26 Aug 2026
Frankfurt, HE, DE, 60311
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SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term
Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.
Who we are
United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives.
We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.
Role Summary
The fixed-term Corporate Counsel role involves, inter alia, the following tasks:
Advising on full range of banking and corporate law (i.a. KWG, AktG, HGB) applicable to financial institutions operating internationally as well as EU law initiatives incl. digital transformation and innovation technology (e.g. DORA, AI etc.).
Assessing and advising on respective changes of the legal landscape, jurisprudence and market developments affecting the Bank and its operations in various jurisdictions.
Collaborating with various stakeholders and supporting on strategic, regulatory and sustainability initiatives and projects.
Reviewing, drafting and advising on a wide range of documentation (e.g. contracts, opinions, policies and procedures) in line with business requirements of SMBC Bank EU AG, its branches and its subsidiary on EU Group level in accordance with respective laws and regulations.
Working closely with all Departments if the Bank to understand specific needs and provide legal solutions to dedicated tasks and projects.
Engaging / managing external counsel with the aim of achieving high quality legal advice while considering the aim of controlling external legal costs.
Ensuring close coordination and support across Legal Departments in SMBC Bank EU AG and SMBC EMEA in order to ensure that relevant stakeholders are provided with consistent and efficient legal advice.
Representing SMBC Bank EU AG on industry working groups and ensure that the bank’s interests are put forward consistently and coherently in consultations and advocacy efforts.
Business Area
Position Description
The Corporate Counsel shall be providing corporate legal advice to all internal functions and lines of business operated by SMBC Bank EU AG’s, its branches and subsidiary across EEA (first, second and third line of defence)
The role requires deep knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework for financial institutions in Germany and EU
Knowledge and skills:
Legal Education & Qualifications (1st and 2nd German Bar Exam)
Several years’ experience in the financial sector gained in a law firm or in-house in a financial institution
Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
Ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers
Team player with a commercial mindset
Ability to work with different stakeholders on various corporate levels across different cultures
Competencies
Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity
What we offer
For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.
As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:
Hybrid and flexible working
Competitive paid leave days
Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance
Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
Ambitious remuneration package
The anticipated annual salary range for this role is 84,000 - 126,000 €, with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.
So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!
We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.
We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Compensation is determined using objective criteria, including skills, experience, and role responsibilities, and applied consistently throughout our recruitment processes. We do not request candidates' pay history and are committed to preventing unjustified pay disparities.
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About SMBC
A trusted partner for the long term
United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
about what we do and who we are at https://www.smbcgroup.com/emea/careers
