Legal Counsel (Fintech)

Black Pen Recruitment (For A Leading Financial Infrastructure Platform); Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Pen Recruitment is seeking a Legal Counsel for a leading financial infrastructure platform based in Cape Town. The role focuses on providing legal support for a digital payments platform, handling commercial contracts, regulatory advisory, and compliance frameworks within fintech.

The ideal candidate holds an LLB with admission as a legal practitioner, 5–7 years post-articles experience, and proven fintech or payments regulatory experience. Hybrid working arrangement is offered.

Qualifications

• LLB degree and admission as a legal practitioner/attorney.
• 5–7 years post-articles experience in SA law firm or in-house (fintech/finreg/payments preferred).
• Experience in fintech regulatory matters and payments preferred.
• Familiarity with NPSA/Bill, COFI Bill, SARB directives, FICA, NCA, Banks Act, CPA, POPIA.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts (SaaS, partnerships, vendor agreements).
• Advising on regulatory frameworks and legal issues related to business models and products.
• Developing and maintaining internal policies, guidance documents, and compliance frameworks.
• Preparing contract summaries, stakeholder briefings, and risk reports for Revenue teams.
• Managing communication with external partners, clients, and external counsel.

Skills

Fintech experience

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiations

Education

LLB

Admission as legal practitioner/attorney

Job description

Legal Counsel (Fintech)

B

Organising Institution / Firm

Black Pen Recruitment (for a leading financial infrastructure platform)

Rolling Basis (Official)

Not Specified

Bachelor of Laws (LLB); Admission as a legal practitioner/attorney; 5-7 years post-articles experience in a top-tier South African law firm or in-house (fintech/finreg/payments preferred).

Law Firm Job

Full Opportunity Brief

Contextual Overview

Black Pen Recruitment is seeking a Legal Counsel for a leading financial infrastructure platform based in Cape Town. The role focuses on providing legal support for a digital payments platform, specifically handling commercial contracts, regulatory advisory, and compliance frameworks within the fintech sector.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Qualification: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and admission as a legal practitioner/attorney.
• Experience: 5-7 years of post-articles experience in a top-tier South African law firm or relevant in-house experience.
• Specialization: Proven experience in fintech, financial regulation, or payments is highly preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with the National Payment Systems Act/Bill, COFI Bill, SARB directives, FICA, NCA, Banks Act, CPA, and POPIA.

Responsibilities & Scope of Work

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts (SaaS, partnerships, vendor agreements).
• Advising on regulatory frameworks and legal issues related to business models and products.
• Developing and maintaining internal policies, guidance documents, and compliance frameworks.
• Preparing contract summaries, stakeholder briefings, and risk reports for the Revenue teams.
• Managing communication with external partners, clients, and external counsel.

Stipend, Compensation & Mode

Compensation: Not specified.
Mode: Hybrid working arrangement.

Reporting & Probation

• What is the reporting structure? The role reports directly to the Head of Legal.
• Is there a probation period? Yes, the role includes a 3-month probation period.