ABOUT THE ROLEThe VP, Associate General Counsel Banking serves as the primary legal advisor for the bank, providing counsel on regulatory, operational, and litigation matters. This role supports a regulated banking subsidiary and ensures legal risks are effectively managed while enabling business growth in line with regulatory expectations and enterprise risk appetite.
The position partners closely with senior leadership, the Chief Legal Officer, and the Board to support strategic decision-making and strengthen the bank s legal and compliance framework.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Serve as the lead legal advisor on banking, regulatory, enforcement, and complex operational matters, providing practical and business-focused guidance aligned with regulatory requirements and internal risk appetite.
- Oversee legal strategy related to banking regulation, including regulatory examinations, supervisory inquiries, investigations, and enforcement matters involving federal and state regulators. Maintain direct involvement in regulatory communications, written submissions, and board-level reporting.
- Interpret and advise on federal and state banking laws, including consumer protection and commercial banking regulations, ensuring alignment between legal requirements and business operations. Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the bank s strategy and operations.
- Manage significant legal risk matters, including disputes, investigations, and pre-litigation strategy. Oversee outside counsel engagement, including strategy, budgeting, and performance management, while driving efficient and cost-effective resolution of legal issues.
- Negotiate, draft, and approve complex contracts, disclosures, policies, and other legal documentation supporting banking products, vendor relationships, and operational initiatives. Provide legal guidance on product development, vendor management, privacy, and information security matters.
- Support governance activities and provide legal input to board and committee discussions related to regulatory and banking matters. Serve as an escalation point for complex legal issues and high-risk decisions.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Business teams to support scalable growth while maintaining strong legal and regulatory controls. Provide mentorship and subject matter guidance to legal and compliance professionals.
Represent the organization in industry forums, regulatory groups, and external engagements, monitoring legal and regulatory trends and recommending enhancements to internal frameworks, policies, and controls.
Promote a strong culture of ethical conduct, sound judgment, and risk awareness across the organization through influence, collaboration, and leadership.