Regulatory & Licensing Counsel - FinTech

Papel; Dubai; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech company in Dubai is seeking a Regulatory Counsel to join its legal team. The role involves managing regulatory workstreams, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have 4-6 years of experience in fintech and strong knowledge of financial regulations.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of post-qualification experience, ideally in fintech or financial services.
• Strong working knowledge of financial regulatory frameworks and data privacy.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into business-friendly advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of license applications and regulatory communications.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on implications for the business.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and regulatory contracts.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Education

Qualified Lawyer

Job description

AtPapel Holding, we’re not just another Fintech company. We’re on a mission to revolutionize the financial landscape. From innovative banking solutions to cutting-edge digital asset products, we’re transforming how people interact with money.

Careers at Papel suit those who want to have an impact, who are comfortable getting uncomfortable, willing to take risks and win big. We are brave, laser-focused and have high aptitude, with a little playfulness for good measure. If you’re someone who thrives on high accountability, possesses a start-up spirit, and flair for industry-savvy solutions, you’ll fit right in.

If this resonates with you, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact and be part of something that’s changing how we interact with money and wealth.

Position Objective

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Regulatory Counsel to join our legal team. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will take ownership of regulatory legal workstreams, supporting the business with clear, actionable advice across our fintech products and operations. You will play a key role in interpreting financial services laws, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enabling innovation while managing legal risk across multiple jurisdictions. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and contribute to the development of internal legal and compliance processes.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Licensing & Applications

• Lead end-to-end management of license applications, including drafting submissions and managing regulatory communications.
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs (e.g., finance, product, risk) for license filings.
• Track and manage regulatory timelines, renewals, and post-licensing obligations.
• Monitor jurisdictional licensing changes and assess their impact on business expansion plans.
• Partner with product, engineering, and commercial teams to assess regulatory implications of new products and features.
• Provide timely legal input to support compliant-by-design product development and go-to-market strategies.
• Draft legal guidance and contribute to internal sign-off processes for product approvals.

Regulatory Monitoring & Analysis

• Interpret and advise on existing and emerging financial services, data privacy (e.g. GDPR, DIFC Data Law), and consumer protection regulations across relevant jurisdictions.
• Monitor regulatory developments and communicate updates to business stakeholders with practical implications.
• Conduct legal analysis to support strategic decision-making and advise on business model design in regulated environments.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Support the implementation of internal controls, compliance documentation, and regulatory audits.
• Maintain internal registers of legal risks, data protection obligations, and compliance documentation.
• Assist with regulator interactions and periodic reviews related to ongoing compliance requirements.

General Legal Support & Training

• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial and regulatory contracts, including service agreements, partnership deals, and standard templates.
• Deliver legal guidance and compliance training to functional teams, promoting awareness and accountability.
• Identify and escalate legal risks and provide hands-on support in regulatory queries or disputes as needed.

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer with 4–6 years of post-qualification experience, ideally in fintech, financial services, or a technology-led environment.
• Strong working knowledge of financial regulatory frameworks, payments, data privacy, and licensing regimes in the MENA region and internationally.
• Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into business-friendly advice.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to work independently and manage multiple legal priorities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to work cross-functionally.
• Curious, solutions-driven, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.