Senior Counsel, Global SME Solutions, London, UK

b Overview /b p In this role you will provide strategic legal support for Mastercards global Commercial and SME Solutions business, focusing on SME product development and commercial transactions. You will partner with business and legal teams to expand Mastercard acceptance, manage regulatory and compliance matters, and negotiate complex agreements. The position sits within the CNPF group, aiming to grow market share in small business payments while aligning with Mastercard’s transformation agenda. You will shape product initiatives and counsel on risk across regions, balancing legal and business priorities. /p b Responsibilities /b ul li Serve as day-to-day advisor to SME clients, supporting strategy to expand acceptance and share with merchants, acquirers, and digital partners. /li li Advise on commercial and contractual matters including risk assessment for new product constructs and agreements. /li li Collaborate with internal experts on regulatory, privacy, antitrust, and compliance issues related to products. /li li Support business development to enable product sales initiatives. /li li Independently draft, review, and negotiate complex agreements (Master Services, SaaS, Software and Data Licensing) and mitigate legal risks. /li li Engage in strategic relationships and partnership agreements with digital partners. /li li Educate clients on processes, regulatory changes, and regional rules. /li li Coordinate with regional compliance leads to ensure policy-aligned product and service delivery. /li li Identify process improvements and drive transformation to streamline business operations. /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Qualified lawyer licensed in relevant jurisdiction /li li Ability to work independently and with teams in a fast-paced sales environment /li li Strong business insight and communication with internal clients and executives /li li Extensive complex transactional experience at a reputable law firm or in-house /li li Excellent drafting and negotiation skills with ability to simplify complex concepts /li li Team player with willingness to take on responsibilities across regions /li li Preferred: in-house experience, technology background, familiarity with banking/payments regulations, AI governance knowledge, open banking understanding /li li JD or equivalent from an accredited law school; admitted to practice in good standing /li /ul ul li strong communication /li li independence with collaborative mindset /li li prioritization and multitasking /li li contract drafting and negotiation /li li risk analysis and regulatory assessment /li li privacy and antitrust considerations /li /ul