Legal Associate

Our client is aiming to become the premier cryptocurrency exchange in the MENA region and worldwide. They will be offering a platform that can provide a seamless, secure and culturally considered crypto experience i.e. built by experts from and for the region.

Job purpose

Our client is seeking a Legal Associate with experience in financial services, fintech, or digital assets to support the company's legal and regulatory functions. The successful candidate will play a key role in advising on ADGM regulatory matters, commercial transactions, product development, and cross-border virtual asset activities.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of law, regulation, and emerging blockchain technologies within a highly regulated environment.

Duties and responsibilities

Your specific duties and responsibilities will include:

• Advising on ADGM FSRA regulations applicable to VASPs, including prudential, conduct of business, AML/CFT, and technology governance requirements.
• Assisting in regulatory filings, notifications, and ongoing supervisory engagement with the FSRA.
• Supporting licensing variations, new product approvals, and regulatory perimeter analysis.
• Monitoring regulatory developments in the UAE and internationally relating to virtual assets and fintech.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements, including:
  • Client agreements and terms of use
  • Custody and brokerage agreements
  • Technology and SaaS agreements
  • Vendor and outsourcing agreements
• Supporting corporate governance matters, including board resolutions and shareholder documentation.
• Assisting with strategic partnerships and cross-border expansion initiatives.
• Providing legal input on new digital asset products, token offerings, staking, custody models, and DeFi integrations (where applicable).
• Conducting legal risk assessments for new business initiatives.
• Advising on consumer protection, data protection (ADGM Data Protection Regulations), and cybersecurity matters.
• Supporting handling of customer complaints, disputes, and potential regulatory investigations.
• Assisting in internal investigations and incident response (e.g., cybersecurity events, operational failures).
• Working closely with Compliance, Risk, and Technology teams to ensure alignment with regulatory obligations.

Skills and Experience (essential to any successful application)

• 2-5 years' post qualification experience in:
  • Fintech or digital assets
  • Capital markets or banking
• Experience advising on ADGM or DIFC regulatory frameworks is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with blockchain technology, tokenization, custody models, and virtual asset regulatory frameworks is a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of financial services regulatory environments.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, evolving regulatory landscape.
• Strong commercial acumen and risk awareness.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non legal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB or equivalent); LLM preferred.