
Senut Chavana
Seasoned Legal Professional with 35 years of experience specializing in banking and finance law, corporate legal matters, and compliance. Demonstrated expertise in managing legal risks, advising on complex banking transactions, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Proven leadership as Head of Legal Department and Data Protection Officer with extensive experience collaborating with international stakeholders. Adept at legal structuring, risk analysis, and strategic advisory for executive management.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Thai Banking Law And Regulatory Compliance
• Legal Advisory On Banking Transactions And Corporate Matters
• Risk Management And Legal Integrity
• Cross-Functional Leadership And Executive Communication
• Data Protection And Privacy Compliance
• Strategic Legal Structuring And Documentation Drafting
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Thai) Plc. (Jan 2013 – Present)
Head of Legal Department (SVP) & Data Protection Officer
• Manage the Legal Department, overseeing all legal matters related to banking transactions, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and litigation management.
• Provide strategic legal advisory and risk assessment on complex financial products, loan agreements, and cross-border
transactions.
• Collaborate with the Head Office and global legal teams to implement international legal policies and standards, ensuring
compliance with Thai regulations.
• Lead the development of legal strategies for new banking products, digital banking initiatives, and fintech collaborations.
• Represent the bank in negotiations and legal disputes, safeguarding the institution's interests while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Manage litigation cases, working closely with external counsel to ensure efficient resolution and legal risk mitigation.
• Oversee contract management, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating high-value agreements and complex financial instruments.
• Act as the Personal Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act, developing data privacy policies, and leading data breach response initiatives.
• Advise top management and executive committees on legal risks, regulatory changes, and strategic business decisions
impacting legal compliance.
• Lead the Legal Department, overseeing legal advisory, compliance, and litigation for all banking transactions.
• Advise executive management on complex banking products and transactions, ensuring legal security and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with international legal teams to implement group policies and guidelines.
• Manage data protection compliance under the Personal Data Protection Act, providing strategic guidance on data security.
Acting Head of Human Resource Department (Mar 2015 – Jun 2018)
• Led the HR Department, overseeing talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, and strategic workforce planning.
• Collaborated with the Executive Committee to develop HR strategies aligned with business objectives and organizational growth.
• Designed and implemented compensation and benefits programs to enhance employee retention and competitiveness in the banking industry.
• Managed talent management initiatives, including leadership development, succession planning, and employee engagement programs.
• Ensured compliance with Thai labor laws and internal HR policies, mitigating legal risks related to employment matters.
• Played a key role in organizational restructuring, change management, and integration of HR practices across business units.
• Managed HR operations, strategic planning, and compliance with labor laws.
• Implemented HR policies, talent management strategies, and employee relations programs.
Export – Import Bank of Thailand (Jan 2010 – Dec 2012)
First Vice President, Legal Office
• Provided comprehensive legal advisory on banking transactions, trade finance, export insurance, and cross-border financial
agreements.
• Drafted and reviewed complex loan agreements, guarantees, security documents, and syndicated loan contracts.
• Ensured regulatory compliance with the Bank of Thailand, Anti-Money Laundering Office, and other relevant authorities.
• Collaborated with business units to develop innovative financial products while managing legal risks and compliance requirements.
• Coordinated with international legal teams on cross-border transactions and ensured alignment with international banking regulations.
• Handled high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, working with external counsel to safeguard the bank's legal interests.
• Provided legal advisory services for banking transactions, export insurance, and compliance monitoring.
• Coordinated with regulatory bodies to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
United Overseas Bank (Thai) Public Co., Ltd. (Sep 2001 – Dec 2009)
Vice President, Corporate Legal Dept.
• Provided strategic legal advisory on corporate banking, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, and debt restructuring.
• Drafted, negotiated, and reviewed complex financial agreements, including syndicated loans, bond issuances, and derivatives transactions.
• Advised on legal implications of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and risk management strategies.
• Played a pivotal role in the merger and acquisition process between Bank of Asia Plc. and UOB Radanasin Bank Plc., leading legal due diligence and integration.
• Managed high-profile litigation cases, coordinating with external law firms for dispute resolution and legal strategy.
• Led the implementation of compliance frameworks for anti-money laundering, FATCA, and data protection regulations.
• Acted as a strategic advisor to executive management on legal risks, regulatory developments, and corporate governance matters.
• Specialized in credit facilities, loan restructuring, project finance, and M&A legal advisory.
• Led legal compliance initiatives and advised on banking regulations and cross-border transactions.
Credit Agricole Indosuez, Bangkok Branch (1998 - 2001)
Manager Legal Affairs
• Reviewed and drafted facility and security documents for new credit facilities and restructured existing ones, including project finance transactions.
• Provided legal advisory on bond products related to debt capital markets, ensuring compliance with international regulations.
• Coordinated with government authorities for legal approvals and compliance requirements.
• Offered legal opinions on complex financial transactions, including debt restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings.
• Drafted and finalized agreements for unique transactions not covered by standard templates.
• Collaborated with external law firms on litigation and debt restructuring cases.
• Advised on employment law matters, including employment contracts and labor disputes.
• Worked closely with the Legal Unit of the Regional Office, ensuring alignment with international legal standards.
Baker & McKenzie, Bangkok (1992 – 1998)
Attorney, Banking and Finance Practice
• Specialized in banking and financial transactions, providing legal advisory, drafting, and negotiation of loan agreements, security documents, and financial derivatives.
• Conducted legal due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, assessing legal risks and compliance requirements.
• Advised international financial institutions on cross-border transactions, foreign exchange regulations, and structured finance.
• Drafted and negotiated project finance agreements, including BOT, BOOT, and concession contracts for infrastructure projects.
• Provided legal opinions on complex financial transactions, including securitization, asset-backed securities, and syndicated loans.
• Coordinated with global legal teams and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with international banking laws.
• Represented clients in high-stakes negotiations, dispute resolution, and arbitration related to banking and finance matters.
• Specialized in banking and finance transactions, including legal documentation, project finance, M&A, and due diligence.
EDUCATION
King Prajadhipok’s Institute (2010 - 2011)
Advanced Certificate in Public Economics Management for Executives
Southern Methodist University, USA (1990 - 1992)
Master of Law (LL.M) in Banking and Finance
Chulalongkorn University (1983 - 1987)
Bachelor of Law (LL.B)
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
• Certificate of Achievement (Performance Contribution) | ICBC Thai | Oct 2017
• Special Award (Outstanding Service, Concern, and Support) | ICBC Thai | May 2016