Head of Legal

Profile: - Head Secretarial & Legal

Reports to: - Managing Director & Promoter

Location: - BKC. Mumbai

About the Role

The Head Secretarial & Legal will be responsible for managing the companys corporate secretarial functions, legal strategy, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws, especially RBI and NBFC regulations. The role will work closely with senior leadership and the Board to ensure robust governance, legal risk management, and statutory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Secretarial & Governance

• Manage all Board and Committee matters, including agenda preparation, minutes, and compliance with board procedures.
• Ensure compliance with provisions of the Companies Act 2013 and other applicable corporate laws.
• Handle Board meetings, shareholder meetings, and regulatory filings.
• Maintain statutory registers, records, and corporate documentation.

RBI & NBFC Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure end-to-end compliance with all applicable NBFC regulatory guidelines, master directions, circulars, and notifications issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
• Monitor regulatory updates and proactively interpret and implement changes in RBI regulations impacting the companys operations, governance framework, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee timely preparation and submission of all statutory filings, regulatory returns, and compliance reports required for NBFCs.
• Ensure strict adherence to the provisions of the RBI Act 1934 and other applicable financial sector regulations governing NBFC operations.
• Maintain compliance with key regulatory areas such as prudential norms, capital adequacy, asset classification, provisioning requirements, KYC/AML guidelines, and corporate governance standards.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate regulatory reporting and maintain proper documentation supporting all submissions to the regulator.
• Act as the primary liaison with the Reserve Bank of India for regulatory inspections, supervisory communications, and responses to regulatory queries or observations.
• Support management in implementing internal compliance frameworks and controls to ensure continuous adherence to RBI guidelines and NBFC regulatory standards.
• Assist in preparing compliance certifications and reports to be presented to the Board of Directors and relevant committees on regulatory compliance status.
• Facilitate and manage RBI inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews, ensuring timely closure of observations and implementation of corrective actions.

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to senior management on corporate, financial, regulatory, and operational matters, ensuring that all business activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks.
• Interpret and advise on legal implications of business decisions, new initiatives, financial transactions, partnerships, and investment structures to minimize potential legal exposure.
• Identify, assess, and proactively manage legal and regulatory risks across the organization, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies to safeguard the companys interests.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including the Companies Act 2013, RBI regulations, and other relevant statutory requirements governing NBFC operations.
• Review and monitor internal policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure they align with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide legal support to various business units in relation to contracts, transactions, disputes, and operational matters, ensuring legal safeguards are incorporated in all documentation and processes.
• Develop and implement legal risk management frameworks to identify potential legal exposures and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Work closely with external legal counsels, regulatory advisors, and internal stakeholders to manage complex legal matters and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Conduct periodic legal compliance reviews and risk assessments to ensure adherence to statutory requirements and industry best practices.
• Assist senior management and the Board in understanding key legal developments and regulatory changes that may impact the organizations operations or strategic direction.

Contracts, Documentation, Litigation & Dispute Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, contracts, MoUs, and other legal documentation to safeguard the organizations legal and commercial interests.
• Manage and maintain documentation related to investment transactions, financial arrangements, and corporate partnerships.
• Ensure all contractual arrangements comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and internal governance frameworks.
• Handle litigation matters, legal notices, and regulatory disputes involving the organization.
• Coordinate with external legal counsels for case management, legal strategy, and representation before courts and regulatory authorities.
• Monitor ongoing cases and disputes, ensuring timely responses, documentation, and effective resolution while minimizing legal and financial risk to the organization.

Regulatory Liaison, Compliance & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact with regulatory authorities and government bodies, including the Reserve Bank of India, for regulatory matters and compliance-related communication.
• Ensure timely submission of statutory filings, regulatory disclosures, and responses to queries or observations raised by regulators.
• Maintain strong working relationships with regulators, auditors, and external advisors to ensure smooth regulatory interactions and compliance management.
• Develop and implement internal compliance frameworks, policies, and governance practices in line with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews and ensure adherence to regulatory standards across business functions.
• Support internal and external audits by coordinating documentation, compliance records, and regulatory submissions.
• Work closely with senior management, business heads, and internal teams to ensure alignment on regulatory and compliance matters.
• Provide regular updates to leadership and the Board on regulatory developments, compliance status, and potential risk areas impacting the organization.