Michael Harrats is Head of Legal (Investments & Operations) at Legal & General, where he operates at the intersection of investments, risk and governance in one of the UK’s largest asset managers. With over 15 years’ experience in financial services, he leads a senior team advising on the legal and control framework underpinning complex global investment operations — from derivatives, securities lending and trading infrastructure to large-scale outsourcing and regulatory risk. A trusted adviser to senior investment committees and boards, Michael is known for providing clear, independent challenge and decision‑critical insight in high‑stakes environments.

Michael’s career has been defined by working “in the room” where consequential decisions are made — navigating situations where information is incomplete, time is limited, and there is no playbook. Alongside his legal role, he brings an independent governance perspective through non‑executive positions, including as a former Non‑Executive Director of a Singapore‑regulated investment manager and a current Non‑Executive Governor at Coventry University. He focuses on the practical realities of governance in action: how to deliver meaningful oversight without slowing business momentum, and how functions like legal and risk can drive better decisions in real time, particularly as technology and AI reshape how insight and assurance are delivered.