How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

In times of instability or crisis, I believe the legal function must act not only as a guardian of compliance but also as a strategic business ally. My approach focuses on proactive risk identification, agile legal frameworks, and close collaboration with all areas of the Bank to ensure that legal strategies are fully aligned with the organisation’s broader business objectives.

A key principle I uphold is that doing business and complying with local regulations are not mutually exclusive, the legal team must remain open and receptive to the needs of the business, listening actively and working collaboratively to provide legally sound options that support the achievement of business goals.

This mindset builds trust, protects the organisation’s reputation, and enables us to navigate uncertainty with both integrity and agility.

What are the major cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?

Recently, I’ve been involved in several significant transactions, including those related to the bank’s core business. However, one of the most notable accomplishments has been leading the legal aspects of the bank’s capitalisation process entirely in-house. This was a major milestone given the complexity of the transaction, which required coordination across multiple fronts – ranging from the preparation of detailed legal documentation to securing the necessary regulatory approvals.

What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it reflects our growing capability and confidence in handling sophisticated legal matters internally. At the Legal Department, we take pride in being a true business partner – working hand in hand with other areas to enable strategic initiatives while ensuring full compliance with local regulations. Our goal is always to find legally sound ways to support the business, and this capitalisation process is a clear example of that commitment in action.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?

One of the most impactful initiatives we’ve undertaken is the adaptation of our standard contracts using legal design principles. This process allowed us to step into the client’s shoes and redesign legal documents to be more user-friendly – while still meeting all legal and regulatory requirements. The result is clearer, more accessible contracts that facilitate business by making legal terms easier to understand and apply.

Additionally, we have started leveraging artificial intelligence for large-scale contract reviews, particularly when searching for specific clauses or compliance issues. This has significantly improved our speed and accuracy in managing complex documentation.