Global Payments Attorney

Overview

A Financial Services Group is seeking an experienced lawyer with over 6 years of expertise in Global Payments and Transaction Banking for an ongoing full-time engagement. This role involves providing legal support for a broad range of payment-related agreements and advising on regulatory frameworks affecting domestic and cross-border payment systems.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage agreements related to the bank's global payments and transaction banking business, including:
  • Wire transfer and funds transfer agreements
  • ACH and direct debit arrangements
  • Correspondent banking and nostro/vostro account agreements
  • Payment processing and merchant acquiring agreements
  • Cash management services agreements
• Advise on legal and regulatory frameworks governing payment systems such as SWIFT, FedNow, RTP, SEPA Instant, Fedwire, CHIPS, TARGET2, and related clearing and settlement rules
• Support negotiation and documentation of correspondent banking relationships, including account agreements, service level agreements, and risk allocation provisions
• Collaborate with business, product, compliance, operations, technology, and risk teams to identify legal risks and develop practical, business-focused solutions
• Provide advice on payment-related disputes including unauthorized transfers, payment recalls, fraud claims, and operational issues
• Monitor and advise on industry developments including ISO 20022 migration, open banking initiatives, digital currencies, stablecoins, and faster payments regulation
• Assist with policy updates, documentation enhancements, and legal guidance related to evolving payments products and infrastructure
• Support additional legal department initiatives as needed

Requirements

• Minimum 6 years of experience supporting global payments, transaction banking, or financial services organizations
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating agreements related to payment products, correspondent banking, cash management, and payment processing
• Deep familiarity with payment system rules and legal frameworks, including Article 4A of the UCC, Regulation E, Regulation J, PSD2, and applicable clearing and settlement rules
• Working knowledge of OFAC sanctions, AML/KYC requirements, and payment screening obligations
• Preferred experience negotiating with financial institutions, payment processors, fintech companies, or clearing organizations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting real-time payments, open banking, digital currency, or payments modernization initiatives

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate: $140-$150
• Full-time engagement
• Employment through an Employer of Record (W-2)

Location

• Remote work option available
• Hybrid candidates may work from the client's Manhattan, NY office

Additional Information

• Candidates must be able to work full-time
• The engagement is ongoing

This opportunity offers the chance to work on high-impact projects within the financial services sector, collaborating with cross-functional teams to address complex legal and regulatory challenges in the payments industry.