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 provides legal advice, drafts and reviews commercial contracts, and supports 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.
• Advise internal teams on legal issues related to contracts and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage contract renewals, terminations and liaise with external counsel, partners and clients.
• Research and interpret relevant legislation and regulatory requirements for the company’s products.
• Assist the Legal, Risk, Regulatory and Compliance team in developing and maintaining 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.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and admission as an attorney.
• Strong commercial contracting experience across SaaS, partnerships and vendor agreements.
• Pragmatic risk judgment, ability to balance legal priorities with business objectives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

Required skills

• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• Legal research and regulatory analysis.
• Knowledge of South African payment legislation (National Payment Systems Act, COFI Bill, SARB directives, PASA, FICA, NCA, Banks Act, CPA, POPIA).