Assistant Vice President - Vice President, Legal Officer

Do you want your voice heard and your actions to count?

Discover your opportunity with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the world’s leading financial groups. Across the globe, we’re 150,000 colleagues, striving to make a difference for every client, organization, and community we serve. We stand for our values, building long-term relationships, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world.

With a vision to be the world’s most trusted financial group, it’s part of our culture to put people first, listen to new and diverse ideas and collaborate toward greater innovation, speed and agility. This means investing in talent, technologies, and tools that empower you to own your career.

Join MUFG, where being inspired is expected and making a meaningful impact is rewarded.

MUFG, a globally respected financial institution, is seeking a Legal Officer at the Assistant Vice President to Vice President level to join their Manila office. This is an exceptional opportunity for a qualified legal professional who thrives in a collaborative and supportive environment, where your expertise will directly contribute to the bank’s continued success and reputation for excellence. As part of MUFG’s esteemed legal team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring regulatory compliance, providing sound legal guidance, and supporting the organisation’s operations with your knowledge of Philippine law and financial regulations. MUFG is renowned for its commitment to employee development, inclusive culture, and strong sense of community, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their career within a global network. If you are passionate about legal practice in the banking sector and eager to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working opportunities and ongoing training, this role offers the perfect platform for your ambitions.

• Join MUFG’s highly regarded legal team in Manila and work alongside knowledgeable professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance within the financial industry.
• Benefit from a supportive leadership structure that values collaboration, continuous learning, and personal growth, ensuring you have access to training opportunities and resources that foster your professional development.
• Be part of an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity, encourages open communication, and provides flexible working opportunities designed to help you balance your career aspirations with your personal commitments.

What you'll do:

As a Legal Officer (Assistant Vice President to Vice President Level) at MUFG in Manila, you will be entrusted with responsibilities that are central to maintaining the Bank’s reputation for regulatory excellence. Your day-to-day activities will involve providing expert legal counsel across multiple areas of law pertinent to banking operations while ensuring all documentation meets stringent compliance standards. You will engage with colleagues across departments to deliver insightful study sessions on emerging legal topics and draft clear policies that guide operational conduct. Your ability to assist in administrative proceedings against employees will be crucial in upholding fairness within the organisation. By monitoring legislative developments from key regulatory bodies such as BSP and others, you will help safeguard MUFG’s interests while supporting its data privacy initiatives. Your contributions will extend into commercial arbitration processes as well as preparing critical documentation for litigation or dispute resolution. Success in this role requires not only technical proficiency but also a collaborative spirit that aligns with MUFG’s values of teamwork and mutual respect.

• Provide comprehensive legal advice and guidance on the application of banking, commercial, civil, labour, and arbitration laws relevant to MUFG’s operations.
• Draft and meticulously review a wide range of legal documents including loan documentation for syndicated loans, short-term loans, bilateral agreements, customer Secretary's Certificates or Special Powers of Attorney (SPAs), trade finance instruments, terms and conditions of bank applications or forms, notices, demand letters, service agreements, and contracts of lease.
• Conduct informative study sessions on topics with significant legal implications for the Bank to ensure all stakeholders are well-informed about current regulations and best practices.
• Prepare detailed manuals, policies, guidelines, and procedures that support the Bank’s compliance with local laws and internal standards.
• Assist in conducting administrative proceedings against employees by providing legal support throughout investigations and hearings.
• Collaborate closely with various departments to address complex legal issues as they arise and escalate matters to the Legal Adviser when necessary for further resolution.
• Monitor changes in relevant legislation and regulatory requirements issued by BSP and other authorities such as MORB, BI, DOLE, SEC, NPC to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support the Bank’s data privacy initiatives by advising on data protection matters in accordance with applicable laws.
• Participate in commercial arbitration processes as required by the Bank’s business activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of pleadings, reports, memoranda, and other essential documentation needed for litigation or dispute resolution.

What you bring:

To excel as a Legal Officer (Assistant Vice President to Vice President Level) at MUFG in Manila, you will bring proven experience navigating complex legal landscapes within both private practice and financial institutions. Your background should include substantial exposure to contract review processes specific to banking products as well as hands-on involvement in resolving labour disputes through litigation or arbitration. A deep understanding of local regulatory frameworks—particularly those enforced by BSP—and familiarity with evolving data privacy requirements are vital assets. Your ability to communicate intricate legal concepts clearly during study sessions or policy drafting exercises will set you apart. In addition to technical expertise, your collaborative mindset will enable you to build trusting relationships across teams while contributing positively towards shared goals. Demonstrating empathy when assisting colleagues during administrative proceedings or offering guidance on sensitive matters further underscores your suitability for this role. Ultimately, your combination of analytical acumen and interpersonal sensitivity positions you perfectly within MUFG’s inclusive culture.

• A Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognised institution is required along with successful completion of the Philippine Bar examination.
• For VP level, at least five years’ experience practising law with demonstrable exposure to banking or financial services is essential for this position.
• A minimum of two years’ work experience within a financial institution is preferred as it provides valuable insight into industry-specific challenges.
• Comprehensive understanding of regulations set forth by BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) as well as other regulatory bodies such as MORB (Manual of Regulations for Banks), BI (Bureau of Immigration), DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), NPC (National Privacy Commission).
• Proficiency in reviewing contracts related to loans (syndicated/short-term/bilateral), trade finance instruments, service agreements, leases, notices/demand letters is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with handling labour disputes including preparation of pleadings/reports/memoranda for litigation or arbitration proceedings is advantageous.
• Experience drafting manuals/policies/guidelines/procedures tailored for financial institutions demonstrates attention to detail and regulatory awareness.
• Ability to conduct engaging study sessions on complex legal topics reflects strong communication skills.
• Knowledge of data privacy laws/regulations ensures effective support for organisational compliance initiatives.
• A collaborative approach combined with excellent interpersonal skills enables effective partnership across departments.

What sets this company apart:

MUFG stands out as one of the world’s leading financial groups with a longstanding reputation for stability, integrity, and innovation. The company places great emphasis on fostering an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued regardless of background or identity. At MUFG Manila, you can expect supportive leadership committed to nurturing talent through ongoing training opportunities tailored towards both personal growth and professional advancement. The organisation actively promotes flexible working arrangements designed around employee wellbeing while encouraging open dialogue at all levels. With access to global resources yet grounded in local expertise, joining MUFG means becoming part of a network that prioritises ethical conduct alongside business success. Employees benefit from being part of a team-oriented culture where knowledge sharing is celebrated—making it an ideal setting for those who value connection as much as achievement.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is an equal opportunity employer. We view our employees as our key assets as they are fundamental to our long-term growth and success. MUFG is committed to hiring based on merit and organsational fit, regardless of race, religion or gender.