Senior Legal Counsel – Digital Payments & Financial Services

Location: Zurich

Position Type: Full-time, Temporary, initial 9 Months

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Legal Counsel to join our dynamic legal team. In this role, you will provide strategic legal guidance on financial services, digital transformation initiatives, and payment solutions — including credit card systems and other regulated products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Compliance, Risk, Product, and Technology to ensure robust legal support for innovation in the financial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on Swiss and EU financial regulations, particularly relating to:
• Digital payment services (e.g., credit card schemes, mobile payments, instant payments)
• E-money, PSD2, and related regulatory frameworks
• Support digital transformation initiatives, including licensing, outsourcing, and data protection (GDPR, FADP)
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including vendor, partnership, and platform agreements
• Advise internal stakeholders on risk management, regulatory change, and product development
• Liaise with regulatory authorities (e.g., FINMA, SNB) where necessary
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments in fintech and digital banking

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of legal experience in a top-tier law firm or financial institution with a strong focus on financial services and/or fintech
• Swiss law degree and Swiss bar admission (CH)
• Proven experience in digital payment systems, credit card schemes, and regulatory compliance
• Strong knowledge of Swiss and EU financial regulatory frameworks
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Fluent in German or French, with strong command of English

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