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. You will support legal and regulatory functions across multiple jurisdictions, covering payments, crypto assets and broader financial services.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with new licence applications and manage ongoing licence renewals across jurisdictions.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial, vendor and technology agreements.
• Maintain contract templates and ensure alignment with company standards.
• Support formation and maintenance of corporate entities, statutory filings 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 financial, crypto and payments regulations and engage with regulators.
• Provide day‑to‑day legal support for operational, regulatory and strategic projects.

Required profile

• LLB degree and admission as an attorney.
• 5‑8 years post‑qualification experience in financial services, banking, payments or crypto assets, either in a law firm or in‑house.
• Ability to work independently in both structured and unstructured environments.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organisational abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Required skills

• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• Regulatory compliance and licensing.
• Corporate governance and secretarial duties.
• Legal research and analysis.

What we offer

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