Legal Director

Full time Compliance Executive Fintech Forex Legal Management

Job Description

About Us
Planet is a leading technology company transforming payments by putting customer experience first. We offer integrated solutions that include payment processing, VAT refunds, dynamic currency conversion, and management services for merchants in the Retail and Hospitality sectors worldwide.
In recent years, we have experienced significant growth, expanding our services and global presence.
With strong private equity investors, Advent International and Eurazeo, we have the financial capital and expertise to grow our capabilities and reach through acquisitions.
Our mission is to create a world of connected commerce where payments are simple, secure, and seamless, enabling our partners to deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.
Role Overview
Planet is seeking, on a fixed term basis, an experienced, legal counsel with a strong background across a range of commercial and regulatory legal matters within digital payments, FinTech and/or financial services sectors. Reporting directly to our VP Legal, who leads the Legal Team, the successful candidate will join a team of lawyers and risk and compliance professionals by providing practical, solutions–orientated advice to deliver on Planet’s strategic, business, and financial goals whilst meeting its regulatory, statutory, and legislative obligations.
Background
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our growing legal team. Planet is a PE-backed, high-growth business which is expanding organically, geographically and by acquisition. This is an excellent opportunity to leverage your payments expertise on commercial and regulatory matters across multiple jurisdictions, develop leadership skills, and play a key role in Planet’s rapid growth.
What You Will Do

  • Draft, review and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements including those involving the provision of acquiring, gateway, terminal and other value-added payment and integrated software services
  • Review and support responses to business proposals/ tenders/ RFPs
  • Resolve legal issues and contract interpretation matters that arise during negotiations and during the customer lifecycle with a focus on balanced, win-win solutions
  • Produce and/or maintain various standard agreements. Develop playbooks and standard contractual provisions to further and enhance the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of commercial agreements
  • Analyse and advise on regulatory matters that relate and/or arise out of the payment and software products and services offered by Planet such as PSD2+, payment services regulations in UK, France and broader EEA, AML/CT regulations, GDPR, retail financial services, card scheme and alternative/local payment method rules
  • Advise and deliver on special, growth projects including new product developments and geographical expansions, taking into consideration their legal and regulatory impact
  • Support M&A activity inclusive of performing due diligence on target companies, evaluating risks and opportunities of the target from a legal and regulatory perspective, and integrating the target into the commercial and legal operations into Planet’s Legal, Risk & Compliance organization
  • Keep fully conversant with the new and emerging product lines developed by Planet and with the wider payments and software innovation ecosystem
  • Have a keen awareness and understanding of the regulatory and other legal environment within which Planet operates
  • Horizon scan and delivery strategic counsel on evolving payments and regulatory developments and their potential impact on the business and Planet’s overall strategy
  • Identify, communicate, and ensure all legal risks are within appetite. If necessary, escalate legal risks together with appropriate recommendations and mitigations
  • Support internal and external regulatory examinations and audit reviews

Who You Are

  • 6+ years PQE of industry experience in an in-house legal department and/or leading law firm in the UK or the EEA
  • Expertise in payments, financial services and related regulations
  • Demonstrate a keen, working understanding of the legal issues affecting the payments industry, including AML/CTF, data privacy/security, safeguarding, funds flows, and transactional reporting to regulators
  • Strong transactional experience leading contract negotiations in relation to (as many of the following as possible): direct acquiring; indirect acquiring with sponsoring banks, payment processing, gateway services, and multi-currency pricing solutions for a payment services provider (or equivalent), FinTech, e-money institution and/or financial institution
  • A business-first mind-set with a drive to find solutions that allow business and market share growth in a prudent and long-term-oriented approach
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Passion for simplification and efficiency/process improvement
  • A high degree of discretion and the ability to work with sensitive and confidential data
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, tackle ad hoc projects as they arise/are assigned, and successfully manage multiple deadlines.
  • Be fluent in English. German an important plus

Why Planet
Planet is an equal opportunity employer where diversity is valued, and all employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Come and grow your career in the most exciting, fast paced technology market, with a business that delivers feel-good connected commerce. We would love to hear from you – Apply now.