Legal Counsel

We are seeking a highly skilled and independent In-House Legal Counsel to serve as a "one-man-show" for all legal matters related to our operations. The ideal candidate will handle regulatory interactions, license maintenance and expansion, partnership structuring for LaaS, contract drafting, and general corporate law issues. While operating autonomously, you will have the flexibility to engage external consultants as needed for specialized advice. This role requires deep expertise in Egyptian financial regulations, corporate law, and fintech innovations to support our growth in consumer and nano-lending.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance and Licensing:
• Liaise with Egyptian regulatory authorities (e.g., Financial Regulatory Authority - FRA, Central Bank of Egypt - CBE) to maintain and expand the NBFC license, including applications for nano-lending permissions.
• Ensure all operations comply with Egyptian laws on consumer lending, data protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and other relevant financial regulations.
• Act as the company’s focal point for communications with FRA, including submission of reports, disclosures, and responses to regulatory inquiries.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise the company on potential impacts, providing proactive strategies for compliance.
• LaaS Partnership Development:
• Design and structure legal frameworks for Lending as a Service (LaaS) partnerships with local banks, ensuring seamless interactions between the company, bank, and clients while adhering to all legal requirements.
• Draft and negotiate partnership agreements, service level agreements (SLAs), and risk-sharing models to mitigate liabilities and align with Egyptian banking laws.
• Contract Management and Client Documentation:
• Develop and review all client-facing documents, including loan agreements, terms of service, privacy policies, and disclosure statements for retail consumer lending.
• Negotiate and draft contracts with merchants (e.g., retailers) for point-of-sale financing integrations, ensuring protection of company interests.
• Handle contract lifecycle management, including amendments, terminations, and dispute resolution.
• Corporate Law and Stakeholder Protection:
• Provide ongoing advice on corporate governance, including protection of the company's and Ultimate Beneficial Owners' (UBO) interests in dealings with stakeholders, investors, and partners.
• Manage standard corporate matters such as entity structuring, shareholder agreements, intellectual property protection, and employment contracts.
• Assist in due diligence for acquisitions, mergers, or expansions, with a focus on financial services.
• General Legal Support:
• Act as the primary legal advisor for internal teams on day-to-day operations, risk assessment, and dispute resolution.
• Coordinate with external legal consultants or firms when specialized expertise is required.
• Conduct legal research, prepare memos, and deliver training to staff on compliance topics.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized Egyptian or international university; admission to the Egyptian Bar Association is required. Advanced degrees (e.g., LLM in Financial Law, Corporate Law, or Fintech) are highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 7-10 years of relevant legal experience, with at least 5 years in financial services, banking, or fintech in Egypt. Proven track record in NBFC licensing, consumer lending regulations, and partnership structuring (experience with LaaS or similar models is a plus).
• Skills and Competencies:
• In-depth knowledge of Egyptian financial laws, including FRA and CBE regulations, consumer protection laws, and nano-finance guidelines.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills for contracts and regulatory submissions.
• Ability to work independently as a "one-man-show" while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic (both written and verbal).
• High ethical standards, attention to detail, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in fintech startups or NBFCs, particularly in retail lending or microfinance.
• Prior involvement in regulatory advocacy or policy discussions with Egyptian authorities.
• Understanding of best practices in digital lending to inform local adaptations.