Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Payments Counsel to lead the structuring, legal review, and regulatory strategy for the exchange's payments and electronic money (EMI) expansion operations globally. This role encompasses structuring payment flows, advising on payment service and EMI regulatory requirements, and leading licence applications for payments and EMI authorisations across applicable jurisdictions. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in payments regulation and licensing, combined with practical experience in structuring payment flows and fiat on/off-ramp solutions for digital asset platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the structuring and legal review of payment flows, fiat on/off-ramp solutions, and electronic money issuance arrangements across the exchange's global operations in compliance with relevant licencing requirements
- Advise on regulatory classification of payment activities and EMI services across jurisdictions — determine licensing requirements and permissible structures
- Drive the end-to-end process for payments and EMI licence applications globally, including application drafting, regulatory engagement, and post-authorisation compliance
- Conduct regulatory assessments of new payment methods, currencies, corridors, and partner integrations to identify licensing triggers and compliance obligations
- Advise on safeguarding requirements, client money rules, settlement risk, and prudential obligations applicable to EMI and payment services
- Monitor global payments regulatory developments and assess their impact on the exchange's payments strategy
- Coordinate with Product, Tech, Fiat, Treasury, Finance and other internal teams to ensure payment flows are structured in compliance with regulatory requirements
- Review, approve and maintain payment flow diagrams, regulatory mappings, and compliance documentation for internal governance and regulatory submissions
- Manage relationships with external counsel specialising in payments regulation across key jurisdictions
Requirements
- Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent); admission to practice in at least one jurisdiction
- 3-5 years of experience in payments law, EMI regulation, or financial services regulatory law — at a law firm, global payments company, or fintech company
- Deep expertise in payments regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU PSD2/EMD2, UK FCA EMI/PI regime, MAS Payment Services Act, or equivalent regimes in other jurisdictions)
- Demonstrated experience structuring payment flows, fiat on/off-ramp solutions, and/or electronic money issuance arrangements
- Proven track record leading or substantially contributing to payments or EMI licence applications
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, client money rules, settlement, and prudential requirements for payment institutions and EMIs
- Strong written and verbal communication in English; additional Asian languages especially Chinese are a plus
- Collaborative mindset and a good team player with the ability to work closely with internal teams as well as independently
- Fast learner, able to hit the ground running. takes ownership of projects, has pride in the work
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience in the cryptocurrency or digital asset industry, particularly around fiat payment integration, stablecoin flows, or crypto-fiat conversion
- Familiarity with card scheme rules (Visa, Mastercard) and their application to crypto platforms
- Experience with correspondent banking, SWIFT/SEPA/FPS payment rails, and cross-border payment structuring
- Understanding of AML/CFT obligations specific to payment services and EMI operations
- Experience with stablecoin regulatory frameworks and their intersection with payments/EMI regulation
- Prior in-house experience at a payments company, neobank, exchange, or fintech platform
What We Offer
- Own the payments legal and licensing strategy at one of the world's largest crypto exchanges
- Shape the exchange's global fiat infrastructure and payments architecture from a regulatory perspective
- Work across cutting-edge payment structures — crypto-fiat, stablecoins, card programmes, and emerging rails
- Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives
- High-impact role in a dynamic, global organisation at the intersection of crypto and traditional payments
