying legal and commercial nuances.

- Exhibit exceptional leadership capabilities, with a proven track record of managing large, geographically dispersed teams and fostering a culture of excellence and professional development.

- Possess a sophisticated grasp of global regulatory frameworks and corporate law, enabling the ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable business strategies.

- Utilize advanced project management skills to lead cross-functional initiatives, ensuring that deliverables are met within tight timelines while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

- Communicate with gravitas and clarity, effectively influencing C-suite stakeholders and navigating sensitive negotiations with external partners.

- Maintain a minimum of 18 to 25 years of extensive experience in a top-tier law firm or a global financial institution, demonstrating a consistent trajectory of increasing responsibility.

- Adapt seamlessly to a high-pressure, hybrid work environment in Mumbai, maintaining productivity and team cohesion across different time zones.