Client: A Leading Consumer Credit Technology Company
Location: Shanghai (or Singapore base with frequent travel to Shanghai)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Company Overview
Our client is a pioneering technology-driven financial services company at the forefront of the consumer credit revolution in Asia and further Latin America markets. Its core mission is to provide inclusive and accessible credit solutions to a broad user base through an advanced proprietary technology platform. With a strategic focus on the region's emerging markets, the company has become leading player in major SEA markets and offers innovative lending products. As it continues its rapid expansion and deepens its market penetration, our client is strengthening its leadership team to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape.
Position Summary
The Head of Legal will be leading a team of 10 lawyers based in multiple jurisdictions, providing comprehensive legal counsel to support dynamic business operations. The ideal candidate will be a pragmatic business partner with deep expertise in financial services regulations, corporate law, and the unique legal challenges of a fast-growing fintech company. The Legal Director will be responsible for ensuring legal compliance, mitigating risk, and supporting strategic initiatives across all markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor, interpret, and ensure compliance with evolving financial services regulations, data privacy laws (e.g., PDPA), and consumer protection guidelines across all operating regions.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and manage all regulatory examinations and inquiries.
- Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure adherence to corporate secretarial standards.
- Provide end-to-end legal support for the development, launch, and iteration of new credit products and financial services.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including technology partnerships, vendor contracts, data processing agreements, and strategic alliances.
- Advise on marketing, advertising, and digital customer acquisition strategies to ensure legal and regulatory soundness.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, operational, and reputational risks across the business.
- Manage and oversee all litigation, dispute resolution, and pre-litigation matters.
- Develop and deliver legal training to business units to foster a culture of compliance and risk awareness.
- Provide legal support for strategic transactions.
- Manage intellectual property portfolio strategy, including trademarks and patents.
Qualifications & Experience
- A bachelor's degree in law (LL.B.) or equivalent; a master's degree (LL.M.) is a plus.
- Licensed to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction (e.g., China, Singapore, Hong Kong, or other common law jurisdiction).
- Minimum of 10 years of post-qualification legal experience, with a significant portion gained within the financial services, fintech, or banking sectors.
- Proven track record in handling legal matters related to consumer lending, credit operations, and digital financial services.
- In-depth knowledge of the regulatory environments in China and/or Southeast Asia is essential.
- Strong experience in corporate law, commercial contracts, and corporate governance.
- Excellent command of English is required; proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is highly advantageous to facilitate communication with key stakeholders in the Shanghai office and regional headquarters.
- Exceptional business acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice.
