Senior Crypto Regulatory Compliance Lead

VALR; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

VALR in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Legal & Compliance Counsel to drive regulatory strategy and ensure compliance across VALR’s crypto and fintech products. The role requires deep knowledge of crypto asset regulation, AML/CFT, and data privacy, with a track record in drafting formal opinions and risk assessments.

You will translate complex regulations for product and engineering teams, monitor regulatory developments, and prepare horizon-scanning reports for executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ legal/compliance experience, preferably in crypto/fintech or financial services.
• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Strong knowledge of financial services regulation including crypto asset and VASP regulations, digital payments and AML/CFT.
• Proven ability to draft formal legal opinions balancing compliance with business needs.
• Excellent research using legal databases and regulatory sources.
• Ability to analyse evolving regulation and extract concrete business impacts.
• Certification in compliance is advantageous.
• Experience across VALR’s jurisdictions is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research complex financial services laws globally, including crypto, payments and data privacy.
• Draft clear legal opinions and risk assessments on regulatory applicability and licensing thresholds.
• Translate legal findings into practical guidance for Product, Engineering and other teams.
• Track bills and regulatory updates and assess strategic/regulatory impact.
• Prepare horizon-scanning reports for executive leadership.
• Coordinate VALR’s responses to regulatory consultations and industry submissions.
• Develop and manage Compliance Risk Management Plans (CRMPs) for the VALR Group.
• Support regulators with information requests and regulatory returns.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting opinions

Regulatory analysis

Regulatory engagement

Policy translation

Horizon scanning

Education

LLB degree or equivalent

Professional compliance certification (advantageous)

Job description

VALR in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Legal & Compliance Counsel to drive regulatory strategy and ensure compliance across VALR’s crypto and fintech products. The role requires deep knowledge of crypto asset regulation, AML/CFT, and data privacy, with a track record in drafting formal opinions and risk assessments.

You will translate complex regulations for product and engineering teams, monitor regulatory developments, and prepare horizon-scanning reports for executive leadership.