Sandie Okoro

Sandie Okoro

Sandie Okoro, global general counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management, has been appointed group senior vice-president and general counsel at the World Bank, its president Jim Yong Kim announced today.

Okoro has held a string of high-profile in-house roles, joining HSBC from Barings, where she served as general counsel. She has been closely involved with initiatives to promote greater diversity in the legal profession, serving as an ‘ambassador’ for the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme.

Her other appointments include the management board and panel of experts of The Hague-based Panel of Recognized International Market Experts in Finance. The Panel assists with the settlement of international disputes of complex financial transactions.

Kim said Okoro was a ‘highly regarded thought leader with a strong track record of developing new legal approaches in the field of international finance’. He added: ‘Her experience managing legal and financial risks at global financial institutions will make her a great asset for the bank group and our board.’

Okoro will be the bank’s principal adviser and spokesperson on all legal matters. She will also act as the legal adviser to the board, management, the Inspection Panel, and the CEO of the Global Environmental Facility Program.

As general counsel, Okoro will lead the World Bank’s Legal Vice Presidency, which is responsible for all legal services provided to internal and external clients.

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