UMO

Senior Legal Counsel

UMO

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Dubai • United Arab Emirates

Visit company website

Explore more

✨ AI Apply
Apply

Job Level

Senior

Tech Stack

Swift

About the role

  • Provide expert legal counsel on all aspects of the finance platform’s operations, focusing on the convergence of traditional finance, payments, and digital assets (crypto).
  • Own and manage the legal and compliance roadmap for expansion into new target markets, including the UAE and MENA region.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts, partnership agreements (processors, payment schemes, and exchanges), and vendor contracts.
  • Ensure the platform, including products like cards, wallets, and trading features, complies with local and international financial regulations (e.g., AML, KYC, data privacy).
  • Advise senior management on corporate governance, licensing requirements, and risk mitigation strategies in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
  • Manage regulatory inquiries and external counsel engagement across key operational geographies.
  • Create global contract lifecycle management (CLM) processes, including template standardization, review workflows, and a definitive repository for all executed documents.
  • Develop, implement, and audit all employment contracts and policies, ensuring strict compliance with UAE Labour Law (including DIFC/ADGM) and EU labor directives.
  • Advise HR on complex employment matters, including disciplinary procedures, statutory termination requirements, and end-of-service gratuity calculations (UAE).
  • Manage global workforce legalities, including independent contractor classification, remote work policies, and enforceable non-compete/non-solicitation clauses.
  • Maintain and enforce the global corporate structure (subsidiary registrations, intercompany agreements) and guarantee all corporate filing deadlines are met.
  • Oversee data protection and privacy compliance efforts, including GDPR standards for EU operations and equivalent mandates in the UAE/MENA region.

Requirements

  • 7+ years of experience as a Legal Counsel, with a strong focus on the financial services sector.
  • Solid experience in a regulated FinTech, Banking, or Crypto company is mandatory.
  • Proven track record of managing and mentoring junior legal staff or leading a small legal team (ideally 3+ people).
  • Deep understanding of payments regulation (e.g., SEPA/SWIFT, card schemes), digital asset laws, and licensing procedures in key jurisdictions.
  • Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills.
  • Proficiency in English (B2-C1), both written and verbal (knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is an advantage).
Benefits
  • Highly Competitive Compensation
  • Visa Sponsorship: Full coverage of UAE employment visa and residency permit costs.
  • Relocation Support: Dedicated support desk to assist with your move, including inbound flight coverage (if applicable).
  • 25 working days of Annual Leave + UAE Public Holidays.
  • Comprehensive Medical Insurance for yourself.
  • Eligibility for performance-based bonuses and incentives.
  • End of Service Gratuity as per UAE Labour Law.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
legal counselcontract draftingcontract negotiationcompliance managementrisk mitigationemployment lawdata protectionprivacy compliancefinancial regulationscorporate governance
Soft Skills
mentoringleadershipcommunicationorganizational skillsadvisory skills