Overview
The organization is exploring opportunities to expand its licensed payment business in Kazakhstan and the broader CIS region. This role provides end-to-end legal and regulatory support to the local licensed payment business, including licensing and regulatory dialogue with the NBK and AFSA, contract review, corporate matters, and ongoing compliance with applicable legal frameworks.
Responsibilities
- Support the licensing process with the NBK and AFSA by preparing application packages, conducting legal analysis, drafting internal documents, and responding to regulator queries.
- Monitor and analyze Kazakhstan regulations and legislation related to payments, e-money, currency regulation, AML/CFT, and personal data, as well as the AIFC/AFSA framework; assess business impact and advise on implementation.
- Prepare formal regulatory correspondence, clarification requests, and comments on draft regulations; participate in meetings and discussions with the NBK, AFSA, and other relevant authorities.
- Provide legal support for regulatory sandbox participation, including structuring pilot products and testing conditions.
- Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, including partner bank and client fund safeguarding arrangements, outsourcing and intragroup service agreements, technology and vendor contracts, and client terms and conditions.
- Conduct legal review of new products and services, including client documentation, disclosures, and compliance with consumer protection requirements.
- Provide corporate legal support to local licensed entities, including incorporation, constitutional documents, board and shareholder resolutions, corporate governance documentation, and regulatory approvals and notifications for senior appointments.
- Develop and maintain internal policies and procedures required by the NBK and AFSA, in cooperation with compliance and risk functions.
- Support regulatory inspections, examinations, and audits, and ensure timely submission of regulatory notifications.
- Handle legal aspects of client complaints and disputes and coordinate the work of external counsel.
- Collaborate with global legal, compliance, and payments teams to align local requirements with group practice.
Requirements
- Law degree from a recognized university; a master's degree (LLM) or equivalent is an advantage.
- 5+ years of legal experience focused on financial services regulation at a bank, payment organization, fintech company, or law firm with a financial services practice.
- Hands-on experience with licensing and regulatory engagement with the NBK and/or the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market.
- Strong knowledge of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Payments and Payment Systems", NBK regulations on payment organizations and e-money, currency regulation, AML/CFT, and personal data legislation.
- Knowledge of the AIFC/AFSA regulatory framework is a strong advantage.
- Proven experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, including banking, outsourcing, and technology contracts.
- Experience in corporate law and governance of regulated financial entities.
- Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.
- Excellent drafting skills and ability to work effectively with global cross-functional teams in a fast-moving environment.
- Fluent Russian and English required; Kazakh strongly preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in crypto, digital assets, or e-money is an advantage.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary and company benefits.
Location
Kazakhstan (licensed payment business expansion in Kazakhstan and the broader CIS region).