What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

In general, 2024 was a productive year for legal, marked by diverse challenges and successful outcomes. The year provided opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of legal issues. We began the year with a cooperation project with Aktia Bank in Finland. This project required legal knowledge that differed from customary business-related tasks. The year also included various lending transactions and bond issues in which legal had a significant role. As usual, these activities formed a significant part of the year’s workload. Legal played an essential role by structuring deals, ensuring compliance, and managing documentation. The best in 2024 was that it offered an insight to a wide variety of legal matters. This gave an opportunity to enhance legal’s expertise and adaptability.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

The key is active participation: being present and available for different discussions with the management. Ideal is if we are involved in the early stage. This allows us to identify potential issues and provide strategic guidance effectively. Legal can contribute to building organisational resilience by integrating legal insights into planning and strategies. In addition, we can assist in crafting solutions that are legally sound and adaptable to evolving challenges.

What do you derive the most satisfaction from in your work?

Succession in navigating and finalising complex financial transactions is a major source of fulfilment. In addition, positive interactions with business units and within legal team contribute significantly to my job satisfaction. Working alongside supportive and competent colleagues enhances the overall work environment.

How do you display creativity in your role?

I try to avoid getting stuck on old ideas and structures and to have a mindset that allows for flexibility and openness to innovative approaches. The best opportunities to display creativity in my daily work often arise in structuring deals and finding compromises or alternatives in contract negotiations. In general, creativity in legal work involves balancing interests while ensuring legal soundness and practicality.