Kuda is a full service, app-based digital bank. Our mission is to be the go-to bank not just for those living on the African continent, but also for the African diaspora wherever they might live, anywhere in the world. Kuda is free of ridiculous banking charges and great at helping customers budget, spend smartly and save more. We raised the largest seed round ever seen in Africa, and completed a Series A funding round in February 2021, led by some of the world's smartest venture capital investors. With offices in London (our HQ), Lagos and Cape Town, and further offices opening across Africa during 2021, Kuda is fast becoming recognised as the leading 'Neobank' for Africans.
To help us grow into the company that can bring meaningful change to the way people across Africa get access to great financial products and services in order to take control of their personal finances, we are actively looking for bright, talented, driven people who are excited by our mission. If this sounds like a great way to spend your valuable time, then please get in touch with us.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel
Location: Lagos
About the Role
We are looking for a result-driven and highly motivated legal practitioner with financial services and general corporate advisory experience to join our Legal team working out of Lagos, Nigeria.
In this role, you will work closely with colleagues across multiple teams on a wide range of legal, regula tory, transactional and corporate governance matters. You will also represent the company in dealings with various external stakeholders (including vendors, regulators and external solicitors, where necessary).
The ideal candidate will be well versed in several areas of law and willing to learn.
Responsibilities
Review products and features to be launched by the company ensuring compliance with applicable laws and where necessary devise and execute creative solutions to meet current and evolving business needs.
Support the development and implementation of group legal strategy and contribute to the development of the company’s general business strategy.
Advise internal teams on a variety of legal topics pertaining to financial products and markets, SaaS Agreements, vendor agreements, consumer protection, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and security and the general legal framework for Kuda’s operations.
Assist in transactional activities including M&A, investments and joint ventures as well as restructurings, as applicable.
Partner with cross-functional and regional teams and provide support on legal matters of varying complexity in connection with the group’s expansions plans.
Draft contracts / agreements, policies and other legal documents relevant to various departments of the company such as product partnerships, marketing, IT, customer support, compliance and cards;
Draft and review customer-facing terms and conditions relating to various products and services provided by the company.
Liaise with external counsel in the management of outsourced legal work and resolution of disputes;
Review and advise management on legal implications of internal policies and procedures;
Advise on the corporate governance framework applicable to the company and drafting of corporate governance policies;
Monitor new developments in the legal environment in order to advise the company on impact and compliance.
Requirements
Nigerian-qualified lawyer with 7 years PQE with at least 3 years of corporate legal and regulatory compliance experience.
Strong knowledge of and interest in financial services with prior work experience in transactions relating to financial institutions and regulated entities.
In depth knowledge of general corporate and commercial law principles with a good business sense.
Ability to analyze legal issues, strategize and proffer practical solutions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrable ability to communicate ideas concisely, clearly and confidently with good presentation skills in one-on-one settings or to larger groups.
Meticulous attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
Passionate, enthusiastic, team player, with good judgment and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing needs and priorities; proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with little direction.
Ability to manage stakeholders within and outside the company in relation to the role.