Corporate Legal Counsel (Emerging Markets)

Company Description Cygnum Capital is a leading investment banking and asset management firm focused on frontier and emerging markets, offering tailored and innovative financial solutions to a diverse client base. The firm operates from offices in London, Nairobi, Lagos, Dubai, and Amsterdam, enabling strong local insights and global reach. Its team of over 80 finance professionals combines deep sector knowledge with a broad product offering across corporate finance, asset management, and financial advisory. Professionals joining Cygnum Capital can expect an international, dynamic environment with exposure to complex cross-border transactions and fast-growing markets.
Role Description The Corporate Legal Counsel (Emerging Markets) will provide legal support for cross-border corporate finance, asset management, and advisory transactions involving frontier and emerging markets. Day-to-day responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating transaction documents; advising on legal risks and regulatory compliance; and working closely with internal deal teams and external counsel. The role will involve supporting structuring of investments, managing legal aspects of deal execution, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations across key jurisdictions. This is a full-time, on-site role based in London, requiring close collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders across Cygnum Capital’s international offices.
Qualifications

• Strong grounding in Law, with experience addressing complex Legal Issues in corporate finance or investment banking contexts.
• Proficiency in Contract Negotiation for cross-border transactions and corporate arrangements.
• Capability in Legal Document Preparation, including drafting and reviewing agreements, term sheets, and ancillary documentation.
• Experience providing clear, practical Legal Advice to internal stakeholders and clients on transaction structures and regulatory matters.
• Qualified lawyer (e.g., solicitor or equivalent) with experience in corporate, banking, or capital markets law.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks in frontier and emerging markets is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work under time pressure on multiple matters.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a multicultural, international environment; fluency in English required, additional languages are an advantage.