Head of Legal

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the company's UK regulatory framework and serve as the foremost legal authority on UK-related issues.

• Directly report to the CEO.

• Oversee the complete process of the first-wave FCA cryptoasset authorisation.

• Manage a UK e-money application and align its timeline with the cryptoasset application.

• Perform perimeter analysis for B2C and B2B operations.

• Formulate application strategies, draft necessary documents, contribute to the regulatory business plan, handle RFIs, and facilitate discussions throughout the decision-making process.

• Serve as the senior in-house legal representative for the FCA.

• Provide guidance on the cryptoasset financial promotions regime, Consumer Duty, UK Travel Rule, safeguarding, and prudential requirements.

• Lead post-authorisation readiness efforts, including governance, senior manager, and certification considerations, along with reporting and disclosures.

• Supervise and ensure the quality of UK external legal counsel while managing legal expenditures.

• Spearhead legal efforts for additional license applications in various jurisdictions.

• Offer advice where UK and EU regulatory frameworks intersect.

• Draft and negotiate English-law B2B contracts, including MSAs, API and white-label terms, referral and agent agreements, as well as banking, payment, and card scheme agreements.

• Review consumer terms, financial promotions, and UK-specific disclosures.

• Advise on UK employment law and contractor agreements in collaboration with HR.

• Collaborate closely with the EU legal team and leadership based outside the UK.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales.

• Typically possess 8+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE).

• Extensive hands-on experience with UK financial services regulation.

• Have personally managed or materially led at least one FCA authorisation or variation of permission, from perimeter analysis to final decision.

• Direct experience interacting with the FCA, including correspondence, meetings, and representation.

• Legal experience in crypto or digital assets at licensed or established firms.

• Knowledge of cryptoasset, e-money, or payments perimeter.

• Capability to independently draft and negotiate English-law B2B fintech agreements.

• Proven track record of influencing regulatory outcomes.

• Ability to maintain clear positions under pressure and convert legal risks into business opportunities.

• Comfort in working remotely as a senior legal professional without a legal support framework.

• Practical experience utilizing AI tools in legal drafting, research, or review.

• Proficient in legal English to a standard suitable for regulator engagement.

• Must have the existing right to work in the UK.

• Willingness to attend regulator meetings in London as necessary.

• Team management experience is not mandatory.

🏝️ Benefits

• Performance bonus linked to milestones in UK authorisation.

• Remote work setup available within the UK.

• Option for employment or B2B contract.

• Quick and transparent hiring process, typically completed within four weeks.