Legal Counsel - Avanti Finance | Auckland
Avanti Finance Group is a fast-growing, specialist lender operating across New Zealand and Australia. We’re redefining what great financial services look like—leveraging innovation, data and technology to deliver exceptional financial services. We’re building a workplace where driven, curious, ambitious people can grow their careers while doing meaningful, impactful work
Reporting to the General Counsel & Company Secretary, this role is a key member of the Avanti Group legal team. If you want to be part of a high‑performing, genuinely supportive team that punches above its weight, this role is for you.
The Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and strategic guidance on all legal matters across the business, so broad financial services experience is desired. With Avanti’s funding strategy and growth in the investment space, funds/funds management experience would be an advantage. Above all, we are looking for someone who is business-minded, solutions focussed and shows initiative.
IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
Do-the-Doing and make a Real Impact using Your Legal Expertise.
> Deliver practical, business‑focused legal advice across the Avanti Group, influencing real decisions.
> Advise on a wide range of legislative and regulatory requirements and corporate and commercial matters.
> Be part of strategic and business-critical projects including:
Product development and new market opportunities.
Digital transformation and technology projects.
Regulatory change initiatives.
> Help design and continuously improve internal processes and templates that support both growth and compliance.
> Draft, improve and negotiate a broad range of agreements, including commercial, lending, funding, technology, procurement, and third‑party arrangements.
> Support Avanti’s funding and investment strategy and growth, working closely with Treasury and Finance on funding structures, investor documentation, and related legal considerations.
> Provide support to the Company Secretary function, including on governance matters, board and committee processes, and corporate housekeeping.
Always Ensure Integrity, Risk and Compliance.
> Support legal and regulatory compliance and management of day-to-day risks across the Avanti Group.
> Operate with integrity by upholding high standards in compliance and risk management through adherence to the three lines of defence model.
> Provide practical and clear guidance to lift organisational capability.
> Monitor regulatory developments and emerging risks, proactively advising the business on impacts and required actions.
Living Our Values: Relentlessly Helpful, Do What’s Right, People First.
> Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
> Bring a proactive, solutions‑focused approach, taking ownership and showing initiative.
> Be a collaborative team player who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and supporting the team where needed.
> Contribute to a positive, inclusive and healthy work environment where people feel supported to do their best work.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
> Bachelor of Laws and a NZ Practicing Certificate.
> Ideally 3-6 years PQE experience, working either in house and/or in a NZ law firm in the relevant subject areas (in particular, banking/financial services, and corporate or commercial law), however we are flexible – tell us why you think you’d be a good fit.
> Broad legal capability and the confidence to work across diverse matters.
> Strong commercial acumen, with a demonstrated ability to balance technical legal requirements with pragmatic business outcomes.
> Demonstrated ability to influence and partner effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
> Clear, concise communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues in plain language.
OPERATIONAL DETAIL:
Location: Wynyard Quarter
Department: Risk
Reporting to: General Counsel & Company Secretary
Direct reports: No direct reports
Internal relationships: Part of the wider Risk team, close working relationships with stakeholders across the business
External relationships: Working with external law firms engaged by Avanti
