SVP - Lead Counsel I (Banking & Lending) (Hybrid)

As part of the Citi Global Wealth (“CGW”) Legal department, the Senior Lead Counsel I will primarily be engaged in providing broad-based advice on various issues and projects related to the North America (“NAM”) Lending business (“Lending”) of CGW and also support CGW’s Banking business (“Banking”). This senior role will be integral to the global Banking & Lending Legal team, involving a wide range of transactional work, advising on legal and regulatory issues (including in respect of new regulations) in connection with lending to individuals and various entity types across several product areas (including margin lending, commercial and residential real estate, aircraft, art, sports, and lawyer and other professional finance), deposit and custody products as well as leading special projects and escalations. The role requires regular interaction with CGW Legal colleagues (and external counsel as required) to ensure adequate coordination on practices, procedures and that global product launches work from a North American U.S. legal and regulatory perspective.

The role reports directly to the Legal Senior Group Manager for CGW Banking & Lending. Close alignment and collaboration with the Business and with key areas across Citigroup, including other Legal areas, Compliance/ICRM and Risk will be an essential aspect to the role. Responsibilities: Proactively advise the Lending business on, and issue spot, legal, franchise and regulatory matters, including related to Regulation U, Regulation T, Regulation Z and Regulation B, among others, in connection with day-to-day new and existing client transactions and in the development of domestic and cross-border products and services; Support the Lending business by drafting and overseeing the maintenance of credit documentation for margin lending and other Lending products; Oversee transactions that are documented by external counsel from inception to completion, addressing key legal issues, participating in the negotiation of core documentation, and liaising with external counsel and transactors to ensure efficient and structured process; Establish, both directly and with outside counsel where appropriate, a well-founded basis for the institution to access collateral even in the event of a client’s insolvency and guide the Lending business on the impacts of Basel III (and IV); Advise the Residential Real Estate business on consumer regulations governing mortgage origination and servicing, including Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA); Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA); Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA); Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) and the Fair Debt Collections Act (FDCPA); Advise on commercial terms and regulatory treatment of banking products such as deposits, time deposits, placements and premium instruments such as inclusion of negative interest rate clauses and bank’s rights upon pre-termination of time deposits; Advise on escrow and custody arrangements and other banking related matters; Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firms reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to policy; and Apply sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

Qualifications : 7 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services Banking or financial industry experience, including laws related to banking regulations Knowledge of international laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the business Experience with complex deals, demonstrated ability to analyze issues and develop legal solutions Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships Excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational and relationship management skills Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing assignments in a demanding, fast-paced environment and to view the larger picture of the product process and associated risks Proven ability to apply the care and exactness required in internal and client-facing documentation, identify legal and franchise risk, and to escalate issues on an appropriate basis Bar license in good standing to practice law Education: Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree