Deputy Company Secretary

Our client is a global investment bank and financial services provider that offers advisory and capital market services to corporate, government, and institutional clients worldwide. As Deputy Company Secretary, you will be responsible for the oversight of corporate governance and corporate secretarial activities of all relevant subsidiary boards/committees in the Europe and Asia-Pacific region and to ensure that such boards/committees are administered in line with relevant corporate governance, regulatory, legal and statutory requirements and in line with group policy. 

Key role and Responsibilities

• Acting as Company Secretary of key operating legal entities in the region
• Acting as primary contact and advisor to the chairs and boards on their responsibilities under the rules and regulations to which they are subject, including the parent's policies and procedures as they relate to subsidiary and board governance and entity management, and on how those responsibilities should be discharged
• Supporting the chairs in ensuring the boards function efficiently and effectively
• Supporting board and board committee administration, including: organising board and board committee meetings, preparation of agendas, collation, review, preparation and dissemination of papers, preparation of minutes and follow up of actions arising, preparation of resolutions, certificates, notices and other corporate documentation, maintenance of mandates, governance policies, board calendars etc.
• Ensuring good information flows within the board and its committees and between senior management and directors
• Monitoring changes in relevant legislation and advising board on governance and corporate law updates accordingly
• Liaising with legal counsel, as required, on governance/regulatory matters
• Liaising with Legal Department to ensure a co-ordinated and harmonised approach regarding board/committee administration, governance and corporate secretarial activities and to ensure compliance by regional subsidiary boards/committees
• Overseeing the appointment and resignation processes for all board directors
• Facilitating board induction and board education/training and development
• Facilitating board and board committee effectiveness reviews
• Overseeing the maintenance of internal legal entity records and statutory books and registers
• Overseeing the filing of statutory information at Companies House and Companies Registration Office
• Maintaining records of and facilitating annual review of authorised signatories and powers of attorney updates
• Supporting any ad hoc requirements/projects and undertaking such additional duties as requested
• Overseeing the creation and maintenance of corporate secretarial and corporate governance policies, procedures and controls
• Providing support and coaching to junior members of the team

Experience and Qualifications

• Chartered Secretary (ACIS or FCIS) or an equivalent level of professional qualification and experience, with at least 10 years of company secretarial experience
• Proven experience in all aspects of company secretarial work with a proven record of managing a portfolio of subsidiary boards/committees in a highly regulated sector
• Financial Services experience and knowledge is essential
• Strong knowledge of current and forthcoming relevant regulatory frameworks, Companies Act and governance guidelines
• Proven experience of building strong working relationships with directors and senior stakeholders
• Practical experience of supporting complex projects and delivering change to the business

Personal Qualities and Behaviours

• Excellent verbal/communications skills and a thoughtful, persuasive personal style with strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Adaptable and able to prioritise effectively and work proactively against a constantly evolving landscape
• Highly organised and pragmatic with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality