legal counsel

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senior legal counsel imea & compliance specialist Jobs in Dubai

senior legal counsel imea & compliance specialist

senior vice president & general counsel

versatile phoenix

Role Title: Senior Legal Counsel Location: UAE Experience Required: 3&#8209;5 years Language: Excellent English communicationKey Responsibilities:<ul><li>Provide legal support and counsel on corporate and commercial matters within the FinTech business environment.</li><li>Advise on regulatory / licensing issues relevant to FinTech (payments, digital financial services, etc) in the UAE and possibly neighbouring jurisdictions.</li><li>Draft, review and negotiate contracts, commercial agreements, vendor agreements, partnerships and licensing agreements.</li><li>Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (including financial services regulation, data protection/privacy, AML/KYC where relevant).</li><li>Work closely with business teams to structure transactions, manage risk, provide legal insight for new products/features.</li><li>Liaise with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies when needed.</li><li>Support internal policy creation (e.g., compliance, risk, internal controls) aligned with FinTech operations.</li><li>Monitor changes in the regulatory &amp; legal landscape affecting FinTech, and proactively advise management accordingly.</li><li>Act as the legal business partner to the management / senior leadership of the FinTech business.</li></ul>Qualifications / Skills:<ul><li>Qualified lawyer (UAE or recognised jurisdiction) with 3&#8209;5 years&rsquo; post&#8209;qualification experience, ideally in FinTech, payments or digital financial services.</li><li>Solid experience in commercial contracting and regulatory/legal matters in a FinTech context.</li><li>Strong understanding of UAE regulatory environment for financial services, payments and technology (plus exposure to regional/international if possible).</li><li>Excellent negotiation, drafting and analytical skills.</li><li>Strong business acumen and ability to engage with non&#8209;legal stakeholders (product, operations, risk).</li><li>Excellent English (written &amp; spoken) &mdash; ability to articulate legal advice clearly to business.</li><li>Self&#8209;starter, able to manage multiple tasks, work in a dynamic FinTech environment.</li></ul>Reporting &amp; Stakeholders:<ul><li>Reports to Head of Legal / General Counsel (or directly to senior management depending on company structure).</li><li>Stakeholder interfaces: business units (product, operations, compliance), external counsel, regulators, senior management.</li></ul>Job Type: Full-timePay: AED35,000.00 - AED70,000.00 per monthApplication Question(s):<ul><li>What is your Visa Status ?</li><li>What is your joining availability ?</li><li>What is your Expected salary ?</li></ul>Experience:<ul><li>Senior Legal Counsel &ndash; FinTech: 5 years (Required)</li></ul>

Senior Legal Counsel – FinTech

Papel

Who We Are AtPapel Holdings, we're not just another Fintech company. We're on a mission to revolutionize the financial landscape. From innovative banking solutions to cutting-edge digital asset products, we're transforming how people interact with money. Careers at Papel suit those who want to have an impact, who are comfortable getting uncomfortable, willing to take risks and win big. We are brave, laser-focused and have high aptitude, with a little playfulness for good measure. If you're someone who thrives on high accountability, possesses a start-up spirit, and flair for industry-savvy solutions, you'll fit right in. If this resonates with you, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact and be part of something that's changing how we interact with money and wealth. POSITION OBJECTIVE As General Counsel, you will serve as the primary legal advisor to the company, providing Legal's commercial-corporate and regulatory leadership across all business functions. You'll be responsible for managing legal risk, navigating regulatory environments, and ensuring compliance with domestic and international financial services regulations and laws. You'll also be instrumental in technology procurement, corporate governance, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and the full suite of contracts related to product development. RESPONSIBILITIES <ul> <li>Serve as the company's principal legal advisor, managing all legal matters, including corporate, commercial, regulatory, employment, and intellectual property.</li> <li>Oversee legal risk management and compliance with applicable financial regulations.</li> <li>Advise on licensing applications related to payments, lending, digital assets, or digital banking.</li> <li>Lead and negotiate key commercial agreements, including partnerships and vendor contracts.</li> <li>Advise the Board of Directors and executive leadership on legal strategy, governance, and best practices.</li> <li>Manage external counsel relationships and legal budget. This includes "magic circle" and local counsel in other jurisdictions.</li> <li>Build and lead an in-house legal team as the company grows.</li> </ul> Requirements <ul> <li>JD or LLB from an accredited law school. Ideally in the top-20 globally by QS rankings or similar</li> <li>10+ years of PQE legal experience, with a strong background in TMT, payments, and financial services</li> <li>Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to FinTech (e.g., AML / KYC, sanctions, digital assets, Travel Rule, data privacy)</li> <li>Experience negotiating complex contracts and advising on corporate transactions</li> <li>Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence at the executive level</li> <li>Operationally strong and also a strategic thinker</li> </ul> Preferred Qualifications <ul> <li>Financial services and data protection certifications.</li> <li>Ideally, prior experience at regulated entities and a fintech startup.</li> <li>International legal experience and cross-border regulations; interfacing with notaries public.</li> </ul> Benefits <ul> <li>Competitive salary</li> <li>Discretionary bonus</li> <li>Comprehensive Healthcare</li> </ul>

General Counsel - FinTech

Nord Anglia Education Group

A global education organization is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel for the Dubai region to oversee M&A transactions and support new school expansions. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in M&A and Real Estate projects, along with strong communication and negotiation skills. Join a pioneering team that values innovation and offers opportunities for career growth in the education sector.

Senior Legal Counsel - M&A and New Schools (MENA)

CFI Financial Group

<div>
 
 
 Who are we?
 
 
 
 CFI Financial Group is an award-winning trading provider, possessing more than 25 years of experience with multiple offices around the world, including London, Larnaca, Beirut, Amman, Dubai, Kuwait, Port Louis, and others.
 
 
 
 
 
 Check out more about
 
 CFI
 
 here.
 
 
 
 
 
 CFI is hiring! Make your mark in the online trading industry.
 
 
 Are you looking to pursue a career in finance? Do you want to work with a dynamic and growing team in the exciting world of online trading and investing? If you answered yes, then we have some amazing opportunities for you!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Description:
 
 
 
 The Group General Counsel will serve as the principal legal advisor to the Group, responsible for all legal matters, including commercial contracts, corporate governance, regulatory engagement, dispute resolution, and cross-border structuring. This role requires a strategic legal leader with strong commercial judgment, hands-on execution capabilities, and the ability to operate at pace in a high-growth, multi-jurisdictional environment.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Key Responsibilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Lead the legal function, ensuring it operates efficiently, proactively, and in full alignment with company priorities.
 </li>
 <li>
 Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Board, and executive leadership on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
 </li>
 <li>
 Oversee all corporate legal affairs, including compliance, data protection, employment law, intellectual property, and dispute resolution when required.
 </li>
 <li>
 Advise the Board and leadership on emerging legal and regulatory trends that may impact the business.
 </li>
 <li>
 Draft, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial agreements, including master service agreements, statements of work, licensing agreements, partnership agreements, data and technology agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
 </li>
 <li>
 Structure and negotiate key commercial relationships with clients, partners, suppliers, and contractors to meet business objectives while protecting the Group&rsquo;s interests.
 </li>
 <li>
 Provide legal guidance on new business models, product or service development, and market entry strategies.
 </li>
 <li>
 Anticipate legal and commercial risks, advising with practical mitigations while enabling business agility.
 </li>
 <li>
 Establish and maintain policies and governance frameworks to manage legal and regulatory risk across jurisdictions.
 </li>
 <li>
 Support corporate governance, ensuring alignment with regulatory obligations, shareholder expectations, and internal standards.
 </li>
 <li>
 Manage critical legal disputes, regulatory inquiries, and crises as needed.
 </li>
 <li>
 Manage and optimize relationships with external counsel, ensuring legal support is effective, pragmatic, and commercially sound.
 </li>
 <li>
 Partner with Commercial, Finance, Technology, Operations, Compliance, and Product teams to drive strategic initiatives with legally robust execution.
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Qualifications
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Qualified lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience in financial services, fintech, capital markets, or regulated trading environments.
 </li>
 <li>
 Proven commercial acumen and ability to structure and negotiate complex agreements with strategic partners.
 </li>
 <li>
 Experience operating in fast-paced, cross-border environments, balancing legal precision with commercial pragmatism.
 </li>
 <li>
 Strong corporate governance exposure and the credibility to advise the Board and executive stakeholders.
 </li>
 <li>
 Experience with UAE legal and regulatory frameworks, preferably within ADGM, DIFC, and/or DFSA-regulated environments. Familiarity with regional market practice and regulatory engagement is highly valued.
 </li>
 <li>
 Ability to manage external counsel, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership while driving legal outcomes that enable business growth.
 </li>
 <li>
 Arabic language proficiency is a plus.
 </li>
 </ul>
 <li>
 </li>
 
 
 Why join CFI?
 
 
 
 &middot; We&rsquo;re a fast-growing, multinational company
 
 
 &middot; Competitive salaries and benefits
 
 
 &middot; Work and learn with industry professionals
 
 
 &middot; Supportive and collaborative environment
 
 
 &middot; Unlimited opportunities for growth and development
 
</div>

Group General Counsel

MENA Recruit

The Role
 We are representing a large, fast-growing regional group with diversified operations across real estate, investments, and commercial ventures. The organisation is known for its dynamic environment and expanding footprint across the GCC. The Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial) will play a strategic and operational role in supporting business units on a wide range of commercial transactions and corporate projects. The position offers significant exposure to cross-functional work within a sophisticated in-house legal environment. Responsibilities include: 1. Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements, joint ventures, procurement, supply, and service contracts. 2. Advising management on commercial, corporate governance, and regulatory matters. 3. Managing external counsel and ensuring consistent, cost-effective legal support. 4. Supporting internal stakeholders on commercial operations, compliance, and contract risk. 5. Contributing to internal policy frameworks, templates, and process improvement initiatives.
 
Requirements
 1. Common law qualified (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa). 2. Trained at a top-tier international law firm (Magic Circle, Silver Circle, or comparable). 3. Minimum 5 years PQE, with strong commercial and regional (GCC/MENA) experience. 4. Holding 1–2 years of in-house experience in a large commercial organisation or corporate group. 5. Commercially minded, pragmatic, and confident operating in a fast-paced environment. 6. Must be in the UAE 7. Ideally, can join within 1-2 months Preferred exposure (advantageous but not essential): 1. Funds, finance (including Islamic/Sharia-compliant), or real estate transactions. #MENARecruitStrength #LegalJobsUAE #InHouseCounsel #CommercialLaw #LegalCounselDubai #CorporateLaw #GCCLawyers #RealEstateLaw #IslamicFinance #MENAJobs
 
About the company
 MENA Recruit came to fruition in response to a growing need for international legal talent in London and Dubai. Its initial focus began in the Legal sector, evolving as a service provider for other sectors such as Administration, Marketing, Business Development, HR, IT, Finance and C-Suite positions. Over the last two decades, with roots firmly planted in the Middle East and operations expanding into the APAC region, MENA Recruit has gained intuitive industry knowledge and expertise. With its unique, people-focused approach, the firm has yielded competitive advantage for its clients and rewarding careers for the professionals it has supported throughout the years. The company is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of talent and service to its clients while working tenaciously towards helping them achieve higher retention rates. For this reason, MENA Recruit is considered by both candidates and clients as a consultant in the truest sense of the word, offering guidance to both people and organizations on how to adapt to the constant change in market conditions and how to anticipate present and future challenges. Presently, MENA Recruit provides services to organizations and professionals in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United Kingdom. With such an extensive global reach, strong brand value, decades of expertise, and an innovative approach towards business challenges, its clear why MENA Recruit is the partner of choice for both in-house recruiters and candidates internationally.

Senior Legal Counsel – Commercial

Hitachi Rail

A leading engineering firm in Dubai is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support across various business units. Key responsibilities include drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on compliance and litigation matters, and collaborating with internal teams. Ideal candidates should have a law degree, over 10 years of experience, and expertise in contract law. Proficiency in Arabic and English is a plus.

Senior Legal Counsel - Contracts, Compliance & Strategy

Commercial Bank of Dubai

<div>
 Operating in the UAE for over 50 years, CBD manages the financial requirements of some of the largest corporates and businesses operating in the country, driving the UAE economy. Over the years, CBD has transformed into a progressive and modern banking institution winning multiple awards for its digital initiatives, credit cards, bank accounts, mobile app features and services.
 
 
 CBD has been recognized as the number one bank in the UAE on the Forbes list of The World&rsquo;s Best Banks 2022.
 
 
 As we continue to build upon our successes, we are looking for ambitious individuals who are passionate about the banking and finance industry and the markets in which CBD operates. Just as important to us is your ability to demonstrate a talent for dealing with people - your colleagues and our customers - and delivering service that really goes the extra mile.
 
 
 
 Job Purpose:
 
 
 
 To support the Legal Department by leading high-quality legal advice and transactional support across the Bank&rsquo;s Wholesale Banking Group, Transaction Banking Group, and Treasury Group, including the supervision of drafting and negotiating finance, security, and treasury documentation in accordance with the Bank&rsquo;s risk appetite, policies, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and further drives legal innovation and process efficiency through continuous development of legal tools, know-how, and policy frameworks.
 
 
 
 Legal Advisory
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Supervise comprehensive legal advice on transactional and regulatory matters related to financing, capital markets, structured investments, derivatives, and treasury activities.
 </li>
 <li>
 Manage the relationship with business units including Institutional Banking, Financial Institutions, Syndications, Debt Capital Markets, and Treasury Groups by advising on legal risks, structuring issues, enforceability, and regulatory compliance.
 </li>
 <li>
 Lead legal support for product development and strategic business initiatives, including market expansion and jurisdictional entry.
 </li>
 <li>
 Advise on complex treasury-related transactions, including structured derivatives, securities lending, repos, netting and collateral arrangements, and ISDA-based enforceability matters.
 </li>
 <li>
 Direct legal advice on strategic investments and corporate initiatives (e.g., joint ventures, partnerships, shareholder arrangements) to ensure the Bank&rsquo;s legal interests are protected.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Legal Documentation
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Supervise staff in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of finance-related documentation including syndicated/ bilateral/ club facility agreements, security documents, trade finance, asset finance (aviation/shipping), real estate, Islamic finance, and project finance agreements.
 </li>
 <li>
 Supervise staff in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating finance, investment and treasury-related documents, including those based on ISDA, ICMA, LMA, and BAFT templates.
 </li>
 <li>
 Supervise staff in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating corporate-related transactional documentation including MOUs, SPAs, shareholders' agreements, side letters, and joint venture agreements.
 </li>
 <li>
 Lead the engagement and supervision of external legal counsel in cross-border and complex transactions, ensuring delivery of high-quality legal opinions, documentation, and advice in accordance with Bank policy.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 Legal Practice Development
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Drive initiatives related to the enhancement of legal knowledge management, including development of legal playbooks, templates, clause banks, and contract automation tools aligned with GenAI platforms.
 </li>
 <li>
 Lead the initiative to maintain and update standard documentation and terms in line with changing laws, regulations, and judicial precedents.
 </li>
 <li>
 Manage policy and procedural reviews to improve legal department efficiency and legal risk mitigation.
 </li>
 <li>
 Continuously stay abreast of legal, regulatory, and market developments affecting the Bank and disseminate key changes to stakeholders in a timely and comprehensible manner.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 Requirements:
 
 
 
 Skills &amp; Experience
 
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Bachelor&rsquo;s Degree in Law and/or LLM from a well-regarded university.
 </li>
 <li>
 Qualified to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction (Bar admission or legal practicing certificate).
 </li>
 <li>
 Minimum 10 years&rsquo; post-qualification legal experience, ideally with a strong background in banking and finance within a reputable law firm or financial institution (preferably including experience within the UAE).
 </li>
 <li>
 Demonstrated expertise in bilateral and syndicated lending, capital markets documentation, derivatives, and cross-border financial transactions.
 
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 The candidate should possess:
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
 </li>
 <li>
 Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
 </li>
 <li>
 Effective planning, prioritization, and organizational abilities.
 </li>
 <li>
 Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills.
 </li>
 <li>
 Ability to present legal advice clearly and succinctly to non-lawyers.
 </li>
 </ul>
</div>

Senior Legal Counsel

Explore 1850+ Senior vice president & general counsel in Dubai this November. Find roles across top companies and apply now to boost your career.