Life Insurance & Annuities Start Up Seeking Experienced Compliance and Regulatory Counsel to join their new and fast growing business.
Compliance & Regulatory Counsel - Life Insurance
Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior In-House Legal Counsel to join their dynamic team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in providing comprehensive legal support with a primary focus on compliance and regulatory work flow, claims handling, policyholder and product compliance, and broader commercial legal matters. This role will also involve significant responsibilities in drafting, negotiation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and transactions within the Life Insurance sector.
Key Responsibilities:
Compliance and Regulatory Workflow:
- Ensure the company's compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Develop, implement, and monitor compliance policies and procedures.
- Conduct regulatory research and provide guidance on regulatory changes affecting the business.
- Liaise with regulatory authorities and manage regulatory examinations and audits.
- Train and educate staff on compliance issues and regulatory requirements.
Claims Handling:
- Provide legal support for the management of claims, including complex and high-value cases.
- Oversee the claims handling process to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
- Advise on dispute resolution and litigation strategies related to claims.
- Collaborate with the claims department to improve claims management procedures.
Policyholder and Product Compliance:
- Ensure insurance products comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
- Review and approve policy wordings, endorsements, and marketing materials.
- Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to new product development.
- Handle legal aspects of policyholder complaints and disputes.
Commercial Legal Matters:
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including service agreements, supplier contracts, and partnership agreements.
- Provide legal support for business operations and strategic initiatives.
- Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure compliance with corporate policies.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Transactions:
- Provide legal advice and support for M&A activities, including due diligence, structuring, negotiation, and integration.
- Draft and review transaction documents, including purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and financing documents.
- Coordinate with external counsel and other advisors as necessary.
General Legal Support:
- Manage and mitigate legal risks by designing and implementing policies and procedures.
- Provide legal advice and support to senior management and various departments within the company.
- Supervise and mentor junior legal staff as required.
- Stay updated on legal trends and industry developments to proactively address potential legal issues.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree from an accredited institution.
- Admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 6 years of legal experience, with significant exposure to compliance, regulatory, and commercial legal matters within the Life and Health Insurance sector.
- Proven experience in handling complex claims, product compliance, and commercial transactions.
- Strong knowledge of insurance law, corporate law, and regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with M&A transactions in the insurance industry.
- Familiarity with international regulatory environments and cross-border transactions.
- Leadership experience with a track record of mentoring and developing junior legal professionals.
- Strong business acumen and strategic thinking abilities.
If interested, apply today or reach out to Declan Frith at Oliver James for a confidential conversation.
