VP, Capital Markets Counsel - DCM and High Yield

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation • New York, NY

2d • $178,000 - $235,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.

In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $178,000.00 and $235,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.
Role DescriptionSMBC is seeking an experienced attorney to provide primary legal coverage for the firm’s active and growing Investment Grade and High Yield Debt businesses. The Vice President and Counsel for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation will work within the Legal Department and report to the Head of Capital Markets & Advisory Legal.Role ObjectivesPrimary responsibilities include:

Providing legal advice to internal stakeholders who originate and underwrite public and private debt capital markets securities issuances (investment grade debt, high yield debt);
Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating transaction documentation on a wide variety of capital markets transactions including public offerings, 144A/Reg S transactions, private placements, commitment papers and liability management transactions,
Working closely with the front office to support the real-time execution of capital markets transactions; and
Identifying and advising on a broad range of legal and regulatory issues relating to capital markets.

Other responsibilities include:

Preparing and maintaining form documentation for capital markets transactions including engagement letters, purchase agreements, etc.,
Collaborating with other members of Americas Division Legal Department to ensure a consistent approach to institutional issues; and
Collaboration with colleagues in other functions including compliance, transaction management, risk, planning and others to review policies, practices and consider new initiatives.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York bar (or clear qualification of eligibility for waiving in from another jurisdiction with which New York has reciprocity) and a member of good standing of such bar.
• 3-5 years minimum experience in capital markets at a law firm and in-house legal department required. Prior experience working in-house in a financial services institution is strongly preferred.
• Excellent legal and analytical skills and expertise in capital markets transactions.
• Significant experience in DCM/Investment Grade securities is preferred.
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced, high-volume, demanding environment, and manage a significant workload with minimal supervision.
• Proven skills in legal and regulatory risk management. Ability to see past the question and understand the bigger picture. Ability to balance competing demands and protect institutional interests. Ability to articulate complex concepts and ideas and apply them at a practical level to real-world situations.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule (including 3 days in office), sitting alongside the business on the days in office.
• Excellent communication skills, technical drafting skills, and issue-spotting skills. Ability to think creatively and propose solutions.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity required. Must be a team player.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day hands-on legal advice and support relating to the DCM and High Yield businesses and sit with the front office team on the desk
• Review and advise on transaction documentation for live transactions including offering documents, purchase agreements, legal opinions, comfort letters, engagement letters, term sheets, and other transaction documents.
• Identify U.S. and cross-border legal, regulatory, and market issues affecting the DCM and High Yield businesses, including compliance with SEC and FINRA rules.
• Provide clear, concise, and accurate legal advice.
• Work closely with outside counsel and manage the law firm relationships and legal costs.
• Maintain and update form documents for the DCM and High Yield businesses.
• Collaborate and coordinate with attorneys in Legal and other internal partners to ensure adherence to institutional standards and policies. Escalate material issues and developments to senior attorneys and members of management.
• Provide additional legal support for Equity Capital Markets and M&A Advisory businesses from time-to-time.
• Contribute to industry initiatives through SIFMA and other trade organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed