Overview
A partner organization is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel based in Canada to play a strategic role at the intersection of financial innovation, regulation, and emerging technologies. This position involves advising on complex legal and regulatory matters while helping shape the future of modern financial products and services. The role requires close collaboration with product, compliance, operations, and executive leadership teams to provide practical guidance that enables innovation while managing risk effectively.
Responsibilities
- Partner with product, compliance, and business teams to support the design, development, and launch of innovative financial products and services.
- Provide legal and regulatory advice across a broad range of matters, including financial services regulation, securities, payments, AML/ATF requirements, consumer protection, and corporate governance.
- Lead and support regulatory initiatives such as examinations, audits, licensing activities, policy development, and interactions with regulatory bodies.
- Deliver practical, business-oriented legal guidance balancing legal risk with commercial objectives and operational considerations.
- Draft, review, and negotiate various legal documents and commercial agreements.
- Identify opportunities to improve legal processes through automation, technology adoption, and scalable workflows.
- Support strategic initiatives and advise on additional legal matters including employment, governance, and cross-functional projects.
- Monitor regulatory developments and emerging industry trends, providing proactive recommendations to ensure ongoing compliance.
Requirements
- Qualified lawyer admitted to practice in Canada with a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience.
- Strong experience in fintech, financial services, payments, digital assets, technology, or other highly regulated industries.
- Demonstrated expertise in regulatory matters affecting financial products, including securities regulation, AML/ATF frameworks, consumer protection, and payment services.
- Ability to work independently in lean and fast-paced environments while managing competing priorities.
- Strong commercial acumen and pragmatic legal judgment with the ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable business recommendations.
- Proven experience advising cross-functional stakeholders and supporting product and operational teams on strategic initiatives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence decision-making and build strong relationships.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Experience in both private practice and in-house environments is an asset.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies, digital assets, AI, automation, or innovative financial products is highly desirable.
- Fluency in English is required due to the national scope of the role and stakeholder interactions.
Compensation & Benefits
- Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility to work from anywhere in Canada.
- Competitive base salary ranging from CAD 150,000 to CAD 220,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Equity participation through employee stock option programs.
- Comprehensive health and dental coverage, including wellness and health spending accounts.
- Annual professional development budget of CAD 2,000 for courses, certifications, and training.
- Performance-driven compensation reviews and continuous feedback programs.
- Generous paid time off package, including 20 vacation days per year plus an additional vacation bonus incentive.
- Enhanced parental leave program with salary top-up benefits.
- Access to optional office spaces and regular company and team offsite events.
Location
- This is a fully remote position available to candidates located anywhere in Canada.