Legal Counsel, Regulatory

Legal Counsel, Regulatory

C

Organising Institution / Firm

Checkout.com

Not Specified by Organiser

London, England, United Kingdom

Not Specified

Qualified solicitor/lawyer (3-7 PQE) with strong post-qualification experience in-house or in private practice; expertise in UK payments regulation and licensing.

Job

Full Opportunity Brief

Navigating the Frontier: Why the Legal Counsel Role at Checkout.com is a Career-Defining Move

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global finance, the intersection of technology and regulation has become the most critical battleground for legal professionals. For those looking to pivot or solidify their career in the high-stakes world of FinTech, the Legal Counsel, Regulatory position at Checkout.com represents more than just a job—it is an opportunity to operate at the epicenter of the digital payments revolution. As one of Europe’s most valuable and ambitious fintech entities, Checkout.com is not merely processing transactions; they are architecting the infrastructure that powers global commerce for giants like Uber, Spotify, and Sony.

The Strategic Importance of Regulatory Mastery in FinTech

The role of a Regulatory Counsel in a company of this scale is multifaceted. You are not simply interpreting statutes; you are acting as a strategic partner to product teams, ensuring that innovation does not outpace compliance. In the UK, where the regulatory environment for payment services is increasingly stringent, the ability to navigate the nuances of the Payment Services Regulations (PSRs) and the Electronic Money Regulations (EMRs) is paramount. This role demands a professional who can translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable product features.

"The successful candidate will be able to handle a busy workload with minimal supervision, demonstrating excellent critical judgment, quick thinking and agility."

Working at Checkout.com means you will be involved in the full lifecycle of product development. From initial conceptualization to market entry, your legal advice will dictate how the company expands into new territories and how it maintains its license integrity across multiple jurisdictions. This is an environment where 'legal' is not a blocker, but a business enabler.

Building Your Professional Capital: The Career Trajectory

For a lawyer with 3-7 years of Post-Qualification Experience (PQE), this role offers a unique blend of autonomy and high-level exposure. Unlike traditional law firm roles where you may be siloed into specific practice areas, this position requires a holistic understanding of the payments ecosystem. You will be expected to:

• Engage with Regulators: Build and maintain relationships with financial authorities, a skill set that is highly transferable and prestigious in the legal market.
• Manage Cross-Border Complexity: Navigate the divergent regulatory landscapes of different continents, sharpening your ability to manage international legal risk.
• Drive Product Strategy: Influence the design of payment flows, ensuring that compliance is 'baked in' rather than 'bolted on.'

This experience is invaluable for those aiming for future roles as General Counsel or Head of Legal in the tech sector. The exposure to high-growth, fast-paced environments like Checkout.com is a signal to the market that you possess the agility and commercial acumen required to lead in the modern economy.

Preparation Strategies for the Competitive Candidate

Securing a role at a top-tier fintech requires more than just a strong CV. You must demonstrate a deep, practical understanding of the payments industry. To stand out, ensure your preparation includes a thorough review of the current UK regulatory agenda, particularly regarding the FCA’s approach to payment firms. Be prepared to discuss how you have previously managed 'ambiguity'—a core requirement for this role. In the interview process, focus on your ability to provide pragmatic solutions. The business does not need a list of reasons why something cannot be done; they need a roadmap of how to do it safely and compliantly.

Why Culture Matters in High-Growth Legal Teams

Checkout.com emphasizes a culture of 'ownership' and 'fewer blockers.' This is a significant departure from the hierarchical structures often found in legacy financial institutions. By fostering an environment where legal counsel is encouraged to think like a business owner, the company ensures that its legal team remains as fast-moving as its engineering team. The hybrid working model, requiring three days in the London office, is designed to foster this collaborative spirit, ensuring that legal professionals remain deeply integrated with the business units they support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the ideal PQE range for this role?
A: The company is specifically looking for candidates with 3-7 years of post-qualification experience. This range is ideal for someone who has moved past the 'trainee' phase and is ready to take on significant, autonomous responsibility.

Q: Is prior FinTech experience mandatory?
A: While experience in FinTech, payments, or banking is highly desirable, it is not strictly mandatory. The firm values candidates with strong legal principles and the ability to adapt quickly to new, complex regulatory environments.

Q: What does the 'regulatory vertical' entail at Checkout.com?
A: The regulatory vertical focuses on license-related matters, ongoing compliance with payment laws, and managing relationships with financial regulators. It is a specialized, high-impact team that sits at the core of the company's operational strategy.

Q: How does the hybrid work model function?
A: Checkout.com operates a hybrid model requiring three days per week in their London global headquarters to support team collaboration and cross-functional connectivity.