Olivia Zbarcea
London
Summary
Organized and dependable Sr. Legal Counsel with 20 years of local markets experience, across all bank products and functions, both corporate and consumer.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Senior legal counsel
Citibank Europe plc - Romania Branch
Bucharest, Romania
2013.07 - 2024.12
- Provided knowledgeable advice covering day-to-day matters of the bank, with main focus on Cash Management and Treasury, Account Services and Corporate clients matters.
- Legal advice for support functions of the bank - Operations & Technology, Human Resources (Employment matters), Real Estate.
- Coordinating the effectiveness of controls for the processes performed by local legal department.
- Monitored legal changes and developments; support for local implementation and compliance with regulatory changes. Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations .
- Moderated legal negotiations between client and third parties (including customers and service providers). Drafted and reviewed complex legal agreements and contracts.
- Draft individualized contracts and legal documentation to fulfil bespoke client requirements, including credit documentation.
- Liaised with colleagues to identify required work , delegate tasks and implement new products and documentation.
- Managed real estate transactions according to legal and client requirements (including negotiating of headquarters and branches lease agreements).
- Draft company procedures in line with up-to-date applicable regulatory requirements and internal rules.
- Advised on compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations.
- Conducted due diligence for mergers, acquisitions and corporate transactions.
- Conducted internal investigations and responded to regulatory inquiries.
- Provided strategic legal advice on commercial transactions and regulatory compliance.
Senior legal counsel
Citibank Europe plc - Romania Branch
Bucharest, Romania
2009.01 - 2013.07
- Provided knowledgeable advice covering Wealth Management segment of the Bank. Developed documentation for Private Bank clients, including account opening documentation, investment options (structured notes, derivatives, escrow accounts).
- Drafted consumer credit documentation (including personal and mortgage loans, credit cards).
- Represented the bank in front of local regulators (Central Bank of Romania and Consumer Protection Authority).
- Monitored legal changes and developments to ensure prompt implementation and compliance.
- Negotiated client settlements to limit costly court proceedings in legal disputes.
- Drafted company procedures in line with up-to-date applicable regulatory requirements and internal rules.
- Advised on compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations.
- Conducted due diligence for mergers, acquisitions and corporate transactions.
- Conducted internal investigations and responded to regulatory inquiries.
- Provided strategic legal advice on commercial transactions and regulatory compliance.
- Drafted and reviewed complex legal agreements and contracts.
Legal counsel
Citibank Romania
Bucharest, Romania
2005.03 - 2008.12
- Offered helpful, informative legal advice to internal clients.
- Monitored legal changes and developments for sound client advice.
- Ensured corporate secretary activities; coordinated Board of Directors and Shareholders' meetings regularly.
- Moderated legal negotiations between the bank and third parties.
- Drafted and reviewed credit documentation
- Drafted and reviewed vendor agreements and lease agreements for Banks's network
- Performed due diligence across preliminary legal research.
- Liaised with legal colleagues to identify required work, delegate tasks and speed up case progress.
- Managed and oversaw paralegals and legal assistants.
Trainee lawyer
Citibank Romania
Bucharest, Romania
2003.07 - 2004.02
- Conducted legal research and drafted official documentation.
- Gained vast knowledge of regulations and policies associated with corporate law.
- Drafted legal arguments
- Used online legal databases and digital resources to complete legal due diligence and research case data.
- Carried out background research and preparatory work to present established client cases.
- Monitored legal changes and developments for sound client advice.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest /2000 - /2004
Bachelor of Arts - Public Management
Academy of Economical Studies, Romania
Bucharest /2000 - /2005
Skills
- Detail oriented
- Strong negotiator
- Good communicator
- Good team player
Affiliations
- women empowerment in professional careers; fostering and promoting diversity and inclusion; active member of Romania Citi Women Network, where I coordinated community outreach and charity events.
- Reading; foreign languages; cultural travelling; gardening.
Languages
English
Fluent
Romanian
Native
Spanish
Upper intermediate
French
Upper intermediate
Greek
Intermediate
German
Intermediate
Timeline
Senior legal counsel
Citibank Europe plc - Romania Branch
2013.07 - 2024.12
Senior legal counsel
Citibank Europe plc - Romania Branch
2009.01 - 2013.07
Legal counsel
Citibank Romania
2005.03 - 2008.12
Trainee lawyer
Citibank Romania
2003.07 - 2004.02
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Bucharest, Romania
/2000 - /2004
Bachelor of Arts - Public Management
Academy of Economical Studies, Romania
/2000 - /2005