About

ANZ’s Asia legal head Ben Hamilton finds leading and developing people one of the greatest sources of satisfaction in his role. ‘I feel overwhelmed by having such talented people who are so different and add something very unique to what they do. I feel honoured to lead them.’ Hamilton, who manages 36 lawyers across eight different jurisdictions, feels he has improved communication between legal and the bank’s Australian head office. ‘I had a lot of contacts across the organisation from my in-house and private practice experience, which I think helped me build trust through honesty and accountability, and making sure people understand what we’re able to do. I’ve worked on better dialogue.’ Managing people based in different jurisdictions, he admits, is tough sometimes. ‘I try to make people understand I want them to be honest with me and tell me what is and isn’t working for them’. Beginning his career in private practice in London, Hamilton has worked at CMS, DLA Piper and what is now King & Wood Mallesons. He also worked in-house at Deutsche Bank’s Hong Kong office.