Deputy General Counsel in London

Deputy General Counsel in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
LemFi

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal strategies for innovative financial products and ensure compliance across global markets.
  • Company: Join LemFi, a fast-growing fintech revolutionising finance for the Global South.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and a chance to shape the future of finance.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on diversity, inclusion, and making a global impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering immigrants with financial tools that change lives.
  • Qualifications: 12+ years in law, preferably in fintech, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

LemFi (Series B) is building the go-to financial app for the Global South. Moving to a new country shouldn’t mean starting from zero. That's why our team of 400+ spanning 20+ countries is building a financial ecosystem that helps immigrants stay connected to home, build stability, and create wealth regardless of where they are from or where they live. What began as fast, affordable remittances is now evolving into a complete platform for multi-currency accounts, payments, credit, and long-term financial growth. With millions of users across the globe, we process over $1B in monthly transactions to 30+ countries, proving that borders shouldn't limit financial opportunity.

The Role

As the Deputy General Counsel, you will serve as the "Second in Command" for our Legal and People Department. Reporting directly to the Chief Legal and People Officer, you will play a critical role in scaling our legal infrastructure during a period of rapid global expansion. This is a high-impact, versatile leadership role where you will balance strategic advisory with hands-on execution across credit financing, equity, employment, and product innovation. You will be a key partner to the CLPO, stepping in to lead the department in her absence and handling a broad portfolio of high-stakes legal work.

How You’ll Contribute

  • Credit Facilities & Financing: Lead the legal structuring, negotiation, and maintenance of credit facilities. You will partner with the Finance team to secure the capital necessary to fuel our "Send Now, Pay Later" and other credit-based product lines.
  • Equity & Options Management: Oversee the legal administration of our Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP). You will manage the legal aspects of grants, vestings, and exercises, ensuring compliance with local regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Employment & Bonuses: In partnership with the People team, you will provide legal oversight for our global workforce. This includes drafting employment contracts, managing complex international labor law issues, and designing/validating bonus and incentive structures.
  • New Product Launches: Act as the legal architect for new product releases. You will work alongside Product and Engineering teams to ensure that new features (from savings accounts to credit tools) are legally compliant, risk-mitigated, and supported by robust Terms of Service.
  • Leadership & Ad Hoc Support: Act as a right hand to the Chief Legal and People Officer. You will tackle a variety of ad-hoc projects—ranging from corporate governance and M&A activity to regulatory responses—and help manage the wider legal team.
  • Global Compliance: Ensure LemFi remains ahead of the curve in a complex regulatory environment (FCA, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, etc.), particularly as we enter new markets in Europe and beyond.

Who You Are

  • A commercially minded legal leader: who enjoys operating close to the business and balancing risk with growth. You don’t default to “no” — you focus on how to get to “yes” safely.
  • Comfortable in ambiguity: and energised by building in environments where not everything is fully defined yet. You’re happy to roll up your sleeves while also thinking strategically.
  • Trusted advisor to senior stakeholders: able to influence and challenge when needed, and confident partnering with founders, executives, and cross-functional leaders.
  • Hands-on and pragmatic: with the judgment to prioritise effectively across a broad and evolving legal remit.
  • A strong communicator: able to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for non-legal teams.
  • Mission-aligned, motivated: by LemFi’s purpose and excited to help scale a business that delivers real-world impact for the global diaspora.

What You’ll Bring

  • Experience: 12+ years of experience in a top-tier law firm or a high-growth fintech/tech company. Previous experience in a Deputy GC or Lead Counsel role is highly preferred.
  • Expertise in Fintech: Deep understanding of credit products, payment regulations, and the legal nuances of scaling financial services globally.
  • Corporate Finance Knowledge: Proven track record in dealing with credit facilities, debt financing, or venture-backed equity structures.
  • People Operations Savvy: Familiarity with international employment law and the legal mechanics of compensation/bonus schemes.
  • Problem Solver Mindset: Ability to provide commercial, "can-do" legal advice in a fast-paced environment where there is often no established precedent.
  • Communication: Exceptional drafting skills and the ability to explain complex legal risks to non-legal stakeholders in simple terms.
  • Academic: Law degree from a reputable university and professional admission/license to practice in a European or UK jurisdiction is a plus but not a requirement.

The Interview Process

  • TA Screen (30 mins)
  • Meeting the manager (30 mins)
  • Technical Assessment (60 mins)
  • Stakeholder Interview (2 x 30 mins)

Why Join LemFi?

Love shouldn’t be expensive, yet those working hardest for their families often face predatory fees and banking exclusion. We're changing this. At LemFi, you won’t be just a cog in a machine. Whether designing products, scaling operations, or telling our story, you’ll tackle complex challenges with real, immediate impact. Your work goes beyond metrics - it puts money back in families’ pockets and offers access to the previously excluded. Join us to make a meaningful difference, where high performance is a lifeline for millions.

Our Values: How We Win

  • Sharp Customer Focus: We cut through the noise and prioritize ruthlessly based on what drives real value.
  • Lead with Data: We trade instinct for insight. We test, analyze, and own the outcomes.
  • Ownership: We take responsibility for global outcomes, not just local wins.
  • Grit: We navigate ambiguity with resilience and keep pushing until the customer feels the impact.

You can connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram and if you haven't already, download the app on the App Store or Google Play.

Diversity & Inclusion at LemFi

To build the best financial tools for the global diaspora, we need a team that reflects the world we serve. We welcome builders from all walks of life who embody our values over a perfect resume. Don’t meet every single requirement in the job ad? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply if they don't check every box. If you are excited about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be just the right person for this, or other roles.

Deputy General Counsel in London employer: LemFi

At LemFi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusion while driving meaningful change in the financial landscape for the Global South. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, offering employees the chance to make a real impact as we expand our global reach. With competitive benefits and a commitment to professional development, joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and empowers you to thrive.

LemFi

Contact Details:

LemFi Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy General Counsel in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at LemFi or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching LemFi’s mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals, especially in fintech and legal compliance. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills can help us tackle complex challenges. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving mindset—it's key for this role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we value diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy General Counsel in London

Legal Structuring
Negotiation Skills
Compliance Knowledge
International Employment Law
Credit Products Expertise
Corporate Finance Knowledge
Problem-Solving Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fintech and legal matters relevant to the role. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at LemFi!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex legal challenges in fast-paced environments. We love candidates who can demonstrate a 'can-do' mindset and practical solutions.

Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, especially when discussing complex legal issues. We appreciate strong communicators!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at LemFi!

How to prepare for a job interview at LemFi

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fintech regulations, especially around credit products and international employment law. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a legal expert but also someone who understands the business landscape.

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've navigated complex legal challenges in the past. LemFi is looking for someone who can provide practical, 'can-do' advice, so be ready to share specific instances where you turned potential roadblocks into opportunities.

Communicate Clearly

Practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to translate legal jargon for non-legal stakeholders, so demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.

Align with the Mission

Familiarise yourself with LemFi's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss why you’re passionate about making a difference in the financial lives of immigrants. Showing that you resonate with their purpose will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.