The client is a fast-growing FinTech company undergoing the Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licensing process in Latvia. This is a pivotal moment in their journey, requiring strong legal leadership to build a compliant, scalable foundation. The role offers a unique opportunity to take ownership of all legal matters — from drafting core documentation to shaping governance frameworks. Initially positioned as a senior legal expert, this role is designed to evolve into Head of Legal in the short term.

🔍 Responsibilities:

• Lead all legal activities related to EMI licensing and ongoing regulatory compliance in Latvia and the EU;

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including partnerships, vendor agreements, and customer terms;

• Develop and maintain internal legal policies, procedures, and governance frameworks;

• Act as the primary legal advisor to senior management on regulatory, contractual, and operational matters;

• Ensure alignment with EU financial regulations, including PSD2, AML, and data protection requirements;

• Collaborate closely with Compliance, Risk, and Operations teams to support licensing and audit processes;

• Manage relationships with external legal counsel and regulatory authorities;

• Identify and mitigate legal risks across business activities and product development;

• Support corporate structuring, board matters, and internal decision-making processes.

🎓 Requirements:

• 3+ years of legal experience, ideally within FinTech, financial services, or regulated environments;

• Strong knowledge of EU regulatory frameworks, especially EMI, PSD2, AML, and financial compliance;

• Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial and financial contracts;

• Hands-on, proactive mindset with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment;

• Experience supporting licensing processes or working with regulators is highly desirable;

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate legal complexity into business insights;

• Qualified lawyer (EU jurisdiction preferred;

• Fluent in English; Latvian or Russian is a plus.

✨ The Employer Offers:

• Opportunity to shape the legal function from the ground up;

• Direct impact on a high-growth FinTech entering a regulated market;

• Collaborative, international team environment;

• Flexible hybrid working model;

• Exposure to strategic decision-making and leadership;

• Competitive salary aligned with seniority and growth potential.

If you’re ready to take ownership of a legal function and play a key role in a FinTech licensing journey, let’s talk!