Senior Legal Officer

About the Client

Our client is a UK-based Electronic Money Institution specialising in card acquiring services. They enable businesses to accept card payments both online and in-store. With a strong emphasis on secure and efficient payment processing solutions, they cater to a diverse range of merchants. Operating under strict regulatory standards ensures compliance and protection for businesses and their customers.

Role Overview

The Senior Legal Officer/Head of Legal is responsible for providing comprehensive legal support to the company's operations. This includes ensuring regulatory compliance, managing legal aspects of acquiring and payment service provider business, and collaborating closely with various teams to implement internal policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide full legal support for EMI operations, ensuring UK regulatory compliance and liaising with regulators

• Draft and negotiate merchant agreements, processing agreements, and vendor contracts, including for high-risk clients

• Participate in building and optimising corporate structure and governance across the group

• Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, and Product teams to develop and implement internal policies and procedures

• Support licensing processes and regulatory initiatives, including expansion into new jurisdictions and products

• Advise business stakeholders on legal matters related to payments, e-money, and cross-border operations

• Manage external legal counsel to ensure the quality and efficiency of deliverables

Requirements

• 5+ years of legal experience in fintech, payments, EMI, or PSP

• Hands-on experience with UK (FCA) and/or EU regulatory frameworks (EMI, PSD2)

• Strong understanding of payment flows, card acquiring, and high-risk verticals

• Solid background in contract law and commercial deal structuring

• Experience working closely with Compliance/AML functions and regulatory requirements

Key Soft Skills

• Proactive mindset and strong ownership

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• Strong communication skills with C-level and cross-functional teams

• High attention to detail and risk-oriented thinking

• Flexibility and adaptability

What We Offer

• Competitive salary aligned with experience

• Collaborative and transparent team culture

• High-impact role in a scaling fintech company

• Recognition of personal milestones and achievements

• Social benefits