Lead Legal Counsel, Digital Assets & FinTech

Ninety One; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Ninety One, a leading independent global asset manager, is seeking an in-house senior lawyer to lead on digital assets, tokenisation, and fund product work across Africa. You will design, structure and advise on regulatory compliant investments for Africa's markets, including SA, Namibia and Botswana, while coordinating with Global Product, Compliance, Operations and Investment teams.

The role requires 5+ years PQE, an LLB, and a mix of private practice and in-house experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE with exposure to digital assets and funds.
• LLB or equivalent legal qualification is essential.
• Experience in asset management or financial services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal design and structuring for tokenised/digital asset products and funds in Africa.
• Draft, negotiate, and maintain core product/fund documentation and client communications.
• Oversee distribution terms for digital assets and funds, and platform agreements.
• Advise on regulatory matters across African products and liaise with regulators.
• Collaborate with Global Product, Foundry, Compliance, Operations and Investment teams.
• Drive AI and technology integration in legal processes.
• Lead on M&A, special projects and reputational matters.

Skills

Digital assets

Tokenisation

Crypto assets

Mutual funds

Alternative funds

Structured products

Regulatory affairs

Cross-border collaboration

Team leadership

Education

LLB or related legal qualification

Job description

Ninety One, a leading independent global asset manager, is seeking an in-house senior lawyer to lead on digital assets, tokenisation, and fund product work across Africa. You will design, structure and advise on regulatory compliant investments for Africa's markets, including SA, Namibia and Botswana, while coordinating with Global Product, Compliance, Operations and Investment teams.

The role requires 5+ years PQE, an LLB, and a mix of private practice and in-house experience.