Head of Legal – Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka

Head of Legal – Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka

Job Overview

Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC (MBSL), a leading finance company and subsidiary of Bank of Ceylon, is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Head of Legal.

The selected candidate will lead and oversee the Legal Division of the company while providing strategic legal guidance to senior management and the Board of Directors. This role involves handling corporate legal matters, regulatory compliance, litigation management, governance, and strategic legal advisory functions within the banking and finance sector.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for experienced legal professionals seeking a high-level career role in Sri Lanka’s financial services industry.

Job Title

Head of Legal

Company

Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC (MBSL)

Job Type

Full-Time

Industry

Banking / Finance / Legal Services

About MBSL

Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC (MBSL) is one of Sri Lanka’s recognized financial institutions and a subsidiary of Bank of Ceylon. The organization is committed to maintaining strong governance, compliance, and operational excellence while delivering innovative financial solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Legal Division of the company
• Provide strategic legal guidance to the Board of Directors, Senior Management, and business units
• Ensure company compliance with:
  • Applicable laws
  • Regulatory requirements
  • Central Bank directions
  • Corporate governance standards
• Advise on:
  • Corporate law
  • Commercial law
  • Banking and finance law
  • Recovery and litigation matters
  • Regulatory issues
• Draft, review, negotiate, and execute:
  • Contracts
  • Agreements
  • Policies
  • Legal documentation
• Manage litigation, disputes, recovery actions, and external legal counsel
• Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks
• Support business transactions, recoveries, investments, and strategic projects
• Develop governance frameworks, legal policies, and procedures
• Manage legal service costs and fee income targets
• Represent the company with regulators, authorities, and legal professionals
• Mentor and develop the Legal Division to ensure operational excellence

Qualifications & Experience

Educational & Professional Qualifications

• Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka & Notary Public
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university

Additional Qualifications

Professional qualifications in the following areas will be an added advantage:

• Banking
• Finance
• Compliance
• Risk Management
• Corporate Governance

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 15–20 years of post-qualification experience in the legal field
• At least 8 years in a senior managerial or leadership capacity
• Prior experience in:
  • Banking
  • Finance
  • Leasing
  • Regulated financial institutions

Technical Expertise

• Strong practical exposure to:
  • Corporate law
  • Banking and finance law
  • Commercial law
  • Recoveries and litigation
  • Regulatory compliance

Competencies & Skills

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills
• High-level legal drafting and communication abilities
• Strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure effectively

Benefits

• Attractive remuneration package
• Senior leadership career opportunity
• Exposure to strategic banking and financial legal operations
• Career progression opportunities
• Professional and dynamic working environment

How to Apply

Applicants should forward their complete CV with contact details of two non-related referees within 14 days of this advertisement.

Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the applied position in the subject line of the email.

Example Subject Line

Head of Legal

Email

careers.mbsl@mbslbank.com

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Applications should be submitted before the deadline
• Ensure all required information is included in the application