Roles and responsibilities
The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for providing expert legal advice and guidance to clients on regulated financial services activities, virtual assets, emerging technology, covering a wide range of regulatory, compliance, data protection and technology related matters. The ideal candidate(s) should have a strong background in financial services and virtual asset activities regulatory licensing applications, regulatory compliance, data privacy and other related issues. Experience in dealing with cross-border regulatory bodies within the UAE, KSA and wider MENA region. Familiarity with emerging technologies in financial services will be highly valued.
The candidate(s) should also possess strong business development skills, a proven track record of managing client relationships, and the ability to navigate the complex regulatory landscape in the region.
Industry / Sector: Financial Services, Technology, Data Protection, Data Privacy
Preferred Knowledge / Skills
Demonstrate extensive abilities and / or a proven record of success to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution in:
- Leading and managing financial services and virtual asset regulatory licensing applications with UAE and Middle East regulators;
- Providing expert legal advice on financial services, virtual asset and data privacy laws and regulations within the UAE and Middle East;
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with regulatory bodies and key stakeholders in the financial services and technology sector;
- Actinging as a liaison between clients and regulators to facilitate smooth and effective communication and compliance processes;
- Providing legal advice, guidance, and support to clients on FinTech matters, including digital assets, cryptocurrency, data privacy, and other relevant areas.
- Conducting thorough legal research and analysis to stay updated on emerging trends, regulations, and best practices in the FinTech, financial services and TMT sector.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts, agreements, and legal documents related to regulated financial services, data privacy, technology, media, and telecommunications.
- Assist clients in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in relation to FinTech, financial services and TMT matters.
- Advising clients on intellectual property rights, licensing, and enforcement in the digital era.
Desired candidate profile
- Bachelors and/or Masters degree in Law
- Qualified lawyer registered/enrolled in the home jurisdiction, preferably from USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.
- 7 year(s) of post-qualification experience (PQE) as a lawyer specializing in Fintech, and/or Technology with experience in the Middle East and a focus on the UAE/KSA.
- Strong expertise in advising on digital assets, cryptocurrency, data privacy, and related areas.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards pertaining to Fintech and Technology matters particularly in the GCC/MENA Region
- Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
- Proven track record of successfully managing multiple client engagements and delivering high-quality legal services.
- Strong business acumen and the ability to understand and align legal strategies with clients' commercial objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Adherence to the highest ethical stanBuild and lead a highly agile legal team