Senior Legal Counsel (Fintech/Payments)

About the role

Our client, a fast‑growing fintech building next‑generation payment infrastructure across Africa, is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel. The role will support legal and regulatory functions across multiple jurisdictions, covering payments, crypto assets and broader financial services.

Key responsibilities

• Support new licence applications and manage ongoing licence renewals across jurisdictions.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial, vendor and technology agreements; maintain contract templates.
• Assist with corporate entity formation, statutory filings, annual returns and board documentation.
• Prepare onboarding documentation for banking, payment and trading counterparties and manage relationships with PSPs and liquidity partners.
• Conduct legal research on evolving fintech, crypto and payments regulations and engage with regulators.
• Provide day‑to‑day legal support on operational, regulatory and strategic projects.

Required profile

• LLB degree and admission as an attorney.
• 5–8 years post‑qualification experience in a law firm or in‑house legal department.
• Experience in financial services (FX/TOC, crypto assets), banking & payments (TPPP/PSP, cross‑border) and commercial contracts.
• Ability to work independently in both structured and unstructured environments.
• Meticulous attention to detail, strong organisational abilities and excellent written/oral communication.
• Comfort with administrative tasks and strong analytical/problem‑solving skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Mission‑driven work solving cross‑border payments challenges in Africa.
• Exposure to diverse legal environments and evolving fintech regulation.