The company's inaugural CLO outlines his top three priorities in the new role
The constant challenge is what makes being an in-house lawyer enjoyable for Matthew Boglis, who was announced as online lender Banjo Loans' first-ever chief legal officer earlier this year. With constant challenge comes the need to destress, and destress he does through the simple things in life.
In this May interview, Boglis tells Australasian Lawyer about his top three priorities in his new role, and the aspects of it he is eager to embrace.
What made you choose a career in law?
Initially, I wanted to go into physiotherapy, however the requirement to do chemistry as a subject in VCE put an end to that rather quickly. The choice emanated more from me liking theory and problem solving - and where there is a problem, there's always a lawyer with an opinion, so I thought it seemed like a logical choice.
What for you is the best part of being an in-house lawyer?
Being constantly challenged, learning all the time and being able to make a real time difference in the operation of the business you are advising. It also enables me to be part of the strategic direction of a business and get involved with the decision-making process at its early stages which helps to ingrain a good governance and risk culture.
You will be the first-ever chief legal officer at Banjo Loans – what led you to decide to join the company full-time?
Having had the privilege of working with Banjo as an external legal service provider over the last 10 years, I've seen the business grow from its early days to the operation it is today. I'm proud of what it does, what it has achieved and wanted to be a part of its future growth moving forward. The calibre of Banjo's people, it's great culture and respected position in the market made it an opportunity I simply had to take.
What’s the most exciting aspect of this new role for you? What do you expect to be the most challenging aspect?
The most exciting aspect of the role is working with a really engaged executive team in setting up the legal function, embedding it within the business and being part of a fun and growing team. I'm sure there will be challenges along the way, but as yet, I'm taking it all in my stride.
What are your top three priorities as chief legal officer?
What are your thoughts on new technology, and how do you expect it to impact your role?
Embracing new technology and AI functionality is going to be key in driving efficiency, innovation and productivity in the legal sector, specifically in-house.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
I'm looking forward to being part of the continued growth journey of the industry leading non-bank lender that Banjo has become and helping to drive innovation in the sector as we continue to scale.
What’s your favourite destressing activity?
It's always the simple things in life; eating good food and spending time with loved ones.
