Description

An internationally active financial institution with a strong European presence is seeking a Head of Legal & Compliance to lead its Frankfurt‑based function. This senior role combines strategic advisory responsibility with hands‑on leadership in a highly regulated environment and offers close exposure to executive management and international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all legal and compliance activities for the German platform, ensuring full adherence to local and European regulatory requirements
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior management and the board on regulatory developments, governance matters, and legal risk
• Maintain and further develop the compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Manage relationships with regulatory authorities and coordinate regulatory interactions, inspections, and inquiries
• Oversee legal matters relating to banking, financial services, corporate governance, and contracts, working closely with external counsel where required
• Promote and embed a strong compliance culture across the organisation through guidance, training, and oversight
• Monitor regulatory change and assess its impact on the business, providing practical and forward‑looking advice
• Collaborate closely with international head office functions and European colleagues to ensure alignment with group standards

Qualifications & Experience

• Fully qualified lawyer or equivalent legal qualification, ideally admitted in Germany
• Extensive experience in legal and compliance roles within regulated financial institutions, such as banking, asset management, or investment firms
• Strong knowledge of German and European financial services regulation (e.g. BaFin, ECB, EU regulatory frameworks)
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage and develop a legal and compliance function
• Demonstrated capability to operate at senior management level, providing clear, pragmatic, and commercially sound advice
• Excellent stakeholder‑management skills and confidence dealing with regulators and external advisers
• Strong analytical judgement, integrity, and the ability to balance regulatory rigor with business needs
• Fluency in English and German