Legal and Compliance Advisor

ENVIRONMENT: A forward-thinking fintech company on a mission to reshape the financial ecosystem by connecting banks and digital financial infrastructure through a unified platform is seeking a Senior Legal and Compliance Advisor to join their growing team. This role is ideal for an admitted attorney with strong commercial acumen and hands‑on experience in contract law, financial regulation, and compliance within the fintech or payments sector.

The position is based in Cape Town (Foreshore) and requires regular in‑office collaboration with the legal and executive teams.

DUTIES:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts, including NDAs, service agreements, partnership agreements, and terms and conditions.
• Provide strategic legal advice on regulatory and compliance matters impacting the fintech and payments industry.
• Support internal teams in understanding and applying relevant legislation, including FICA, FAIS, FSCA, and SARB regulations.
• Advise management on legal risks, governance, and corporate policies to ensure operational integrity.

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and implementing internal compliance frameworks and policies.
• Conduct client and third‑party due diligence, including transaction monitoring and risk assessments.
• Liaise with external legal counsel and compliance officers where specialist input is required.
• Maintain and improve internal legal and compliance processes in line with evolving industry standards.

• Stay informed on local and international developments in financial, regulatory, and commercial law.
• Recommend proactive measures to adapt to regulatory changes and support strategic business decisions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• LLB Degree and admitted attorney in South Africa.
• 2–4 years’ post‑admission experience in financial services, payments, or fintech.
• Strong background in contract drafting, negotiation, and regulatory compliance.
• Solid understanding of South African financial legislation and governance frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Based in Cape Town and comfortable with regular attendance at the Foreshore office.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Detail‑oriented with strong commercial awareness.
• Confident, proactive, and adaptable in a fast‑evolving fintech environment.
• Able to balance independent work with effective team collaboration.