Legal Counsel (Financial)

ADGM; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services authority is seeking a Legal Counsel in Abu Dhabi to provide legal advisory services related to financial regulations and blockchain technology. The role requires 8-10 years of experience and expertise in financial services law. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing litigation. A strong understanding of the FinTech industry is essential, alongside excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years’ post admission experience in financial services law.
• Knowledge of legal and policy matters in regulated financial services.
• Strong understanding of FinTech and blockchain technology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on crypto industry matters.
• Draft and review legal documents and manage legal projects.
• Oversee litigation processes for the FSRA.

Skills

Legal research and analysis

Advice on financial services law

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Independence

Education

Admitted as a barrister or solicitor in a common law jurisdiction

Job description

Job Description

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is responsible for the regulation of financial services in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and for the regulation of related activities. The Legal Counsel will be part of the Legal team within the Policy & Legal Division of the FSRA. This Division is responsible for providing legal advisory services, legislative services and litigation services to enable other divisions of the FSRA to achieve the objectives of the FSRA and the ADGM.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis in response to legal or policy queries and interpretation requests from internal and external stakeholders, with a focus on the crypto industry and blockchain technology.
• Leverage relevant technical knowledge to provide sound legal advice to the operational departments of the FSRA, including Authorisation, FinTech, Supervision, Markets, Financial Crime and Enforcement.
• Draft and review legal documents, including legislation, consultation papers, notices and agreements.
• Manage legal projects and external outsourced legal resources.
• Manage litigation for the FSRA including administrative and court matters, with a focus on tech‑related litigation and regulatory matters.
• Manage the legislative drafting process for enhancements to the current FSRA legislative framework, new legislative initiatives and other associated legislation and legal instruments where relevant to the FSRA and the broader ADGM.
• Monitor and seek to improve the internal processes and procedures of the Policy & Legal Division.
• Raise awareness of relevant legal and regulatory developments in the FinTech space, including developments in financial services litigation.

Education

• Admitted as a barrister or solicitor in a common law jurisdiction.

Essential

• At least 8‑10 years’ post admission experience, ideally for a financial services regulator or an entity that is supervised by an internationally recognised financial services regulator.
• Knowledge, skills and experience in legal and policy matters, with particular focus on regulated financial services, and a strong, substantive understanding of the FinTech industry, including blockchain technology and digital/virtual assets.
• Expertise in providing focused and pragmatic legal advice on technical financial services‑related matters.
• Excellent communication skills, with particular strength in written communications and drafting.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills, including ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with others at all levels of the FSRA and other ADGM bodies.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Desirable

• Understanding of emerging enabling technologies (e.g., distribution ledger technology, smart contracts, decentralised technology, artificial intelligence etc.) and their impacts on financial markets.
• Experience in contentious matters, regulatory investigations and financial services‑related litigation.
• Policy and legislative drafting experience.
• Proficient in Arabic or other language(s) and understanding of the Arabic culture.

About Us

The FSRA was established to advocate a progressive financial services environment and uphold the integrity of ADGM. The FSRA’s policies align with internationally recognised standards and ensure that financial entities operate with certainty, market participants thrive in an equal level‑playing environment, and the interests of investors are safeguarded.

About The Team

Abu Dhabi Global Market is an award‑winning international financial centre strategically located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Established by UAE Federal Decree, ADGM’s jurisdiction extends across the entire 114 hectares of Al Maryah Island. ADGM’s three independent authorities – the Registration Authority (RA), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and ADGM Courts – together ensure that its business‑friendly environment operates in line with international best practices, recognised by major financial centres worldwide.