Principal, Legal Counsel

Who are we? At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.

About the role: We’re looking for an experienced, commercially minded technology lawyer to join Finastra’s Legal team, taking ownership of a broad range of legal matters across software and technology. You’ll advise on the agreements and legal issues that enable Finastra to develop and deliver its technology solutions, including technology supplier contracts, software licensing, procurement, partner arrangements, privacy, regulatory matters, sanctions and export controls. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, you’ll join a small, focused team with broad responsibility and the opportunity to take ownership of key areas. This is an individual-contributor role initially, with scope to evolve as the team and business develop.

What you’ll do:

• Draft, review and negotiate software and technology-related agreements, including proprietary software licences, SaaS and PaaS agreements, OEM and distribution agreements, and services and subcontractor contracts.
• Advise on contracts with technology suppliers, including third-party technology incorporated into Finastra’s solutions.
• Support commercial arrangements with partners, service providers and resellers.
• Advise on procurement contracts across a variety of goods and services.
• Provide practical guidance on privacy, data protection and regulatory matters.
• Advise on intellectual property, software licensing and open-source software matters.
• Assess sanctions and export-control requirements affecting software, technology, destinations and end users, including matters involving U.S. export-control considerations.
• Support wider corporate compliance matters and trademark-related matters as required.
• Work closely with stakeholders across the business to identify legal risks and reach practical, commercially focused solutions.
• Take ownership of a varied workload and adapt priorities as business needs change.

What you’ll bring:

• A legal qualification in the UK or another major European jurisdiction; UK qualification is preferred.
• Significant post-qualification experience, with the expertise and judgment to operate effectively in a senior legal role.
• Strong commercial-contracting and negotiation experience.
• Experience working in or advising the software industry.
• A strong understanding of technology and software-related legal issues.
• Excellent commercial and business awareness.
• The ability to understand complex legal issues and translate them into clear, pragmatic advice.
• A proactive approach and confidence taking responsibility for a diverse range of matters.
• A calm, considered approach with a strong focus on delivering high-quality work.
• Strong written and spoken English.

Helpful additional experience: Experience in one or more of the following would be an advantage:

• Privacy and data protection
• Intellectual property and software licensing
• SaaS, PaaS, OEM and distribution agreements
• Open-source software
• Procurement and technology supply agreements
• Regulatory advice
• Sanctions
• Export controls, including U.S. export-control considerations
• Corporate compliance
• Trademark matters
• Partner, reseller or service-provider agreements

Why consider this role? You’ll have the opportunity to work across a broad range of complex commercial and technology matters rather than being confined to one narrow area of legal practice. You’ll play an important role in helping the business navigate the legal issues involved in its technology supply chain, procurement and partner ecosystem, while developing deeper expertise and taking ownership of key areas. The role will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, works calmly and practically, and is motivated by getting high-quality work done.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we stand for:

• Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, subject to local regulations and business priorities. Benefit from hybrid working arrangements and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.
• Well‑being: Access confidential one‑to‑one support through our Employee Assistance Program, connect with our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and take part in monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive—inside and outside of work.
• Health & Financial Security: Medical, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, lifestyle, and other benefits.
• Sustainability: Paid time off for volunteering and donation‑matching opportunities to support causes that matter to you.
• Inclusion: Get involved in our inclusion communities, such as Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, and Women@Finastra—open to everyone who wants to participate and contribute.
• Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.
• Recognition: Take part in our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and share your voice through regular employee surveys that help shape our culture and ways of working.

At Finastra, each individual is unique—bringing their own ideas, perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and experiences. We learn from one another, value what makes us different, and create an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and able to be their authentic selves. Be unique. Be exceptional. Help us make a difference at Finastra.

Summary Location: London Type: Full time