At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on retail banking products and manage regulatory compliance.
- Company: Join Starling, Britain's first digital bank, revolutionising the banking experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic fintech environment while solving customer problems.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified lawyer with 5+ years PQE and strong regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Hello, we’re Starling.
Banking was broken – so we decided to fix it.
The vision?
Fast technology, fair service and honest values.
All at the tap of a phone, all the time.
We built Britain’s first digital bank.
One hard-won banking licence later, we set about giving people a new way to spend, save and manage their money (and take better care of the planet, too).
We’re changing banking for good.
Back then, we were obsessed with unravelling the knotty world of finance and solving people’s problems rather than selling them stuff.
We still are.
Since then, we’ve grown.
A lot.
Over four million accounts (and four account types!).
A team of thousands.
Headquartered in London with offices in Cardiff, Dublin, Manchester and Southampton.
Seven years voted Which?
Recommended Provider and Britain's Best Banking Brand.
Still zero branches.
Our culture is open, inclusive and focused on solving real customer problems, with an emphasis on doing the right thing, even when it’s not always the easy thing.
From our approach to working together and sustainability to how we build our products, our decisions need to make the world – and Starling – a better place to be.
Everyone at Starling is essential to our mission, which is really quite simple: to solve our customer’s problems – and build the best bank in the world!
And now we're providing Starling to other banks, via a Software-as-a-Service (Saa S) proposition through our subsidiary Engine, using the proprietary technology platform that it uses to power our own bank.
Senior Legal Counsel - SBL Legal, you’ll primarily primarily manage and work on retail financial products and services.
It's a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, dynamic team, work on a broad mix of initiatives, and make your mark at one of the UK's most exciting fintechs.
- What you'll be doing
- Providing expert legal advice on retail banking products, consumer credit and payments propositions, and strategic initiatives.
From concept through to implementation, for both retail consumers and SME businesses.
- Interpreting regulatory change and translating it into practical, commercially focused advice on the impact across the business.
- Horizon-scanning for upcoming regulatory developments and helping the business prepare early.
- Identifying and assessing areas of legal and regulatory risk in line with the enterprise risk management framework, balancing commercial objectives with the delivery of good customer outcomes.
- Attending governance fora and providing legal input into key decisions and approvals.
- Supporting product and engineering squads day-to-day, giving them clear, pragmatic guidance they can act on.
- Working alongside Compliance, Financial Crime and Risk (second and third lines), and engaging with regulators (FCA/PRA) where required.
- Managing external counsel and panel firms, including instructions and budget, where appropriate.
- UK-qualified lawyer with a strong academic record, excellent legal training, and 5+ years PQE gained at a law firm and/or in-house.
- Deep technical regulatory legal knowledge and experience of advising on the Consumer Credit Act, Financial Services and Markets Act, FCA Handbook (CONC, BCOBs, COBs, Consumer Duty) and the Payment Services Regulations.
- Strong commercial judgement and ability to provide pragmatic, risk-based advice.
- Ability to work independently and proactively, reporting up as required, in a fast-paced environment;
- Excellent drafting communication and analytical skills;
- Strong attention to detail.
- Resilient, diligent, and conscientious.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with colleagues at all levels of seniority and specialism across the business.
- 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)
- An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
- Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
- 16 hours paid volunteering time a year
- Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme
- Life insurance at 4x your salary
- Private Medical Insurance with Vitality Health including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton
- Generous family-friendly policies
- Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks
- Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships
About Us
You may be put off applying for a role because you don't tick every box.
Forget that!
While we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we're always open to discussion.
So, if you're excited about working with us, but aren’t sure if you're 100% there yet, get in touch anyway.
We’re on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team.
Whatever came before, we’re proud to bring together people of all backgrounds and experiences who love working together to solve problems.
Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace.
Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes.
Our Privacy Notice explains what personal information we may process, where we may process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information.
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Senior Legal Counsel - SBL Legal employer: Starling Bank
At Engine by Starling, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the banking technology sector. Our flexible working culture, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday and private medical insurance, and commitment to employee growth create a supportive environment where legal professionals can thrive. Located in a dynamic and rapidly growing company, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - SBL Legal
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Starling Bank. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - SBL Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Starling Bank.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Starling Bank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Starling Bank.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Starling Bank will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Starling Bank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
