Senior Legal Counsel Iberia

Senior Legal Counsel, Iberia

Madrid, Spain

The Senior Legal Counsel will be dealing with day-to-day requests for legal advice coming from local management (esp. Country Management and Underwriting Teams) and from colleagues based abroad who are also interested in pursuing business opportunities in Spain and Portugal as well as reinsurance business in Latin America (in relation to, e.g.: freedom of services business in the EEA, licensing requirements, insurance policy design, product development, distribution matters, reinsurance agreements, outsourcing, commercial and corporate law matters etc).

You will form part of the Spanish branch Extended Management Team, partnering with internal stakeholders, including in the APAC Europe Business Unit and other enabling functions as outlined above. Lead and develop the local legal function which is focused on delivering effective, efficient and timely advice to the business.

DISCOVER  your opportunity

What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Support Country Management in enhancing the governance, compliance, and internal control framework to ensure alignment with AXA XL's business objectives and regulatory requirements and joining and attending to the relevant branch’s management committee(s).
• Performing and arranging for local Legal trainings as required.
• Reviewing marketing and commercial materials and press releases.
• Liaising with competent authorities and industry’s associations and arranging for relevant filings.
• Overseeing local non-claims litigations and reporting developments to the APAC Europe General counsel.
• Offering Wording support and legal advice to all lines of business, including drafting of pre-bind guidance,  performing post bind reviews.
• Approving on commercial contracts and closely interacting with AXA XL’s international Procurement team in this regard. 
• Keeping abreast of changes in relevant legal, compliance and regulatory developments, with a specific focus on insurance and insurance distribution rules, contract and commercial law, financial crime regulation and others that may be relevant to the company’s and their clients’ business. 
• Local support for XLICSE compliance and regulatory related topics in collaboration with the Head Office Compliance function: assist local teams and prepare on-site inspections of national or international authorities in Spain, provide training on ad hoc Compliance topics as per the annual Compliance plan, assist in implementation of supervisory requirements imposed by DGSFP or any other relevant authorities - with a specific focus on complaints handling, etc.
• Provide a monthly report as part of the standard XLICSE branch reporting coordinated through Country Managers.
• Monitor legal activities of external counsels.
• Coordinating and supporting AXA XL / Group projects in collaboration with peers in AXA XL and AXA as well as with various departments such as Compliance, Finance, HR and Tax.

You will report to the Regional Head of Legal with dotted line to the Country Manager Iberia.

SHARE your talent

We’re looking for someone who has these qualifications and skills:

• Master’s degree in Law
• Proven professional experience in Legal & Compliance  within the insurance sector (either in-house or in an international law firm);
• Specialized in insurance and reinsurance law (including global programs expertise), and related litigation, with knowledge and experience in compliance, commercial law and civil law;
• Fluent in English and Spanish (both written and spoken), Portuguese a plus
• Excellent communication skills, commercial acumen and the ability to explain and present complex issues clearly and efficiently to underwriters, managers and senior executives;
• Proven ability in identifying and analysing problems, creating solutions, deploying sound decision making skills;
• People management experience;
• Solution-oriented and able to manage and effectively prioritize very different tasks at once;
• Strong time management and organizational skills – able to manage a number of projects and different demands simultaneously;
• Eager to work as part of a truly international team which also requires integrity, resilience, flexibility, and effective social and communication skills;

FIND your future

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a strong and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com

Corporate Responsibility

At AXA XL our approach to corporate responsibility (CR) is the same as our approach to business; constantly seeking to provide innovative solutions to the world’s most complex problems. From offering our expertise, products and services to help build more resilient communities, to advancing understanding and response to climate change, our strategy – Our Impact. Our Future. – aligns key issues that are pertinent to our business – climate, water and financial resilience - and contributes to AXA Group’s purpose to “Act for human progress by protecting what matters.”.

·       Climate: We’re reducing our carbon footprint, protecting ecosystems and exploring how our business can help build a better world.

·       Water: We’re developing water resilience where it is — and will be — needed most.

·       Financial resilience: We’re helping create opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed, so they can be better prepared for unexpected changes.

·       Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as our “Hearts in Action” programs.

For more information please see the Corporate Responsibility sectionon our website.

Inclusion & Diversity

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. 

At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, while creating an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

·       Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe

·       Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements

·       Enhanced family friendly leave benefits

·       Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index

·       Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity.AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action:  We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability.