Legal Counsel – Institutional

About the role

The Legal Counsel (Institutional) will provide business‑focused legal advice and contract support to Momentum Investments’ institutional businesses. The role requires deep knowledge of South African financial services regulation, particularly in asset management, and will involve drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of agreements.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate investment management agreements, ISDAs, GMSLAs, note programmes, service level agreements, data agreements and stockbroking agreements.
• Maintain and improve contract templates and manage contracts throughout their lifecycle.
• Monitor legal risks, report regulatory developments and support training on legal updates.
• Advise internal stakeholders on contractual matters, legislative interpretation and operational processes.
• Conduct legal research and provide commercially‑focused opinions.
• Support product development and project initiatives within the institutional businesses.

Required profile

• BCom LLB or LLB degree and admission as an attorney.
• 3–5 years post‑admission legal experience, preferably in investment or asset‑management environments.
• Experience with corporate law, complex transactions, alternative investments, corporate governance and global‑markets documentation.
• Familiarity with South African financial sector legislation such as FAIS, FICA, CISCA, the Insurance Act, the Financial Markets Act, JSE rules and POPIA.
• Significant experience in contract drafting; postgraduate qualifications in capital or global markets are advantageous.

Required skills

• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Legal research and opinion writing
• Knowledge of FAIS, FICA, CISCA, Insurance Act, Financial Markets Act, JSE rules, POPIA
• Understanding of asset‑management and investment structures