Legal Counsel, Asia Pacific

As a leading, global financial information services provider, Fitch Group delivers vital credit and risk insights, robust data, and dynamic tools to champion more efficient, transparent financial markets. With over 100 years of experience and colleagues in over 30 countries, Fitch Group’s culture of credibility, independence, and transparency is embedded throughout its structure, which includes Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of insights, data and analytics, and Fitch Learning, a global provider of financial education that delivers impactful learning solutions through client-focused programs, courses and professional qualifications. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst. 

Fitch Group is currently seeking a Legal Counsel to manage legal matters in relation to Fitch Group’s business operations in APAC.  

The Fitch Legal team provides legal advice to its clients across the Fitch Group in understanding, evaluating and resolving legal issues relevant to their specific areas.  The global team consists of 13 lawyers based in London, New York, Hong Kong and Japan.

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

In this role, you will support the Asia Pacific businesses in all legal matters. The role will involve daily interaction with the compliance, HR, accounts, business development, analytical and product sales functions.  The work comprises addressing a wide range of legal matters ranging in complexity, including, regulatory, ratings, subscription/licensing, contracts, litigation, employee relations, and company secretarial matters.

You will cover multiple geographies and time zones, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Sri Lanka.

You May be a Good Fit if You Have:

• Minimum 6 years’ PQE.
• Law degree with strong academic credentials and is a qualified solicitor in a common law jurisdiction.
• Experience gained in a top-tier law firm and/or a leading international in-house organisation.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with business-level Mandarin and written Chinese.
• Background in one or more of the following practice areas:

• • Financial Services
  • Regulatory work
  • Project and Structured Finance
  • Debt Capital Markets
  • Litigation

• Experience handling broad-based, complex projects or problem-solving assignments.
• Strong legal analysis and drafting skills for routine and complex contractual arrangements (e.g. sale and purchase of services, financial services agreements, subscription and licensing arrangements).
• Willingness and ability to provide a wide range of legal support, including:

• • Legal advice on risks affecting Fitch’s ratings, financial information services, and learning businesses
  • Regulatory review
  • Subscription or licensing reviews
  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of contracts
  • Company secretarial work

• Ability to manage and prioritise a diverse range of matters, from routine to highly complex.
• Confidence communicating with stakeholders at all levels and liaising with external counsel across jurisdictions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Clear, concise, and decisive communication style.
• A responsive, flexible, and collaborative approach, with the ability to work both independently and under guidance from senior legal team members.

What Would Make You Stand Out: 

• Experience in a multi-national firm and/or financial services environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate outside original areas of private practice specialization and develop a broad skill set.
• Excellent client references.
• Japanese or Korean proficiency would be advantageous. 

Why Choose Fitch: 

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that prioritize a healthy body & mind
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-first policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days and support for community engagement initiatives

For more information, please visit our websites:    

www.fitch.group|www.fitchratings.com | www.fitchsolutions.com |www.fitchlearning.com

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interests or any appearance of a conflict of interest.  

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.