Head of Legal in London

At Kroo Bank, we’re building a better bank from the ground up.

One that puts customers first, treats money responsibly and uses technology to make everyday banking simpler, fairer and more transparent.

We’re a fully regulated UK bank, backed by long term investors, with a growing customer base and big ambitions.

We move fast, think carefully and hold ourselves to high standards, whether that’s how we build products, manage risk or look after our people.

How you will contribute

As Head of Legal, you will lead legal advice and support across Kroo Bank, helping senior management, the Board and business teams make informed decisions.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will provide clear, practical advice that supports the bank’s development while managing legal risks and protecting its interests.

You will work closely with colleagues across the bank and external advisers on regulatory matters, commercial contracts, corporate governance, disputes and strategic transactions.

You will also have line management responsibility for the Assistant Company Secretary.

This is a permanent role based near London Bridge in central London, with hybrid working and office attendance expected once a week.

Your responsibilities will include

• Providing legal advice to senior management, the Board and business teams on regulatory matters, commercial contracts, corporate governance, risk management and strategic initiatives.
• Monitoring changes in laws, regulations and regulatory guidance, assessing their implications and working with Risk, Compliance and business owners to identify appropriate action.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements with customers, suppliers, partners and other third parties, ensuring terms protect the bank’s interests and reflect agreed commercial arrangements.
• Advising on Board governance, shareholder matters, directors’ responsibilities and corporate decision making.
• Managing legal disputes, litigation and settlement negotiations, assessing exposure and overseeing external counsel to achieve proportionate outcomes.
• Identifying and managing legal risks, maintaining appropriate controls and escalating material concerns through the bank’s governance arrangements.
• Developing legal policies, procedures, templates and review processes, working with relevant teams to identify gaps and implement corrective action.
• Supporting corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and strategic initiatives such as structured asset and debt solutions.

This includes coordinating legal due diligence, negotiating transaction documents and advising on legal and regulatory implications.

• Managing external legal advisers, setting clear instructions, reviewing the quality of advice and controlling legal costs against agreed budgets and priorities.
• Providing accessible training and guidance to help colleagues understand legal responsibilities, recognise risks and seek advice at the right time.
• Supporting the development of the Assistant Company Secretary through clear expectations, constructive feedback and effective line management.
• Ability to explain complex legal matters clearly and provide practical advice that supports business objectives while managing legal risk.
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment affecting UK banks, with the ability to translate relevant developments into clear recommendations and action.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, balancing legal requirements, commercial priorities and the bank’s interests.
• Ability to advise on corporate governance, Board responsibilities and shareholder matters, and support strategic transactions through effective due diligence and documentation.
• Sound judgement in identifying legal risks, recommending proportionate controls and escalating material concerns promptly.
• Ability to manage disputes, litigation and external legal advisers effectively, with appropriate oversight of costs and outcomes.
• Professional independence and integrity, including the confidence to challenge decisions constructively, recognise conflicts of interest and protect confidential and legally privileged information.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across the bank and explain the reasoning behind legal recommendations.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands according to risk and business needs, take ownership of delivery and develop effective legal processes.
• Ability to lead and develop colleagues and deliver practical legal training for teams across the bank.

Required qualifications and experience

• A recognised legal qualification, such as qualification as a solicitor or barrister.
• Substantial relevant experience advising on UK banking and financial services matters.
• Experience advising senior management and Boards on complex legal issues.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Experience in a challenger bank, fintech or growing regulated business is highly desirable.

What we offer

• We want our people to thrive both in and outside work. Our benefits include:
• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days of annual leave, eight bank holidays, one Kroo bank holiday on 24 June and one day off during the week of your birthday.
• Personal days: Three personal days to use when you need them.
• Volunteering: Up to four hours per month of employer sponsored volunteering time.
• Mental health support: Access to Spill, our mental health support partner.
• Workplace pension: A pension with a 5% employee contribution and a 3% employer contribution.
• Equipment and home working support: A Mac Book laptop and a contribution towards your home office setup if required.
• Central London office: A modern workspace near London Bridge.
• Cycle to Work scheme: Support for sustainable travel.
• Electric Car scheme: Access to our Electric Car scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave: Support for employees as they start and grow their families.
• Development opportunities: Room to develop your skills and progress as the bank grows.
• Healthcare: Healthcare cover for you and your nuclear family through Vitality.

Hybrid Working

This role is based at our office near London Bridge in central London.

We offer hybrid working, with attendance at the London office expected once a week and remote working on the remaining days.

The working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued, respected and supported.

Diversity, equity and inclusion underpin how we work across the bank.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and make reasonable adjustments available throughout the recruitment process.