Legal Advisor Payments

FirstRand Bank Limited; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial institution in Sandton seeks an experienced legal advisor to provide expertise on payments law and ensure compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to embed legal insights into products and services, navigate regulatory challenges, and mentor junior advisors. Ideal candidates should possess strong knowledge of legal frameworks and a track record in delivering comprehensive legal support within the payments ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Experience in payments law and regulatory frameworks is required.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation such as the National Payment System Act.
• Proven track record of delivering legal advice in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver legal advice on payments compliance and innovations.
• Collaborate with business teams to enable compliance and innovation.
• Monitor regulatory developments and represent the organization in forums.

Skills

Legal risk management

Payments law expertise

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic decision-making

Mentorship and guidance

Education

LLB or equivalent legal qualification

Job description

Description

To play a pivotal role in delivering expert legal counsel on complex and high impact matters within the payments ecosystem. Operating within the Payments Law Centre of Expertise, this role provides deep subject matter expertise on payments regulation, infrastructure, and innovation, ensuring legal risk is proactively managed and business strategies are legally enabled.

To partner closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to embed legal insight into the design and execution of payments products, services, and platforms. The incumbent also contributes to shaping the legal and regulatory landscape through industry engagement and thought leadership.

• Deliver authoritative legal advice on all aspects of payments law, including regulatory compliance, licensing, settlement systems, fintech partnerships, and digital payment innovations.
• Interpret and apply legislation such as the National Payment System Act, Financial Sector Regulation Act, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Provide legal input into the development and execution of payments strategies, ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with business and product teams to enable innovation in payments while managing legal risk.
• Contribute to the design of new payments products and services, ensuring legal compliance from inception through to launch.
• Participate in strategic decision‑making forums, offering legal insight that supports commercial and operational objectives.
• Monitor and analyse regulatory developments and industry trends impacting the payments landscape.
• Represent the organisation in regulatory consultations, industry working groups, and legal forums.
• Proactively identify legal risks and opportunities arising from market and regulatory shifts.
• Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of legal risks specific to payments.
• Support the development and implementation of legal risk frameworks, controls, and reporting mechanisms.
• Advise on dispute resolution and regulatory investigations related to payments.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior legal advisors and peers within the Payments Law Centre of Expertise.
• Contribute to the development of legal training materials and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and legal excellence.
• Leverage legal technology and digital tools to enhance advisory delivery, document management, and legal operations.
• Collaborate with technology teams to ensure legal compliance in digital platforms, APIs, and data flows.

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Are you interested to take the step? We look forward to engaging with you further. Apply now!

Job Details

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

05 / 12 / 25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.