At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice for innovative FinTech products and manage regulatory risks.
- Company: Join Booking Holdings, a leader in travel and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Regular travel to Amsterdam required; thrive in fast-paced, collaborative settings.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of financial technology in travel.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 5-8 years’ experience in FinTech and regulatory environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Requirements
- Qualified lawyer with 5–8 years’ PQE (or equivalent experience) with a mix of in‑house and big firm experience preferred
- Law degree from a top law school, and excellent academic credentials
- Experience advising on Fintech products within fast‑paced technology companies
- Proven track record working in complex, multi‑jurisdictional environments
- Good understanding of key legal and regulatory frameworks including international money transfer, foreign exchange, outsourcing, open banking, e‑money, payment services, e‑commerce and online platforms for the EU (e.g. PSD2, AMLD, CBPR2, MTRs, DORA, SCA), US or another key jurisdiction or other rapidly evolving and developing regulatory contexts (e.g. GenAI) are beneficial
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
- Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment
- (Desirable) Experience supporting payments and financial services for a global online marketplace or travel/e‑commerce platform
- (Desirable) Understanding of the operational and regulatory complexities of cross‑border travel transactions
- (Desirable) Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex legal concepts into concise, actionable insights for non‑lawyers
- (Desirable) Experienced in exercising sound commercial judgment to propose pragmatic legal solutions that balance risk, speed, and strategic goals
- (Desirable) Comfortable making recommendations in ambiguous, fast‑evolving regulatory and business environments
- (Desirable) Flexible in adjusting approaches as new regulatory, market, or operational realities emerge
- (Desirable) Comfortable collaborating across multiple time zones, cultural contexts, and regulatory environments
- (Desirable) A passion for fintech and payments. Eager to learn new technologies and ideas. Comfortable navigating complicated and nuanced issues
- (Desirable) Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills
- Regular travel to Amsterdam is required
What the job involves
Booking Holdings is seeking a business‑minded FinTech Product Legal Counsel to join our international Fintech legal team. This role is critical in supporting the design, development, launch, and scaling of innovative financial technology products across multiple jurisdictions and Booking Holdings Brands. This role will partner closely with Product, Engineering, Compliance, Risk, Partnerships, Privacy, and Commercial teams to enable innovative financial products and payment solutions while managing legal and regulatory risk. The ideal candidate combines strong product counseling capabilities with experience in payments, embedded finance, digital wallets, fintech partnerships, and regulated financial services environments. This opportunity represents an exceptional chance to embed yourself within one of the world’s most exciting groups, work with top class Brands and help define the future for accessing travel experiences across the world. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer who thrives in fast‑paced, technology‑driven environments and enjoys working cross‑functionally to bring customer‑centric financial products to market globally.
Advisory: Provide high quality and commercial legal advice to enable the compliant delivery of the FinTech/Payments product strategy, supporting stakeholders through the end‑to‑end product journey from the design “drawing board” to launch and beyond.
Product Enablement: Serve as a legal partner for Fintech and payments product teams, advising on the design, structure, implementation, operation and lifecycle management of all FinTech/payment product initiatives globally.
Regulatory Leadership: Lead and coordinate multi‑jurisdictional regulatory assessments for Fintech products and payments flows. This includes identifying and interpreting applicable global regulatory requirements, such as licensing, privacy, payments regulation, consumer protection, and AML/CTF. You will scope and instruct external counsel, and translate complex advice into clear, actionable guidance.
Risk and Compliance: Work closely with our regulated entities and internal risk stakeholders to ensure products are designed and operated within licence and regulatory perimeter.
Cross‑Functional Partnership: Collaborate effectively in a matrix structure with Legal, Product, Engineering, Finance, and Commercial teams.
Guidance and Governance: Support governance and documentation, including product legal reviews and risk assessments. Help develop and maintain playbooks, templates, and guidance for recurring payments topics to drive consistency and speed of execution.
Senior Legal Counsel (Booking Holdings FinTech) in London employer: Booking Holdings
At Booking Holdings, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for our Senior Legal Counsel role in the vibrant FinTech sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and cross-functional collaboration, allowing you to thrive in a fast-paced environment while working with leading brands. With regular travel to Amsterdam and a focus on innovative financial technology products, you'll be part of a team that not only values your expertise but also encourages you to shape the future of travel experiences globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel (Booking Holdings FinTech) in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Booking Holdings, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel (Booking Holdings FinTech) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Booking Holdings, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Booking Holdings and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel (Booking Holdings FinTech). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Booking Holdings’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Booking Holdings
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Booking Holdings.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Booking Holdings.
