Chief Counsel, Wealth and Asset Management, Asia

The Opportunity:

From emerging risks and new products to legal developments impacting investment management entities, general counsels in Asia have been tasked with increasingly complex leadership mandates in recent years.
Given these new opportunities and challenges, Manulife is seeking a Chief Counsel for Wealth and Asset Management in Asia to lead the legal team across 10 markets in Asia.

The Asia Chief Counsel will report to the General Counsel for Global Wealth and Asset Management and matrix to the Asia CEO for Wealth and Management, Asia. She/he will be part of the Asia Leadership Team (the executive committee for Wealth and Management, Asia) and will play a pivotal role in advising the business on driving growth and advancing its digital and customer - centric efforts.

The Asia Chief Counsel overseas a team of lawyers and paralegals (currently 10) across Asia and the role will be based in Hong Kong. There are 7 L&C heads in the various jurisdictions that will matrix to this role.

Key responsibilities:

. Effectively lead and manage the legal services provided to Wealth and Asset Management, Asia including Retail businesses (eg. fund formation work and distribution work), Institutional businesses (eg. Negotiating investment management agreements), Retirement businesses (eg. the MPF business in HK) in Asia.
. Support strategic product initiatives across new asset classes/differentiated product ranges (e.g., tokenization initiatives).
. Given the inorganic growth ambitions of Global Wealth and Asset Management both outside or Asia and in Asia, experience in M&A deals, and supporting joint ventures and post-acquisition transaction work is key.
. Demonstrated understanding of how to operate in a global company by delivering timely and relevant communications, ensuring a no-surprise culture.
. Role model the correct and inclusive leadership behaviors that demonstrate commitment to Manulife's values.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Competencies):

The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in legal leadership roles in a global asset management firm. She/he will play an advisory role to senior stakeholders and help them balance legal risk mitigation with the commercial goals of the business. The candidate should be experienced at building relationships in order to influence in a global business environment and across multiple jurisdictions and cultures.

. LLB or J.D. and admission to the Bar in an Asian jurisdiction required.
. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate and influence at all levels of the organization, including senior management. Ability to communicate in Chinese (both putonghua and Cantonese).
. Demonstrated leadership in the management and supervision of a legal team across a number of jurisdictions.
. Ability to work independently ie. roll up his/her sleeves and pitch in, under substantial time pressure and competing goals, in collaboration with the Chief Counsel Global Wealth and Asset Management.

• We'll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We'll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we'll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit .

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants wh o request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact .