Senior Legal Counsel – Fintech, Banking & Payments
(scope to grow into Head of Legal)
UK (Hybrid – London)
In‑house | Senior, hands‑on role
We’re partnering exclusively with a UK‑licensed challenger bank with a strong fintech, payments and Banking‑as‑a‑Service (BaaS) focus, backed by an established European banking group.
This is a role for a commercially minded lawyer who wants real ownership and influence, helping shape and deliver legal support in a growing bank, not working behind layers of process. Legal is embedded early, trusted by the business, and expected to think commercially.
The Business
Fully licensed UK challenger bank operating across payments, BaaS and digital retail banking
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)
Strong fintech and payments DNA with the stability of a banking platform
Collegiate, low‑ego culture where legal is involved early in commercial and product decisions
Why Join?
You’ll be joining a bank known for its entrepreneurial mindset and strong people‑first culture, recognised as a Sunday Times Best Places to Work.
The culture is:
Ambitious and fast‑moving, with a willingness to challenge convention
Open and straightforward in how decisions are made
Continuously improving, without rigid hierarchy
Collaborative, with high standards and genuine care for colleagues
The Opportunity
As Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll own a broad legal remit across payments, fintech partnerships and digital banking, staying hands‑on and close to the business.
You will:
Act as a trusted legal adviser to senior stakeholders, Compliance and Risk
Run the day‑to‑day UK legal workload
Work at fintech pace within a regulated banking environment
Help shape how the legal function supports scale and growth over time
This is a senior individual‑contributor role with real influence, not a committee‑heavy or title‑driven position.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leading negotiation of commercial, fintech and payments contracts (BaaS, SaaS, technology, outsourcing)
Supporting high‑priority, client‑facing negotiations
Advising on UK financial services regulation, payments and consumer riskSupporting new product and feature launches
Providing pragmatic input on governance, data protection and vendor arrangements
Working closely with Compliance and Risk
Who This Suits
Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent)
Strong experience in fintech, payments, EMI or banking environments
Excellent commercial contracts capability
Commercial, adaptable and comfortable with change
Enjoys building and improving, not just maintaining
Confident operating with autonomy and balancing regulation with delivery
In‑house experience preferred, though private practice lawyers with strong FS or fintech exposure will be considered.
Why This Role?
Senior responsibility in a hands‑on role, close to decision‑making
High autonomy and visibility, reporting to the CFO
Scope to grow with the business and help shape the legal function
Fintech pace with the credibility of a licensed bank
Competitive salary, discretionary bonus and long‑term incentives
Interested? Apply directly to arrange a confidential discussion.
This is an exclusive and confidential search for a newly created, high‑impact role with a highly selective client, and we expect significant interest.
Candidates interested in exploring the opportunity are strongly encouraged to apply promptly.
Given the level of interest expected, conversations will be prioritised with candidates whose experience aligns most closely with the role.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
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