Senior Legal Counsel, HSBC Qianhai (GCB 4 or 5)

HSBC Qianhai

HSBC Qianhai Securities Limited (HSBC Qianhai), a joint venture securities company, was incorporated on 28 August 2017, pursuant to Supplementary Agreement X to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangements (CEPA) between the mainland and Hong Kong.

The registered capital of HSBC Qianhai is RMB1.8 billion. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) holds 90% of the shares, while Qianhai Financial Holdings Co., Ltd. (QFH) holds the remaining 10%. Our headquarters are located in Qianhai, Shenzhen. We have branch offices in Beijing and Shanghai, and a trading outlet in Qianhai, Shenzhen.

By combining solid expertise in the domestic capital market with the global competitive advantage of the HSBC Group, we are committed to providing our customers with comprehensive securities services and a diverse range of products, aspiring to be your unique partner in China's onshore capital markets.

Our purpose – ‘Opening up a world of opportunity’ – explains why we exist. For information about our purpose and values, please visit HSBC.com.

HSBC Qianhai is part of one of the world’s largest financial services organisations. Whether you are an experienced professional, looking for your first job, or are interested in one of our student and graduate programmes, we provide many ways for you to develop your skills and achieve your career ambitions in a diverse and inclusive environment.

We offer opportunities across our organisation to build a fulfilling career and work with colleagues and customers around the world. We have roles available in business areas including Investment Banking, Securities Brokerage, Investment Advisory, Securities Proprietary Trading, Asset Management and Private Wealth Management, and Functions, Digital Business Services.

We look for people who are ambitious and want to develop their career and contribute to HSBC’s long-term, sustainable growth. We want employees who can help us achieve our strategy, balance social, environmental and economic considerations and manage risk accordingly.

To ensure we achieve this growth in the right way, we place great emphasis on our values. We are committed to applying the highest standards throughout the company, everywhere we do business.

Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our business. Joining HSBC will give you the opportunity to work in a collegiate and supportive environment in which we seek to develop and promote you based on merit.

We also have a strong commitment to sustainability and encourage employees to participate in our community projects and other activities.

Principal responsibilities​

To provide legal advice, guidance and support to HSBC Qianhai businesses in relation to securities brokerage, research and proprietary trading activities in China. We expect the candidate to have experience dealing with and conducting negotiations with institutional clients/ counterparties such as QFIIs, overseas prime brokers and domestic institutional clients (such as fund managers) and knowledge of stock and bond connect programs, margin financing, block trades and structured notes businesses. 

• To advise on and assist HSBC Qianhai businesses in the review and negotiation of the relevant contractual and deal documentation and the relevant legal and regulatory issues.
• The role holder is also expected to provide other general legal advice under PRC law on matters and legal issues other than those relating to the above business lines, which can include, for example, outsourcing and IT agreements etc.
• To keep HSBC Qianhai templates and guidance notes up to date and assist in any other legal project work and initiatives.
• To advise, coordinate responses and, where applicable, supervise external counsel in relation to client transactions, as well as complaints and litigation affecting HSBC Qianhai (if any).
• To manage legal, fiduciary and reputational risks in relation to HSBC Qianhai businesses per HSBC Qianhai policies and procedures and internal risk management requirements, as well as providing appropriate legal advice and recommendation to HSBC Qianhai businesses and other functions on legal and regulatory developments affecting its businesses and operations in China.
• To assist the Head of Legal of HSBC Qianhai in the management and operations of the department.

Qualifications Requirements

• Qualified PRC lawyer with substantial post qualification experience for at least 5 years in relation to securities brokerage, research and proprietary trading activities in China. 
• The role will require specialist knowledge of and experience in the above businesses in the domestic market in China (including knowledge of stock and bond connect programs, margin financing, block trades and structured notes businesses) and preferably, experience in dealing with and conducting negotiations with overseas and domestic institutional clients and counterparties. Candidates with more experience can be offered a senior legal counsel role.
• Fluency in oral and written English (especially in legal drafting) is a must.
• Prior experience in major PRC law firms with securities practice and/or other securities joint venture companies and exposure to cross-border securities transactions are preferred.
• Experienced and confident practitioner.
• Up-to-date knowledge of developments in relation to own industry sector.
• Able to handle a diverse range of legal issues (e.g. securities laws, company laws, security taking and properties issues etc).
• Self-starter, independent with good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and inter-personal skills. 
• Lateral thinking/problem solving.
• Stamina and ability to work under pressure and within time constraints.
• Ability to deal with highly confidential and commercially sensitive information with discretion.

Location: Shenzhen/Shanghai