Lead Legal Counsel

About the role

Mukuru is seeking a Lead Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal guidance as the company expands across Africa, the UK, and Europe. This senior position sits at the heart of a fast‑growing fintech, influencing business decisions while ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to senior leadership and mitigate business risk.
• Lead and manage complex, multi‑jurisdictional legal matters, including high‑value transactions.
• Oversee contract drafting, negotiation, and management across all business units.
• Drive regulatory compliance and licensing efforts in multiple territories.
• Support and lead M&A activities from due diligence through execution.
• Manage legal disputes and litigation to protect the Group’s interests.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high‑performing legal team.
• Strengthen policies, governance, and legal frameworks across the organisation.

Required profile

• LLB or equivalent legal degree with admission as an Attorney (or equivalent).
• 8+ years post‑qualification experience, preferably in top‑tier law firms or financial institutions.
• Strong expertise in commercial, fintech, banking, and regulatory law.
• Proven experience handling large‑scale, high‑risk, cross‑border transactions.
• Experience working across Africa, the UK, and/or Europe is advantageous.
• Excellent business acumen and ability to translate legal complexity into practical advice.

Required skills

• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• M&A due diligence and execution.
• Regulatory compliance and licensing.
• Risk management and litigation handling.