Senior Principal: Legal

JOB SUMMARY: 

The role is to support the Head of Legal to create a culture of compliance by ensuring management are updated on new laws, regulations, and applicability and by ensuring that all staff, agents, and dealers embrace the rigors of compliance

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand and advise the business on various laws, regulations, and standards in various jurisdictions of business operation including international pronouncements that affect the business
• Help with the interpretation of laws and regulations to help the business design appropriate programs for compliance.
• Support and implement key legal and compliance processes that relate to legal drafting, negotiations, and review of commercial and other agreements.
• Review and provide advice to the business on matters concerning licensing, approvals and registration required for operation of the business
• Prepare and defend the business interests in commercial contracts and in a court of law or other dispute resolution forum whenever required.
• Educate the members of staff and leadership of Cellulant on implications of laws and regulations and risk of non-compliance.
• Help the business understand the risks and opportunities in new and upcoming laws and regulations.
• Oversee delivery of legal services and resources to accomplish corporate goals, strategies and priorities.
• Maintain proper corporate interactions with the relevant local, state, federal, regional governmental and international bodies to ensure Cellulant is up to date with the changing regulatory environment
• Advise the business on an ad hoc basis on legal matters e.g., Employment matters

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must Have Experience: 

• Possess a bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues / problems in management areas, recommend and implement solutions.
• Good interpersonal relations and communications.
• Business experience is an added advantage.
• Displays excellent supervisory and leadership skills.
• Has the ability to evaluate and weigh all legal aspects and / or situation, and be able to provide sound solutions, with the aim of protecting the legal rights of the business.

Experience that will count in your favor:

• Experience working in a FinTech, insurance or financial institution.
• Strong business acumen

Nice To Have Experience:

• Prior experience with international regulatory compliance
• Involvement in successful M&A transactions in the Fintech sector.
• Experience with cross-border legal matters.
• Compliance certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior role 
• Extensive knowledge of Fintech regulations, including payment processing, cryptocurrency, and consumer lending.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing legal strategies to support business objectives.
• Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills.
• Experience in managing legal teams and external counsel.

Skills:

• Leadership skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Project management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in legal research and writing.
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.

Personal attributes:

• Ethical and principled in professional conduct.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to legal challenges.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• High degree of integrity and trustworthiness.
• Resilience in the face of legal and regulatory challenges.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.