Bank Regulatory, Counsel - Vice President

Role Description

Step into a role where your bank regulatory expertise can meaningfully influence a fast-moving financial organization. SMBC is looking for a bank regulatory counsel who is eager to take on complex regulatory challenges and serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to leadership. This attorney will join the Bank Regulatory & Governance legal team within the Americas Legal Department. This position offers the chance to work closely with business partners, provide critical legal counsel on complex bank regulatory matters and contribute to strategic decision making across the bank.

The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic environments. You bring strong analytical skills, a proactive mindset and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. If you are a highly motivated legal professional who enjoys solving problems, thinking strategically and making an impact, we would love to meet you.

Role Objectives

The Bank Regulatory Counsel will be responsible for:

• Advising SMBC businesses and control functions on U.S. bank regulatory matters, including application of, and compliance with, applicable US banking laws and guidance
• Review and advise on equity investments for permissibility under the BHCA, including reviewing, drafting and/or negotiating related protective provisions in investment documentation.
• Analyze and research complex legal issues and translate the research and analysis into practical and effective advice
• Support new products, services and partnerships from a U.S. bank regulatory perspective
• Reviewing and advising on applications, reports, and other regulatory submissions to U.S. federal and state banking regulators.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate legal, regulatory and supervisory risks
• Analyze evolving banking regulations and translate regulatory requirements into actionable guidance
• Help scale regulatory processes in a fast-growing, globally operating organization
• Preparing FAQs, decision trees and checklists to guide the business units and functions on legal and regulatory matters
• Preparing and presenting training on applicable U.S. bank regulatory requirements
• Engaging and managing outside counsel.

Qualifications and Skills

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to the New York Bar in good standing (or qualification of eligibility for waiving in from another reciprocal jurisdiction)
• At least four years of in-house, law firm or regulatory agency experience advising financial institutions on U.S. banking laws and regulations
• Working knowledge of the regulatory framework applicable to foreign banks with U.S. bank and nonbank operations, including the following statutes and regulations:
• Bank Holding Company Act, International Banking Act and Federal Reserve Act
• Federal Reserve regulations, including Regulations K, W, Y, YY and the Volcker Rule
• National Bank Act and OCC regulations
• Dodd-Frank Act
• New York Banking Law and related NY DFS regulations and guidance
• Experience advising on and structuring minority equity investments and joint ventures to comply with the Bank Holding Company Act and its implementing regulations
• Basic knowledge of key aspects of the Investment Company Act and Investments Advisers Act is a bonus
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve problems and exercise judgment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex regulatory concepts into clear, actionable guidance
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively
• Experience working independently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with various global stakeholders