General Counsel

The Insurance Authority (IA) is the independent statutory body whose principal function is to regulate and supervise the Hong Kong insurance industry to promote its stable development and to protect existing and potential policy holders.

The IA is looking for candidates who share the same vision to join them! IA now invites applications for the following position:

General Counsel

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel will assume the following:

Key Responsibilities

Steer and head the Legal Section of the IA

Manage a team of legal professionals in their provision of legal support to day-to-day functions of the IA in regulating and supervising long term and general insurance business, companies subject to the group-wide supervision regime, conduct, enforcement, policy and legislation and other functions focusing on protection of policy holders

Provide legal advice and support to IA on its role of promoting the sustainable development and global competitiveness of the insurance industry, through promotion of captive insurance, Insurance Linked Securities issuances, Insurtech development and the Hong Kong insurance markets contribution to the Greater Bay Area, etc.

Review and provide legal advice on legislation, rules, codes and guidelines related to the insurance industry

Manage cases through the Insurance Appeals Tribunal and other litigation in which the IA may be involved

Appear before Legislative Council or any other committee, as required, to explain the legal aspects of legislative proposals relating to IA

Work closely with different divisions to develop or modify policies, practices and procedures to conform to administrative legal principles and other compliance requirements

Provide training to divisions on relevant legislative and regulatory updates

Requirements

Qualified lawyer, most preferably in a common law jurisdiction

Minimum 15 years of solid post-qualification experience gained ideally in a regulatory agency or public sector, or in insurance practice of a leading law firm and/or in-house with an insurance company or financial services company

Excellent knowledge of relevant ordinances, rules, codes and guidelines relating to the insurance industry

Understanding of the key functions of an insurance regulator or financial services regulatory agency

Knowledge of Fintech or Insurtech will be preferable

Proven resources management, people management and leadership skills

Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills

Excellent command of written and spoken English, Chinese language ability would be a plus

Appointment Terms

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the successful candidates experience and qualifications on a 3-year contract will be offered.

Application

Review of the applications will start as soon as possible and will close on 30 April 2025.  To apply, please send your CV to Annie Tang at annie.tang@staranise.com.hk of Star Anise Legal who have been appointed as the exclusive recruitment agency on behalf of the IA.

Applications sent to the IA for this position will be forwarded to Annie for consideration.