*This role can be based in our Dubai office for candidates looking to relocate*
We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Head of Legal to be based in our London or Dubai office. You will play a critical role in advising the company on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters, ensuring full compliance with the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the financial services industry in Europe.
This is a leadership role that requires a high level of responsibility and independence.
As our Head of Legal, you will have these main objectives:
* Legal Advisory: Provide comprehensive legal advice and guidance to the Board of Directors, senior management, business units, and operational teams on all aspects of the company's operations, including financial services, corporate governance, and contracts
* Contract Negotiation & Drafting: Lead the negotiation, drafting, and review of contracts, including T&C for the customers, commercial agreements, partnerships, and other legal documents to protect the company's interests
* Legal Risk Management: Advise on the legal risks associated with the company's activities and assist in the implementation of legal risk mitigation strategies
* Corporate Governance: Assist the Company Secretary with corporate governance matters, including shareholder agreements and agendas for board meetings
* Dispute Resolution: Manage any disputes, including liaising with external counsel when necessary, and oversee litigation or arbitration processes
* Corporate Structure & Strategy: Advise on corporate structure, including mergers, acquisitions, business expenditure outside the EU, and any other corporate initiatives
* Outsourced Legal Function: Manage cooperation with external law firms and outsourced legal functions
You will be a good fit if you:
* Are aligned with our values of - Belief, Transparency, Accountability & Ownership, Relentlessness and Speed
* Minimum of 5 years' experience working in a senior legal role, ideally with a background in financial services or at a reputable law firm specializing in financial services law
* A law degree from a reputable university (LLB or equivalent)
* Admission to the Bar in Malta (or equivalent jurisdiction)
* Extensive experience within the financial sector, particularly in electronic money institutions, payment services, fintech, or banking
* Strong understanding of the EU and Maltese financial services regulations, including the Financial Institutions Act, Payment Services Directive, E-money Directive
* Previous in-house experience is advantageous but not essential
* Ability to think strategically and provide practical, business-focused legal advice
* Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines
* Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and with senior stakeholders
* Language: Fluent in English (both written and spoken)