Legal and Compliance Lead at Flex Finance

Role Overview:

• The In-House Legal Counsel will be responsible for managing all legal aspects of the company, including regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, and providing guidance on legal risks and strategies. This role requires a deep understanding of the financial services and technology sectors, particularly in the Nigerian regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the company adheres to all relevant financial and data privacy regulations, particularly those set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NCC, NDPR, and other relevant bodies.
• Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including partnership agreements, service-level agreements, vendor agreements, and NDAs.
• Corporate Governance: Oversee corporate governance policies, ensure compliance with statutory and legal requirements, and support the board in governance matters.
• Risk Management: Identify potential legal risks and provide proactive solutions to mitigate exposure. Support the executive team with advice on potential liabilities and legal strategies.
• Intellectual Property: Oversee the protection of the company’s intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, and proprietary software.
• Dispute Resolution: Manage litigation and disputes, liaising with external counsel as necessary. Develop strategies to minimize the company’s exposure to litigation and regulatory penalties.
• Due Diligence & Transactions: Support the company in venture capital funding rounds and strategic partnerships, including conducting legal due diligence and drafting related documents.
• Legal Research: Keep up-to-date with local and international regulations and changes in law that may affect the company’s operations.
• Advisory Role: Provide ongoing legal advice to the management team on various legal matters, including employee relations, international expansion, data protection, and customer issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB), with a Master’s Degree or additional legal certifications being a plus.
• Must be a qualified lawyer in Nigeria and called to the Nigerian Bar.
• 5+ years of post-qualification experience, preferably in fintech, financial services, or a similar regulated industry.
• Proven experience handling corporate law, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian financial regulations, corporate governance, and intellectual property law.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior in-house legal experience in a fintech or tech company.
• Familiarity with international regulatory frameworks such as GDPR and global financial compliance.
• Experience with venture capital funding processes and legal requirements.