Legal Counsel – Fintech (Hybrid, 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 service, partnership, SaaS and vendor contracts.
• Prepare contract summaries, stakeholder briefing documents and risk reports for revenue teams.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal issues arising from contracts and support renewals or terminations.
• Communicate and negotiate with external partners, counsel and clients.
• Research and advise on relevant regulations and legal frameworks governing the client’s business models and products.
• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining contract policies and procedures.

Required profile

• 5‑7 years post‑articles experience in a top‑tier South African law firm or proven in‑house experience (fintech/finreg/payments preferred).
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and admission as a legal practitioner/attorney.
• Strong commercial contracting experience across SaaS, partnerships and vendor agreements.
• Pragmatic risk judgment with a track record of aligning legal priorities to business objectives.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and clear‑communication skills.

Required skills

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