100 King Street West Toronto Ontario,M5X 1A1
We are hiring! Our BMO Insurance business continues to grow. The Legal team supporting this business is also expanding. In this Senior Legal Counsel role, you would be providing expert guidance on investments, insurance products, corporate law and regulatory compliance. You will be advising Senior Leaders, shaping strategic initiatives, and mitigating risk. If you have a strong background in Investments, Financial Services Regulatory Law, Insurance Products, and/or Pension Risk Transfers (all as they relate to a federally regulated insurance company), along with deep industry knowledge, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

Provides and manages the delivery of legal and regulatory advice on products, initiatives, strategies, policies and developments for and on behalf of BMO Financial Group. Provides legal advice based on knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures, and knowledge of the financial services industry and its environment. Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives. Works to achieve organizational goals while minimizing legal risk.

• Makes recommendations to senior leaders on strategy and new initiatives, based on an in-depth understanding of the business/group.
• May participate in the design of legal advice strategies & approaches for the unit activity and making recommendations to minimize legal issues.
• Acts as the prime subject matter expert for internal/external stakeholders.
• Exercises judgement on complex, confidential and sensitive matters
• Identifies and resolves moderately complex issues.
• Determines root causes and negotiates resolutions.
• Delivers legal advice, instructs external counsel and ensures compliance with internal policies & procedures for a single or small number of function(s).
• Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant laws, regulations and policies.
• Resolves daily issues and/or escalates with appropriate analysis and/or recommendations.
• Identifies risks and implements appropriate actions to mitigate them.
• Implements areas of improvement to ensure consistency with market place.
• Builds effective relationships with internal/ external stakeholders.
• Geographic scope: up to global.
• Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine.
• Implements changes in response to shifting trends.
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Typically 7+ years of legal practice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Degree in law (LLB or JD) and license to practice law in relevant jurisdiction.
• Private practice, in-house experience or experience at regulatory body relating to the regulation of business/group activities may be required.
• Knowledge in legal field, typically with a functional or business line specialization.
• Knowledge of business and regulatory environment in which BMO Financial Group operates.
• Advanced knowledge of subject matter legal requirements and the operations of a single client group.
• Negotiation skills - in depth.
• Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience and industry knowledge.
• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth / Expert.
• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth / Expert.
• Influence skills - In-depth / Expert.
• Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - In-depth / Expert.
• Able to manage ambiguity.
• Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.

In addition to the general qualifications outlined above, this particular role is seeking someone with significant experience in several areas of the financial services industry:

• Investment management - including understanding the use of investments for asset-liability matching
• Good understanding of the regulatory environment in which a life insurance company operates(OSFI and provincial insurance regulators)
• Pension plans, locked in retirement plans, and pension risk transfer transactions (group annuity buy ins and buy outs)
• Familiarity and/or expertise in fixed income, real estate, private debt, private funds and other asset classes
• A solid general grounding in corporate-commercial matters

ABOUT US

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.
As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.
To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en
BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.
Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes

• Investment management - including understanding the use of investments for asset-liability matching
• Good understanding of the regulatory environment in which a life insurance company operates(OSFI and provincial insurance regulators)
• Pension plans, locked in retirement plans, and pension risk transfer transactions (group annuity buy ins and buy outs)
• Familiarity and/or expertise in fixed income, real estate, private debt, private funds and other asset classes
• A solid general grounding in corporate-commercial matter