Legal Counsel – Fintech (Cape Town)

About the role

Our client, a leading financial infrastructure platform enabling digital payments across Africa, is seeking a Legal Counsel with fintech expertise. The role involves providing legal advice, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, and ensuring regulatory compliance for a fast‑growing payments business.

Key responsibilities

• Review, negotiate and draft a variety of commercial agreements, including SaaS, partnership and vendor contracts.
• Prepare contract summaries, stakeholder briefing documents and risk reports for revenue teams.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal issues related to contracts and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage contract renewals, terminations and liaise with external parties such as partners and counsel.
• Research and interpret relevant legislation and regulatory requirements affecting the business model.
• Support the development, implementation and maintenance of compliant policies and procedures.

Required profile

• 5‑7 years post‑articles experience in a top‑tier South African law firm or in‑house fintech/legal‑regulatory role.
• LLB degree and admission as a legal practitioner/attorney.
• Strong commercial contracting skills across SaaS, partnerships and vendor agreements.
• Pragmatic risk judgment with a track record of aligning legal priorities with business objectives.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder‑management abilities.

Required skills

• Working knowledge of South African payment and financial legislation (National Payment Systems Act/Bill, COFI Bill, SARB directives, PASA frameworks, FICA, NCA, Banks Act, CPA, POPIA).
• Expertise in drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Ability to produce clear, plain‑language legal summaries and recommendations.