Senior International Lawyer (FinTech)

Accountabilities:

International Corporate and Legal Management:
Manage the registration and ongoing legal administration of international corporate entities.
Coordinate with external service providers, legal advisors, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure proper corporate governance and compliance.
Support international corporate structuring and ensure that legal documentation remains accurate and up to date.
Banking and Payment Services:
Manage the opening, maintenance, and administration of corporate accounts with banks, Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), and Payment Service Providers (PSPs).
Coordinate KYB and compliance procedures, including financial monitoring and requests for additional documentation.
Manage contractual relationships with banks, acquiring institutions, payment gateways, processors, PSPs, and clients.
Lead the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and approving commercial and financial agreements.
Licensing and Regulatory Compliance:
Support the registration and ongoing administration of Money Services Businesses (MSBs).
Participate in licensing projects involving Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), Payment Institutions (PIs), and other regulated financial entities.
Prepare and maintain licensing documentation, internal policies, regulatory reports, and supporting materials.
Coordinate communication with regulatory authorities, external consultants, and other relevant stakeholders.
Monitor regulatory developments and ensure that business activities remain aligned with applicable legal requirements.
Dispute Resolution and Risk Management:
Provide legal support in disputes and complex operational cases, including chargebacks, fraud-related incidents, and claims involving customers or business partners.
Conduct due diligence on clients and partners, assessing ownership structures, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), business models, sanctions exposure, and reputational risks.
Identify potential legal and regulatory risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
Legal Documentation and Research:
Draft, review, and update legal policies and corporate documentation, including Terms of Use, Privacy Policies, Cookie Policies, and AML/KYC procedures.
Conduct legal research and regulatory analysis related to new markets, business opportunities, counterparties, and evolving financial services requirements.
Prepare comprehensive legal opinions and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Requirements:
At least 3 years of professional experience in the fintech or payments industry, either in an in-house legal department or at a law firm specializing in payment services.
A university degree in Law or an equivalent legal qualification.
Practical experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts with banks, acquiring institutions, payment gateways, and Payment Service Providers (PSPs).
Proven experience opening corporate bank accounts and managing KYB procedures with banks, EMIs, and PSPs.
Hands-on experience conducting due diligence on clients and business partners, including ownership structures, UBO identification, business models, and risk assessments.
Experience supporting the licensing or registration of financial services companies, including MSBs, EMIs, PIs, or equivalent regulated entities.
Solid practical understanding of AML/KYC frameworks, financial monitoring obligations, and international sanctions requirements.
Experience preparing and maintaining legal policies, regulatory documentation, and formal legal opinions.
Strong knowledge of international financial services regulations and the ability to interpret complex legal requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
English proficiency at Upper-Intermediate level (B2) or above, with the ability to draft and review contracts, negotiate with international partners, and communicate professionally with banks and regulatory authorities.
Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, combined with strong attention to detail.
Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
A proactive and adaptable approach, with the ability to manage multiple legal matters independently in a fast-paced international environment.
Nice to Have:
Experience with cryptocurrency payments, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), and relevant regulatory frameworks, including the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
Familiarity with high-risk merchants and international card scheme requirements, particularly Visa and Mastercard rules.
Understanding of international tax and corporate structuring considerations, including Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules, economic substance requirements, and Permanent Establishment (PE) risks.
Experience using AI-powered tools and legal technology solutions to streamline legal research, documentation, and contract management.
Benefits:
Fully Remote Work: Flexibility to work from a location where you feel comfortable and safe, with access to company hubs in Kyiv and Warsaw if needed.
Work-Life Balance: 20 working days of paid annual leave, public holidays, and paid sick leave.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance with access to leading healthcare providers.
Mental Health Support: Coverage for psychological consultations and support through the Pleso platform.
Monthly Benefits Allowance: A flexible monthly budget that can be used for personal interests, hobbies, sports, and other lifestyle activities.
Professional Development: Individual learning budgets for courses, workshops, and other professional training opportunities.
Language Learning: Access to corporate English lessons to support international communication and professional growth.
Career Advancement: Structured career development plans, regular performance reviews, mentoring programs, and opportunities to expand your expertise.
Team Events and Activities: Opportunities to participate in workshops, team-building activities, corporate events, and social initiatives.
Learning Resources: Access to an online library and a variety of educational resources to support continuous learning.
Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a diverse and supportive international team that values openness, teamwork, initiative, and knowledge sharing.
Innovative Environment: Opportunity to contribute to the development of technology-driven solutions and work with modern tools and systems.
Process Automation: Benefit from an environment that encourages automation and streamlined workflows, reducing repetitive tasks and allowing more time for strategic legal work.
Autonomy and Flexibility: A low-bureaucracy working culture that encourages independent decision-making, fresh ideas, and proactive contributions.