Employment Type: Full-Time
Overview
A fast-growing, venture-backed financial technology company is seeking an experienced Head of Legal & Compliance to lead all legal, regulatory, and compliance functions as the business scales. Operating in a highly regulated financial services environment, the company is building critical infrastructure supporting modern payment flows and next-generation financial products.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for a legal executive who can balance regulatory rigor with commercial velocity. The position is fully onsite and reports directly to the executive leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the company’s primary legal and compliance leader, advising senior leadership on regulatory, commercial, and governance matters.
- Design, implement, and oversee compliance programs covering payments, AML/KYC/KYB, sanctions screening, fraud, and financial crime obligations.
- Lead compliance efforts related to bank partnerships, money transmission requirements, and related regulatory frameworks.
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, banking partners, auditors, and external advisors.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including technology, vendor, and strategic partnership contracts.
- Partner closely with Product, Engineering, and Operations teams to provide risk-based legal guidance on new products and features.
- Oversee data privacy, information security, and cybersecurity legal considerations.
- Build and scale internal legal and compliance processes, policies, training, and controls.
- Manage and coordinate outside counsel efficiently.
Qualifications
- 10 years of legal and/or compliance experience in fintech, payments, banking, or other regulated financial services environments.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. financial services regulation, including AML/KYC, payments compliance, and regulatory examinations.
- Prior experience engaging directly with regulators and financial institution partners.
- Proven ability to build legal and compliance infrastructure in high-growth or startup environments.
- Excellent judgment, communication skills, and ability to operate effectively in ambiguity.
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership (or eligibility for in-house registration).
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Pragmatic, business-oriented legal leader with a builder’s mindset
- Comfortable working onsite in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Collaborative partner to technical and non-technical teams
- High integrity, ownership mentality, and strong attention to detail
Compensation
- Competitive base salary
- Meaningful equity participation
- Comprehensive benefits package
