At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function and shape the company’s global legal strategy.
- Company: Join Sokin, a next-gen B2B financial services provider revolutionising global payments.
- Benefits: Flexible working culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work from London, New York, or Toronto in a rapidly expanding global startup.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic payments environment while supporting business growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 5+ years’ experience in fintech or financial services.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Legal to lead our legal function and provide strategic counsel across all areas of the business. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping and executing the company’s legal strategy, ensuring compliance with global regulations, supporting commercial growth, and protecting the organisation’s interests as it scales internationally. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, Board members, and cross-functional teams, bringing a practical and solutions-oriented approach to legal and governance matters in a dynamic payments environment.
This role can be based in either London, New York or Toronto.
About Us
Sokin is a next-generation B2B financial services provider, enabling businesses to make and receive global payments with greater speed, lower cost, and total transparency. Our mission is simple: we’re simplifying global business - so businesses thrive wherever they choose to grow. We deliver services across:
- Global payments and receivables
- Foreign Exchange (FX)
- Treasury management
- Finance reconciliations
We are rapidly expanding, with established presence in EMEA, APAC, and North America. Backed by a strong global infrastructure and industry-leading partners, we are redefining how businesses move money worldwide. Our clients span industries from sports and entertainment to logistics and travel, and our community is growing rapidly. As we continue to expand, we’re building a team of exceptional people who share our ambition to transform the future of global payments.
Key Responsibilities
- Legal Strategy & Leadership: Develop and lead the company’s global legal strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Provide expert legal advice to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board on a wide range of issues including corporate governance, commercial contracts, data protection, intellectual property, and litigation. Partner with business and product teams to support new initiatives and market expansion. Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing in-house legal team, supported by external counsel where appropriate.
- Governance & Risk: Manage corporate governance processes, including Board support, subsidiary management, and company secretarial duties. Advise on risk management frameworks, contractual risk allocation, and regulatory exposure. Oversee dispute resolution, litigation, and regulatory inquiries.
- Commercial & Strategic Support: Negotiate and draft key commercial agreements including supplier, customer, partnership, and licensing contracts. Support M&A and fundraising activities, including due diligence and transaction execution. Enable business growth while safeguarding the company’s legal and ethical standards.
Requirements
- Qualified lawyer with 5+ years’ PQE experience as Head of Legal within fintech, payments, or financial services.
- Proven ability to operate across multiple jurisdictions and manage complex regulatory challenges.
- Strong commercial acumen and communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Leadership experience in building and scaling a legal function.
Please note, candidates will need to have the right to work in the jurisdiction that they are looking to work in. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment. As a growing global startup, we value agility and flexibility in our working culture. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Head of Legal in London employer: Watershed Ventures
Watershed Ventures is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and innovation. As a Law Firm Success Strategist, you will benefit from ample opportunities for professional growth while working closely with prestigious AmLaw 100 and Magic Circle law firms. The company fosters strong stakeholder relationships and values proactive support, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in customer success.