Sessional Ombudsman, Banking and Finance

Overview

This role involves a board-appointed, 3 year term appointment as a Sessional Ombudsman, Banking & Finance. It is designed for experienced legal professionals seeking flexible, per-engagement work with meaningful impact in resolving complex banking and finance disputes.

Responsibilities

• Assist with complex and significant banking and finance disputes
• Apply dispute resolution frameworks to support independent, fair, and balanced decisions
• Collaborate with experienced Ombudsmen, lawyers, and industry experts
• Use specialist resources and research capability to analyse legal issues and resolve matters of significance
• Provide sound judgement in decisions affecting consumers, small businesses, and the financial services sector

Requirements

• Legal qualifications
• Substantial senior-level experience in banking and finance, or in a tribunal, regulator, external dispute resolution scheme, or a related environment
• Demonstrated capability navigating complex legal and commercial issues with credibility, pragmatism, and fairness
• Experience in areas such as:
  • banking regulation
  • Banking Codes of Practice
  • contract law
  • insolvency
  • securities
  • lending
  • dispute resolution
• Ability to work effectively in a flexible, per-engagement environment
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate with influence and empathy
• Commitment to delivering fair, objective outcomes
• Ability to balance independence with collaboration
• High standards of integrity and impartiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a senior lawyer, former Partner, barrister, executive legal leader, or banking & finance professional

Compensation & Benefits

This is a per-engagement basis role.

Additional benefits and workplace supports mentioned in the posting include:

• Additional and inclusive leave options, including flexible public holidays, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period
• Thoughtful benefits and flexible work options (including remote/hybrid flexibility)

Location

• Fully remote appointment is available.
• Hybrid working arrangements are referenced as flexible, with two days a week in modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.

Additional Information

• Gold AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• The organization states it does not use AI or automated tools to screen candidates; the process may take a little longer.

Application Information

The employer encourages applications even if you do not meet every criterion. Accessibility support is available during the recruitment process upon request.