Head of Legal / Sole Legal Counsel – Scale-Up FinTech (Hybrid | Mayfair Office)
We’re supporting a fast-growing UK-based fintech—authorised as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI)—in hiring a Sole Legal Counsel / Head of Legal (official title Head of Legal) to lead its in-house legal function. This innovative firm provides scalable, secure payments infrastructure and is expanding its regulatory and commercial footprint.
The Role
This is a senior legal opportunity at the intersection of fintech, regulation, and innovation. You’ll advise senior leadership, manage legal risk, and provide practical legal support across commercial, regulatory, and privacy matters.
Responsibilities
- Own and lead the legal function across all business areas
- Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements (vendor, customer, processing, and outsourcing)
- Advise on UK/EU payments and e-money regulations (PSRs, EMRs, FCA Handbook)
- Act as or support the DPO in ensuring GDPR/data privacy compliance
- Support new product launches with legal and regulatory input
- Collaborate with compliance, risk, product, and operations teams
- Manage external counsel and contribute to strategic decisions
- Deliver internal training on legal and data protection topics
Candidate Profile
- UK-qualified solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE
- Experience in fintech, payments, or regulated financial services
- Strong grasp of payment/e-money regulations and contract law
- Familiarity with data protection laws (UK GDPR, DPA 2018)
- Commercially minded and confident advising at senior level
- Comfortable working autonomously in a fast-paced environment
What’s on Offer
- Salary up to £120,000
- Bonus scheme
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Private health insurance (post-probation)
- Remote working setup
- Exciting opportunity to lead legal in a high-growth fintech