General counsel | EY
Håvard Vikse
General counsel | EY
Team size: 4
What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?
As the General Counsel for Ernst & Young AS in Norway (EY Norway), I lead a dedicated team of three lawyers, including myself, along with one administrative associate. Our primary role is to provide comprehensive legal support and advice to EY Norway’s CEO, leadership team and board of directors, as well as to all personnel within the organisation.
Our responsibilities span a wide range of areas, including regulatory matters, business restructuring, client and vendor contracting and negotiations, claims management, data privacy, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and complex HR and partner matters. Given the size of our legal team relative to the more than 2,200 partners and employees, we adopt a risk-based approach in our day-to-day work. We prioritise the continuous development and implementation of guidelines, policies and templates, while also providing training and information to ensure compliance and mitigate business risks.
EY Norway is a globally connected, multidisciplinary professional services organisation, encompassing several companies that include auditors, accountants, business and technology consultants, and lawyers. We hold several authorisations from the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (NFSA) and The Supervisory Council for Legal Practice, and are committed to ongoing development and restructuring. The main focus for the General Counsel is to advise and assist leadership and the business in navigating complex legal issues, considering regulatory, legal and reputational risks.
Over the past 12 months I have been involved in significant projects, including inspections from the NFSA, and the establishment of new companies as well as internal restructuring initiatives.
Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?
Before joining EY Norway in 2019, I gained extensive leadership experience across various roles in the banking and finance industry, as well as in law firms and the courts.
I have successfully established and developed several regulated entities, including banks, brokerage firms, asset management companies and investment funds. This involved creating robust procedural frameworks and reporting systems, leading the implementation of business plans aligned with overarching strategies, and fostering the development of employees and teams.
Additionally, I possess significant experience in alternative financing solutions for the shipping and offshore industries, acquired through my management roles. I played a pivotal role in the winding down of Kaupthing Bank in Norway from 2008 to 2010, when the bank was placed under public administration. For eight years, I served as a member of the Securities Law Committee in the Norwegian Securities Dealers Association. I have extensive board experience from Norway as well as from companies and funds in Ireland, Guernsey and Malta.
What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?
I believe that the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel include a profound understanding of the business they advise, coupled with a proactive approach to navigating a wide range of legal matters. This involves not only comprehending the business’s risk appetite, but also ensuring ethical decision-making. At the same time, in-house counsel need to have the ability to prioritise while managing high workloads efficiently, and to adapt to innovation and digital transformation. In addition, in-house counsel need to be able to effectively utilise technology to optimise their department and reduce legal costs. Furthermore, they should be prepared for and show resilience in the face of change and challenges in a fast-changing business world. They should also be adept at identifying cost-cutting opportunities and have clear and rapid pathways for communication and escalation. Ultimately, in-house counsel should be equipped to foster collaboration and drive strategic initiatives that align with the organisation’s goals.
What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?
Our society is becoming increasingly regulated, with a heightened focus on robust regulatory frameworks. As a trusted advisor to businesses and various government entities in Norway, from the largest listed issuers to smaller SMBs, whether as an auditor, business consultant or VAT lawyer, it is essential for EY to maintain a strong reputation that fosters trust. I am committed to advancing the company’s strategy within our governance frameworks, guided by my strong belief that true integrity lies in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
