Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
Full-Time | Executive | Report to the Chief Executive Officer
About WealthONE
The financial services industry is undergoing significant disruption driven by consumer demand for new and innovative products and services, more robust security and an enhanced, seamless user experience. Founded in 2016, our purpose is to make accessing financial services a welcoming experience for Canadians. We value relationships and continually collaborate and build strategic partnerships to bring innovation and improved offerings to our customers.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Chief Legal Officer ("CLO") to serve as the Bank's most senior legal authority and a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), the CLO will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board, leading all legal, compliance-adjacent, and corporate governance functions.
The CLO will also serve as Corporate Secretary to the Board, supporting the effective Board governance, oversight, and administration of the organization and its Board of Directors.
This is a hands-on role, and the successful candidate will be a seasoned, self-sufficient legal executive who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to handle day-to-day legal matters directly as they are advising at the strategic and Board level.
Responsibilities
Legal Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as the Bank's chief legal advisor, providing expert counsel on all matters affecting the institution, including banking law, commercial transactions, lending, deposits, payments, and financial regulation.
- Develop and execute a proactive, enterprise-wide legal strategy aligned with the Bank's business objectives and risk appetite.
- Identify, assess, and manage legal risk across all business lines and corporate functions.
- Lead and manage external legal counsel relationships, including selection, oversight, budget management, and quality control.
- Oversee the Bank's litigation portfolio, enforcement matters, and regulatory examinations from a legal perspective.
Regulatory & Compliance
- Maintain a current and deep understanding of applicable federal and provincial banking legislation, including the Bank Act, OSFI guidelines, FINTRAC requirements, PIPEDA/provincial privacy legislation, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Partner closely with the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Risk Officer to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to legal and regulatory risk.
Board & Governance
- Serve as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors and all Board committees, with direct access to the Chair and independent directors.
- Plan, coordinate, and support all Board and committee meetings, including preparation of agendas, materials packages, minutes, and resolutions.
- Advise the Board and its committees on corporate governance best practices, regulatory obligations, and fiduciary duties.
- Maintain all corporate records, minute books, and statutory filings in accordance with applicable legislation.
- Coordinate Board and committee evaluations and onboarding of new directors.
- Oversee the work of the Assistant Corporate Secretary, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and high standards across all governance administration.
Transactions & Commercial Legal Support
- Provide legal oversight and guidance on material contracts, vendor agreements, lending transactions, real estate matters, and strategic partnerships.
- Support mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives from inception through closing, including due diligence and regulatory approval processes.
- Ensure robust contract management frameworks and template standards across the organization.
Qualifications
Required
- LLB or JD from an accredited law school and current membership in good standing with a Canadian law society.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior in-house legal leadership role, ideally within a federally regulated financial institution or financial services environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in banking, financial services, or corporate/commercial law.
- Significant experience advising Boards of Directors and senior executives.
- Experience serving as Corporate Secretary or Deputy Corporate Secretary in a complex governance environment.
- Strong understanding of Canadian banking regulation, including the Bank Act, OSFI supervisory expectations, and AML/ATF frameworks.
- Proven ability to manage legal risk and balance legal rigour with sound business judgment.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences.
Preferred
- Experience with OSFI regulatory examinations and supervisory relationships.
- Fluency in both English and French.
- ICD.D designation or equivalent director education program.
- Experience supporting a Board through periods of growth, transformation, or regulatory change.
What You Need to Know
At WealthONE, our people are our greatest asset. You’ll become part of a diverse and growing team that acknowledges everyone’s unique talents to do what’s right for the client, and to do it well. As part of our team, you will:
- Thrive: Benefit from an open and approachable culture that provides the flexibility and support you need to integrate your life at work and at home.
- Connect: Work in a place that fosters creativity and collaboration.
- Develop: Apply your skills and grow your career in a fast-growing environment.
- Prosper: Share in our collective success with a competitive salary, incentive pay, and excellent health benefits program.
WealthONE is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong.
You need to be legally eligible to work in Canada.
To learn more, please visit us at Wealth One Bank of Canada - About Us (https://www.wealthonebankofcanada.com/Personal/AboutUs/)
