Middle Legal Counsel (FinTech Payments)

📋 Description

• • Join a rapidly scaling, AI-driven FinTech company at the forefront of global payment solutions, operating across diverse international markets including Europe, the UK, Malta, Africa, and LATAM.
• • Our client specializes in innovative payment solutions, PSP EMI integrations, and the development of cutting-edge financial products, thriving in a dynamic, high-risk FinTech environment.
• • This role is crucial for providing swift, accurate legal support and strengthening the Head of Legal's team by taking ownership of operational legal tasks.
• • The core mission of this Middle Legal Counsel position is to provide comprehensive legal support for the company's payment infrastructure, encompassing contract management, corporate processes, PSP and banking onboardings, and the preparation of documentation for regulatory reviews.
• • You will work closely with the Head of Legal, contributing to strategic legal direction while focusing on hands-on operational execution, rather than independently managing complex, end-to-end licensing projects.
• • **Contractual and Commercial Excellence:**
• • Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of critical agreements, including partnership and referral agreements, PSP agreements, SaaS and licensing agreements, NDAs, MSAs, and DPAs.
• • Effectively coordinate and align terms with external counterparties, ensuring favorable outcomes for the company.
• • Develop and refine contract templates and standard clauses to streamline internal processes and maintain consistency.
• • Manage the contract lifecycle from initiation to execution and ongoing management.
• • **Corporate Governance and Operational Support:**
• • Provide essential support for the registration of legal entities across various key jurisdictions such as the EU, UK, and Malta.
• • Prepare and manage all necessary documentation for opening bank accounts, PSP EMI accounts, and merchant accounts, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
• • Liaise effectively with corporate service providers and external legal counsel to facilitate smooth corporate operations.
• • Maintain accurate corporate records and ensure compliance with all relevant corporate housekeeping requirements.
• • **Compliance and Regulatory Acumen:**
• • Actively participate in KYC (Know Your Customer) and KYB (Know Your Business) onboarding processes for banks and payment systems.
• • Compile and organize comprehensive legal packages required for compliance reviews and audits.
• • Proactively identify potential legal risks and collaborate with relevant teams to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
• • Support the development and enforcement of internal policies related to AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYC, and general compliance.
• • **Strategic Licensing Project Involvement:**
• • Contribute to the preparation of documentation for licensing processes in various jurisdictions (e.g., FCA, MFSA, and others).
• • Collaborate with specialized consulting firms and external advisors on licensing matters.
• • *Please note: This role does not involve end-to-end responsibility for obtaining or managing licenses; this remains the purview of the Head of Legal.*
• • **Cross-Functional Collaboration and Product Support:**
• • Engage closely with internal departments including Payments, Compliance, Finance, Business Development, Sales, and Technology teams.
• • Provide legal guidance and support for new product launches and ongoing operational processes.
• • Offer legal advice and mentorship to junior specialists as needed, fostering a collaborative legal environment.
• • **Impact and Growth:**
• • Play a pivotal role in ensuring the legal integrity and operational efficiency of a fast-paced, high-risk FinTech business.
• • Gain invaluable experience in a rapidly evolving industry with direct exposure to international markets and regulatory landscapes.
• • This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact within a company that values innovation, agility, and robust legal frameworks, contributing directly to its global expansion and success.