Senior Legal Counsel
full-time•Dubai
Summary
About this role
About Us
UMO is a stealth-mode FinTech venture aiming to evolve the way people experience money by building a unified, AI-powered, yet deeply human modern money platform across fiat, crypto, and investments—subject to regulatory approvals. The platform is being designed to break down traditional barriers to money across access, assets, and experience, enabling simpler, more adaptive ways for people to interact with financial services.
We are currently developing our MVP and navigating licensing requirements, with a multidisciplinary team of 100+ people representing 20+ nationalities. With our headquarters in the UAE and offices in Portugal and Ukraine, we are united behind a shared ambition and a relentless focus
What You'll Do
As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will lead and grow a team of 2 experienced legal specialists to deliver high-quality, secure, and compliant solutions in a regulated fintech environment. You will play a key role in shaping the legal function, driving delivery excellence, and ensuring that innovation is balanced with governance and risk management.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert legal counsel on all aspects of the finance platform’s operations, focusing on the convergence of traditional finance, payments, and digital assets (crypto).
- Own and manage the legal and compliance roadmap for expansion into new target markets, including the UAE and MENA region.
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts, partnership agreements (processors, payment schemes, and exchanges), and vendor contracts.
- Ensure the platform, including products like cards, wallets, and trading features, complies with local and international financial regulations (e.g., AML, KYC, data privacy).
- Advise senior management on corporate governance, licensing requirements, and risk mitigation strategies in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
- Manage regulatory inquiries and external counsel engagement across key operational geographies.
- Create global contract lifecycle management (CLM) processes, including template standardization, review workflows, and a definitive repository for all executed documents.
- Develop, implement, and audit all employment contracts and policies, ensuring strict compliance with UAE Labour Law (including DIFC/ADGM) and EU labor directives.
- Advise HR on complex employment matters, including disciplinary procedures, statutory termination requirements, and end-of-service gratuity calculations (UAE).
- Manage global workforce legalities, including independent contractor classification, remote work policies, and enforceable non-compete/non-solicitation clauses.
- Maintain and enforce the global corporate structure (subsidiary registrations, intercompany agreements) and guarantee all corporate filing deadlines are met.
- Oversee data protection and privacy compliance efforts, including GDPR standards for EU operations and equivalent mandates in the UAE/MENA region.
You’re a Perfect Fit If You Have
- 7+ years of experience as a Legal Counsel, with a strong focus on the financial services sector.
- Solid experience in a regulated FinTech, Banking, or Crypto company is mandatory.
- Proven track record of managing and mentoring junior legal staff or leading a small legal team (ideally 3+ people).
- Deep understanding of payments regulation (e.g., SEPA/SWIFT, card schemes), digital asset laws, and licensing procedures in key jurisdictions.
- Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in English (B2-C1), both written and verbal (knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is an advantage).
Compensation & Benefits (Dubai, UAE)
- Highly Competitive Compensation.
- Visa Sponsorship: Full coverage of UAE employment visa and residency permit costs.
- Relocation Support: Dedicated support desk to assist with your move, including inbound flight coverage (if applicable).
- Time Off: 25 working days of Annual Leave + UAE Public Holidays.
- Health Coverage: Comprehensive Medical Insurance for yourself.
- Performance Incentives: Eligibility for performance-based bonuses and incentives.
- Statutory Benefits: End of Service Gratuity as per UAE Labour Law.
Shape the future: join a successful, next-generation modern money platform!
Location
Dubai (Hybrid)
Department
Legal Department
Employment Type
Employment Agreement
Minimum Experience
Senior Manager/Supervisor
What you'll do
- As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will lead a team to provide legal counsel on the finance platform's operations and manage the legal and compliance roadmap for market expansion. You will also ensure compliance with financial regulations and advise senior management on governance and risk strategies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Senior Legal Counsel do at UMO?
As a Senior Legal Counsel at UMO, you will: as a Senior Legal Counsel, you will lead a team to provide legal counsel on the finance platform's operations and manage the legal and compliance roadmap for market expansion. You will also ensure compliance with financial regulations and advise senior management on governance and risk strategies..
Is the Senior Legal Counsel position at UMO remote?
The Senior Legal Counsel position at UMO is based in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Senior Legal Counsel position at UMO?
You can apply for the Senior Legal Counsel position at UMOdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.