Head of Legal and Compliance

Head of Legal and Compliance

Up to $400k

Must be US based

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A high-growth startup building blockchain-powered payment infrastructure is expanding its US presence. The team is developing compliant, scalable, real-time settlement rails for merchants, fintechs, and global partners. They are now hiring a Head of Legal and Compliance to own all US regulatory and legal strategy.

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You will serve as the company’s senior legal and compliance leader. You will partner closely with founders and product teams. You will ensure the company navigates the US regulatory environment with precision while enabling safe innovation across digital asset payment flows.

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Key Responsibilities

• Lead all legal, regulatory, and compliance strategy for US operations.

• Act as the primary liaison with US regulators including FinCEN, state banking departments, the SEC, CFTC, and CFPB depending on product scope.

• Oversee compliance frameworks covering AML, KYC, sanctions, consumer protection, and data privacy.

• Manage state-by-state money transmitter licensing (MTL) strategy and ongoing maintenance.

• Guide product and engineering on compliant design for stablecoin flows, digital asset settlement, custody considerations, and on-chain transaction handling.

• Oversee contract drafting, partner agreements, and commercial negotiations.

• Lead risk assessments, internal controls, and audit readiness.

• Advise on corporate governance, fundraising, token considerations, and strategic initiatives.

• Build and lead an internal legal and compliance team over time.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team and board.

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Requirements

• 8 to 12+ years of legal or compliance experience in payments, fintech, financial services, or digital assets.

• Deep knowledge of US regulatory frameworks including BSA, AML, sanctions, MTL regimes, and consumer finance regulations.

• Experience interacting with US regulators such as FinCEN or state banking supervisors.

• Strong understanding of blockchain-based payment models, stablecoins, custody risks, and digital asset compliance.

• Proven experience managing MTL licensing and examinations.

• Skilled in drafting, negotiating, and managing commercial contracts.

• US-qualified attorney in good standing.

• Comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment with evolving regulatory requirements.

• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills.

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If this sound like you, apply below and I'll be in touch