Remote Legal Counsel - Fintech Compliance

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive salary and incentives

Home office equipment assistance

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development and industry-

conference access (virtual or in‑port)

Collaborative remote culture

Access to online learning platforms

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Legal Counsel to join a remote-first Fintech legal team in South Africa. You will provide strategic regulatory advice on licensing, consumer protection, data privacy, and payments, ensuring compliant product launches in a fast-paced digital environment.

The role requires an admitted SA attorney with 5+ years in financial services regulation, data privacy experience, and the ability to work independently from a home office in Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Admitted SA attorney with 5+ years in financial services regulation.
• Strong knowledge of SA banking/fintech laws (FICA, FAIS, PSR).
• Experience with data privacy laws (POPIA; GDPR a plus).

Responsibilities

• Provide regulatory advice on licensing, AML/KYC, data protection, and consumer protection.
• Interpret financial services legislation for new products and services.
• Prepare regulatory applications and notifications.
• Draft terms of service and privacy policies.
• Lead risk assessments and liaise with regulators and external counsel.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Financial services regulation

Data privacy (POPIA/GDPR)

AML/KYC awareness

Legal analysis

Remote work communication

Education

LLB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the financial technology (Fintech) space, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Legal Counsel to join their fully remote legal team. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with the complex and evolving regulatory landscape governing Fintech operations. You will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on regulatory matters, licensing, consumer protection, data privacy, and payment systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of financial services regulations and a proactive approach to risk management in a fast-paced, digital environment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and integrity of a pioneering Fintech company from the comfort of your own home office. We are committed to fostering a remote-first culture, providing all necessary support and resources for our team members to thrive professionally. Your expertise will directly impact the company's ability to operate legally and ethically, safeguarding both the business and its customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on a wide range of regulatory compliance matters relevant to Fintech operations, including licensing, AML/KYC, data protection (POPIA, GDPR), and consumer protection laws.
• Interpret and advise on the application of financial services legislation and regulations to new products and services.
• Assist in the preparation and filing of regulatory applications and notifications.
• Review and draft terms of service, privacy policies, and other customer-facing legal documents.
• Conduct legal risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for emerging Fintech risks.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and external counsel as needed.
• Support the development and implementation of compliance programs and policies.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging legal trends in the Fintech sector globally.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including product, engineering, and operations, to ensure legal and regulatory adherence.
• Handle legal inquiries and resolve disputes effectively and efficiently.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, with a significant portion focused on financial services regulation or Fintech.
• Demonstrable knowledge of South African financial services laws and regulations (e.g., FICA, FAIS, PSR) and international equivalents where applicable.
• Experience with data privacy laws (POPIA is essential, GDPR a strong plus).
• Familiarity with payment systems, digital banking, and cryptocurrency regulations is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide clear, concise advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, suitable for a remote work environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Must have a dedicated home office setup conducive to remote work in **Tembisa, Gauteng** (though the role is remote, the candidate will be based in this region).
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility.
• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Contribution towards home office expenses or equipment.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences (virtual or in-person).
• Exposure to cutting-edge Fintech innovations.
• Collaborative and inclusive remote work culture.
• Access to online learning platforms and resources.
• Employee assistance program for well-being.