Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

The Senior Legal Counsel will provide strategic legal counsel to GoTyme Bank South Africa, supporting commercial objectives while ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. The role requires navigating the South African banking regulatory environment, drafting and negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements, and advising on digital banking, technology, intellectual property, and corporate matters.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Draft, negotiate and finalise complex commercial agreements, including technology contracts, software licences, vendor and partnership arrangements.
• Advise on technology and intellectual property transactions such as software development, SaaS, API and licensing agreements.
• Support corporate governance, risk management, regulatory compliance and fintech regulatory frameworks (Banks Act, FAIS, etc.).
• Manage external legal counsel and control legal costs.
• Participate in digital transformation projects and platform development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with South African data protection and privacy laws, including POPIA.

Required profile

• Minimum 7‑10 years post‑qualification legal experience in South Africa.
• Strong background in commercial, corporate and transactional law.
• Proven track record in drafting and negotiating complex agreements.
• Expertise in technology and intellectual property transactions.
• Experience in financial services, fintech or digital banking (advantageous).
• Ability to manage external counsel and control costs.
• High commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• LLB from a recognised South African university and admission to practice.

Required skills

• Legal drafting and contract negotiation.
• Deep knowledge of commercial, corporate, technology and intellectual property law.
• Understanding of South African banking regulations and fintech regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with data protection and privacy legislation (POPIA).