Cape Town: Legal and Compliance Advisor posted by DataFin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:
A forward-thinking fintech company on a mission to reshape the financial ecosystem by connecting banks and digital financial infrastructure through a unified platform is seeking a Senior Legal and Compliance Advisor to join their growing team. This role is ideal for an admitted attorney with strong commercial acumen and hands-on experience in contract law, financial regulation, and compliance within the fintech or payments sector. The position is based in Cape Town (Foreshore) and requires regular in-office collaboration with the legal and executive teams.

DUTIES:
Legal Advisory & Contracts

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts, including NDAs, service agreements, partnership agreements, and terms and conditions.

• Provide strategic legal advice on regulatory and compliance matters impacting the fintech and payments industry.

• Support internal teams in understanding and applying relevant legislation, including FICA, FAIS, FSCA, and SARB regulations.

• Advise management on legal risks, governance, and corporate policies to ensure operational integrity.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and implementing internal compliance frameworks and policies.

• Conduct client and third-party due diligence, including transaction monitoring and risk assessments.

• Liaise with external legal counsel and compliance officers where specialist input is required.

• Maintain and improve internal legal and compliance processes in line with evolving industry standards.

Research & Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed on local and international developments in financial, regulatory, and commercial law.

• Recommend proactive measures to adapt to regulatory changes and support strategic business decisions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• LLB Degree and admitted attorney in South Africa.

• 24 years post-admission experience in financial services, payments, or fintech.

• Strong background in contract drafting, negotiation, and regulatory compliance.

• Solid understanding of South African financial legislation and governance frameworks.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Based in Cape Town and comfortable with regular attendance at the Foreshore office.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Detail-oriented with strong commercial awareness.

• Confident, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-evolving fintech environment.

• Able to balance independent work with effective team collaboration.