General Counsel

About Us

SGB is an innovative and tech-focused digital bank based in Bahrain that is reshaping the new financial ecosystem with the goal of serving as a nexus between traditional and digital financial services. We aim to be the most trusted banking partner within the fintech and digital assets space and to build a one-stop solution providing comprehensive banking, payment, treasury and custody solutions for the new economy. We are looking out for forward thinking and like-minded builders to join our fast-growing team.

About the role:

We are seeking an experienced and highly-motivated General Counsel to head our legal function and play a pivotal leadership role within a fast-growing digital bank. Based in Singapore, you will report directly to the CEO and serve as the chief legal advisor to senior management across the group.

You will be responsible for leading and growing the legal team, overseeing all legal, regulatory and corporate governance matters and partner closely with business leaders across the group. You will be involved in advising business teams on a variety of matters, including financial regulations, legal risks, innovative and new-to-market banking products, tech and commercial matters, fund raising, corporate governance and other projects.

Your responsibilities:

• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board of Directors, CEO and other senior management.

• Lead, develop, and manage the legal team to ensure high-quality support across all business lines.

• Oversee legal, regulatory, and corporate governance matters for the group and its subsidiaries.

• Drive legal and regulatory risk management, ensuring robust frameworks and proactive risk mitigation.

• Advise on financial regulations, innovative and bespoke banking products, commercial, tech, and corporate matters, M&A, fundraising, and strategic transactions.

• Partner with cross-border teams to support global expansion and market entry initiatives.

• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of key contracts and agreements, including high-value strategic partnerships.

• Oversee engagement with regulators and manage relationships with external counsel across multiple jurisdictions.

• Ensure the bank’s policies, processes, and practices reflect compliance with applicable laws and best practices.

• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team, influencing strategy, culture, and risk management across the business.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree/JD from a reputable law school.

• Qualified to practise in Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, U.S. or other common law countries.

• At least 12–15 years PQE, with a strong mix of top-tier law firm and in-house experience.

• Significant expertise in financial regulations, banking, and financial services. Experience and/or interest in digital assets will be an advantage.

• Proven track record of leadership in managing legal teams and advising senior stakeholders.

• Commercially minded with the ability to balance risk with business needs in a fast-moving environment.

• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Hands-on, entrepreneurial approach; able to thrive in a dynamic, high-growth setting.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is an advantage.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package

• Corporate medical and dental insurance plan

• Health and wellness benefits

• Health screening and vaccination benefits