Legal & Compliance Manager at Divest

About The Role

• We’re seeking a highly motivated and experienced Legal and Compliance Manager to oversee and manage all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters across our operations. This role is critical to ensuring Divest remains fully compliant with local and international regulations, while proactively navigating the fast-evolving landscape of fintech and digital assets in Africa.

Job Expectations

• Advise on all legal aspects of the company’s operations, including contracts, commercial agreements, partnerships, and regulatory frameworks.
• Lead the end-to-end licensing process for cross-border payment and settlement operations across Nigeria and other African markets.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities (e.g., CBN, SEC, NDIC, FIUs) to maintain good standing and obtain necessary approvals.
• Design, implement, and oversee robust KYB/AML frameworks for customer onboarding in line with local and international standards.
• Ensure ongoing monitoring and enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers and partners.
• Advise on all legal aspects of operations, including contracts, commercial agreements, partnerships, and cross-border settlement frameworks.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents such as service agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and compliance policies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive internal compliance policies and procedures tailored for cross-border operations.
• Align with global crypto/payment settlement regulations and emerging African market requirements.
• Monitor ongoing regulatory developments in Nigeria and across African jurisdictions where operations exist or expansion is planned.
• Identify potential legal, compliance, and operational risks, providing strategic recommendations to mitigate them.
• Manage regulatory reporting obligations, routine audits, and information requests from authorities and financial partners.
• Maintain up-to-date records of licenses, approvals, and certifications.
• Train internal teams (product, engineering, operations) on compliance policies, regulatory updates, and risk mitigation practices.
• Collaborate with product teams to integrate compliance requirements seamlessly into the customer journey and settlement flow.
• Provide leadership with forward-looking legal advice on cross-border expansion, partnerships, and new product development.
• Represent the company in regulatory discussions, industry forums, and cross-border settlement policy initiatives.

Critical Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LL.B); BL and active legal practice license in Nigeria.
• Strong background in financial services, payments, or crypto-related regulatory frameworks (5+ years preferred).
• Proven experience handling cross-border settlements and compliance in Africa or similar emerging markets.
• Deep understanding of AML/KYC obligations, licensing processes, and fintech regulatory environments.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and risk management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong understanding of Nigerian financial services regulations (e.g., CBN, SEC, NFIU, NDIC).
• Working knowledge of cryptocurrency, blockchain, or digital asset regulation is a strong advantage.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.

Cultural Competencies

• Entrepreneurial and experimental — thrives in a startup environment.
• Bias for action and growth, not afraid to fail fast and learn quickly.
• Mission-driven and passionate about expanding financial access in Africa.
• You work well with people of different backgrounds, identities, values and cultures
• You listen well, seek to understand and respond with empathy
• You give and take constructive feedback to and from colleagues at any level
• You are extremely curious and love working collaboratively
• A knack for continuous growth, learning and knowledge sharing