Remote Legal Counsel - Financial Services

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive salary

Medical aid plan

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Remote training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly motivated Remote Legal Counsel to join its client’s expanding legal team. This fully remote role supports operations across South Africa, providing expert guidance on financial services regulation and risk management.

The ideal candidate is admitted to the High Court of South Africa with 5+ years post‑admission experience in financial services law, and will draft and negotiate contracts, ensure FAIS and POPIA compliance, and advise cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 5+ years post-admission experience.
• Specialization in financial services law preferred.
• Strong drafting and negotiation of contracts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for a remote role.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on financial services regulation (banking, investment, insurance).
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts and licensing agreements.
• Ensure compliance with FAIS, Companies Act, and POPIA.

Skills

Financial services law

Contract law

Legal research

Remote work

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Remote Legal Counsel to join their expanding legal department, supporting operations across South Africa and potentially beyond. This fully remote position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere within the country, providing expert legal guidance and strategic advice primarily within the financial services sector. The successful candidate will be instrumental in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance, and mitigating legal risks for the organization. This is an exceptional opportunity for a legal professional to contribute to a forward-thinking company while enjoying the benefits of a remote-first work environment. The role demands a proactive approach and a commitment to excellence in a rapidly evolving industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal advice and support on all aspects of financial services regulation, including banking, investment, and insurance law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, licensing agreements, and partnership documentation.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant laws and regulations, including the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS), Companies Act, and Consumer Protection Act.
• Assist in the development and implementation of compliance programs and policies specific to the financial services industry.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes, claims, and regulatory investigations.
• Conduct legal research on emerging legal trends and their potential impact on the business.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across various departments, including compliance, risk management, and operations.
• Support product development and innovation by providing timely legal assessments and guidance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal and regulatory changes affecting the financial services sector.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 5 years of relevant post-admission experience, preferably with a focus on financial services law.
• Proven expertise in South African financial services regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial agreements.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, essential for a remote role.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Experience in data privacy and protection laws (e.g., POPIA) is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.
• Tech-savvy with proficiency in remote collaboration tools and legal software.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid plan.
• Contribution to a retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and remote training.
• Allowance for home office setup and connectivity.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and support.