Our client, an innovative FinTech company redefining how financial services are delivered through technology, transparency, and user-centric solutions is looking to add a Chief Legal Officer.
Job Summary:
The General Counsel will serve as the company’s chief legal officer with primary responsibility for overseeing all legal and regulatory matters. This includes advising on compliance with financial regulations, managing relationships with regulators, ensuring internal policies and procedures meet applicable standards, and mitigating legal and reputational risk.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Lead all legal and regulatory functions, including licensing, corporate governance, product compliance, and risk management.
-
Advise executive leadership and business units on financial regulations (e.g., SEC, CFTC, CFPB, OCC, FINRA, state regulatory bodies).
-
Develop, implement, and monitor company-wide compliance programs, including AML, KYC, data privacy, and consumer protection protocols.
-
Liaise with federal and state regulators, responding to inquiries, examinations, audits, and investigations.
-
Oversee and manage outside counsel on litigation, regulatory matters, and corporate transactions.
-
Ensure legal compliance in product development, marketing, data usage, and partnerships.
-
Draft, review, and negotiate key contracts, including vendor agreements, customer terms, and partnership deals.
-
Collaborate closely with risk, product, operations, and engineering teams to embed compliance into all aspects of the business.
-
Stay abreast of evolving regulatory landscapes in FinTech, crypto, payments, lending, and digital banking.
Qualifications:
-
J.D. from an accredited law school; active and good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (preferably NY or CA).
-
10+ years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in-house at a FinTech, financial institution, or regulatory body.
-
Deep knowledge of financial regulatory frameworks including BSA/AML, Dodd-Frank, GLBA, payments laws, and relevant state-level licensing regimes.
-
Proven ability to manage compliance programs and interact with financial regulators.
-
Demonstrated experience advising on legal risk in innovative or fast-paced tech environments.
-
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
-
Mission-driven, highly ethical, and comfortable working in a dynamic, high-growth startup environment.
Preferred Experience:
-
Experience with digital assets, blockchain, or cryptocurrency regulations.
-
Prior engagement with international regulatory bodies or global compliance programs.
-
Background in both consumer and business-facing financial products.
Compensation & Benefits:
-
Competitive salary and equity package.
-
Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and more.
-
Opportunity to shape the legal strategy of a growing and innovative FinTech firm.