Legal Counsel (Director) - Payments & Fintech
About the job
This is a senior in-house legal role supporting the growth of payments and merchant acquiring businesses in Japan within a leading global financial institution. You will act as a trusted legal advisor to the business, providing commercial, regulatory, and strategic guidance while working closely with local and regional stakeholders across APAC. This role offers broad exposure to complex financial services matters in a fast-evolving fintech environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support business development initiatives and the launch of new payments and merchant acquiring products
- Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial and business contracts
- Advise on Japanese regulations including financial services, payments, AML, competition, privacy, and outsourcing
- Support strategic transactions, partnerships, alliances, and M&A-related matters
- Manage litigation, disputes, claims, and external counsel while providing general legal and governance advice
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Qualified lawyer admitted in Japan
- Minimum 3 years of post-qualification legal experience within financial services, payments, fintech, technology, or other regulated industries
- Experience providing commercial contract support and regulatory advisory to business teams
- Prior in-house experience at a financial institution or multinational company is strongly preferred
Soft Skills:
- Strong communication skills with the ability to advise senior business stakeholders
- Business-oriented mindset with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a global matrix organization
- High level of ownership, accountability, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Native level
- English: Fluent (business-level communication required)
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in payments, merchant acquiring, or other regulated financial services businesses
- Exposure to cross-border transactions and APAC or global legal coordination
- Experience supporting strategic alliances or M&A-related matters
About the Company
This is a leading global financial services company with a strong presence in payments and merchant acquiring. Japan is a key strategic market within its APAC organization, offering a stable business platform combined with ongoing innovation in financial technology and digital payments.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Competitive compensation package with strong benefits and long-term stability
- Hybrid working model with three days per week in the office
- Broad legal exposure across commercial, regulatory, and strategic matters
- Clear career development opportunities within a well-structured Japan and APAC legal organization
- Opportunity to work with a globally recognized brand in a collaborative, international environment
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
