Head of Legal Asset Management

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Job Title
Head of Legal Asset Management and Investment Governance First Abu Dhabi Bank Abu Dhabi
Job Description
Head of Legal Asset Management and Investment Governance First Abu Dhabi Bank Abu Dhabi

Role Summary
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE s most secure and globally trusted financial institution, is hiring a Head of Legal to oversee legal strategy, governance, and regulatory compliance for its Asset Management division. Based in Abu Dhabi, this senior leadership role ensures alignment of legal frameworks with FAB s investment products and discretionary portfolio management (DPM) offerings. The ideal candidate will bring expert knowledge of local and international asset management regulations, a strong litigation background, and the ability to advise executive stakeholders and regulators with clarity and confidence.

Job Details
Job Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Industry: Banking
Function: Legal
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full time

What You ll Do

* Lead the legal function for FAB Asset Management, defining and implementing governance frameworks in compliance with UAE and international regulations
* Oversee all legal matters including fund formation, DPM agreements, investment contracts, and cross-border regulatory adherence
* Manage legal risk across business lines by partnering with compliance, finance, and risk teams to assess implications of product and policy changes
* Provide legal support during regulatory inspections and proactively manage interactions with FSRA, SCA, ADGM, and other regional/international authorities
* Guide litigation strategy and dispute resolution processes relating to investment governance, shareholder matters, and contractual issues
* Ensure full legal compliance in the structuring of discretionary and institutional investment products
* Draft, review, and maintain legal documentation, frameworks, and internal controls to align with industry standards and FAB policies
* Advise senior leadership, business heads, and board members on legal risks, obligations, and mitigation plans
* Support the development of corporate policies and contribute to the design of risk-mitigating procedures
* Collaborate with technology, product, and operational teams to address legal implications of digital platforms and fintech integrations

Candidate Requirements

* Bachelor s degree in Law from an internationally recognized institution (Master s preferred)
* Minimum 8 years of legal experience with at least 3 years in asset management or investment-related roles
* Strong knowledge of UAE, GCC, and international regulatory frameworks governing fund management, DPM, and cross-border investment services
* Proven ability to lead litigation and dispute resolution processes involving complex financial structures
* Deep understanding of governance, risk, compliance, and legal documentation across investment platforms
* Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of advising senior leadership
* Experience working with regulatory authorities such as SCA, FSRA, or similar international bodies