At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the global legal function, ensuring compliance and risk management across Altery Group.
- Company: Join a dynamic fintech leader focused on secure and sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and the chance to shape legal strategy.
- Other info: Collaborate with top executives and engage with regulators worldwide.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding legal integrity in a fast-paced, global environment.
- Qualifications: Law degree and 10-15 years of experience in financial services or fintech required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Group Head of Legal will serve as the senior executive responsible for Altery Group’s global legal function, governance, and risk management. Reporting to the Group CFO, this role ensures that the Group’s business operations, partnerships, and expansion initiatives are fully compliant with international, EU, and local regulations whilst enabling secure and sustainable growth. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on expertise — providing comprehensive legal support across the Group, managing regulatory engagement, and ensuring that corporate frameworks and internal documentation remain robust, effective, and future‑proof.
What you’ll be doing
- Legal Strategy & Governance
- Develop and implement the Group’s legal strategy aligned with global business objectives.
- Provide comprehensive legal support to all companies within the Group.
- Establish and maintain Group‑wide legal frameworks, corporate governance structures, and internal documentation (agreements, employment contracts, NDAs).
- Advise the CFO, CEO, and Board on legal risks, opportunities, and implications of strategic decisions.
- Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
- Ensure compliance with EU financial services law (PSD2, GDPR, AMLD, MiCAR, DORA) and equivalent frameworks in other jurisdictions.
- Obtain necessary licences, engage with regulators, and participate in the launch of new jurisdictional licences.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory changes globally, advising on operational and strategic impacts.
- Provide legal counsel on compliance, anti‑money laundering (AML), and know your customer (KYC) processes with external counterparts.
- Corporate & Commercial Transactions
- Offer legal guidance on all commercial transactions and Group‑wide business partnerships.
- Support the onboarding of new partners and refine contractual frameworks for business operations.
- Lead expertise in international corporate law, including structuring, share purchase/acquisition of entities, and establishment of new entities under the Group.
- Select suitable jurisdictions and register new companies for IT, payments, and agency services.
- Structure financial transactions in accordance with international law.
- Risk Management & Dispute Resolution
- Oversee legal risk management and mitigation strategies across the Group.
- Handle disputes at the claim/judicial stages, including drafting responses, negotiating settlements, and evaluating legal prospects.
- Manage disputes and litigation with external counterparts, protecting Group interests at all stages.
- External Counsel & International Support
- Manage external legal service providers across jurisdictions, including consultation, translation, notarisation, and company registration.
- Ensure cost‑effective, high‑quality legal support for global operations.
- Represent Altery Group in legal networks, regulatory consultations, and industry forums.
What you’ll bring to us
- Qualifications & Experience
- Law degree (LLB or equivalent); advanced legal qualifications (LLM, Bar admission) strongly preferred.
- 10–15 years of post‑qualification legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in financial services, fintech, or payments.
- Strong expertise in international corporate law, regulatory frameworks, and commercial transactions.
- Demonstrated experience with EU regulators and licensing processes, as well as cross‑border compliance.
- Proven ability to manage global teams and external counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
- Skills & Competencies
- Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into actionable business guidance.
- Strong leadership and team‑building skills in multicultural, remote environments.
- Deep knowledge of PSD2, GDPR, AMLD, MiCAR, DORA, and global financial services regulation.
- Exceptional negotiation, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency in English required; additional European or global languages as an advantage.
- Regulatory Fit & Proper Criteria
- Honesty & Integrity: No criminal record, regulatory sanctions, or bankruptcy.
- Financial Soundness: Sound financial standing and responsibility.
- Competence & Capability: Proven expertise in managing legal frameworks within a regulated global financial group.
- Must meet “fit and proper” criteria of relevant regulators for Group‑level key function holders, if designated.
What we offer
- A pivotal Group‑level leadership role ensuring legal and regulatory integrity across all Altery entities.
- The opportunity to shape and scale the Group’s legal function in partnership with the CFO, CEO, and Board.
- Remote working flexibility with global impact and engagement across regulators, external counsel, and industry stakeholders.
Group Head of Legal in London employer: FTS US Inc.
Altery Group is an exceptional employer, offering a pivotal leadership role that allows you to shape the legal landscape of a dynamic global organisation. With a strong emphasis on remote working flexibility, our culture fosters collaboration and innovation while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and engagement with international regulators and industry stakeholders. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values integrity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Legal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in financial services or fintech. Attend industry events and webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of international corporate law and regulatory frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you can align legal strategies with business objectives, as this is key for the Group Head of Legal role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Highlight your experience managing global teams and external counsel. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Group Head of Legal role. Highlight your experience in international corporate law and regulatory frameworks, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams and managed legal functions in a multicultural environment. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to guide and support others in complex legal matters.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at FTS US Inc.
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal frameworks mentioned in the job description, like PSD2, GDPR, and AMLD. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them but can also apply them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in a multicultural environment. Highlight your experience in managing external counsel and navigating complex legal landscapes, as this role requires strong leadership and team-building skills.
✨Understand the Business Side
Be ready to discuss how legal strategies align with business objectives. Think about how you've previously translated legal requirements into actionable business guidance, and be prepared to share specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific legal challenges or compliance issues. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as it will showcase your problem-solving abilities and readiness for the role.
