Hybrid Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs

at Scope Markets

• Job title: Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Cyber Security
• Location requirements: Hybrid, London, United Kingdom

About the role

• Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs overseeing legal matters and compliance strategies for Scope Markets. Advising leadership on regulatory risks and leading legal input for global strategies.

Responsibilities

• Advise executive leadership on legal and regulatory risk, and the impact of strategic decisions.
• Lead legal input into global regulatory strategy, licensing pathways, and international compliance frameworks.
• Represent the company in engagements with external counsel, regulators, and cross-border legal authorities.
• Monitor and interpret changes in global, regional, and national laws affecting fintech (including banking and crypto) operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements.
• Handle legal documentation related to investment services and operations (e.g. distribution agreements, ISDA documentation, trading terms).
• Provide legal and regulatory guidance for new product development and distribution strategies, including fintech licensing requirements.
• Advise on data protection, cybersecurity, and privacy laws (e.g. GDPR, ISO standards) throughout the product lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks tied to financial services, emerging technologies, and operational expansion.
• Conduct legal and regulatory risk assessments to support new business initiatives and product launches.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Finance, and Ops teams to ensure internal controls meet legal and regulatory expectations.
• Coordinate external counsel for litigation, dispute resolution, and specialised advisory support.
• Handle IP matters, including protection, enforcement, and technology licensing.
• Provide legal advice and support across departments (Sales, Tech, Product, HR, Finance, Compliance).
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with front office, operations, and tech teams on business-wide initiatives.
• Lead and mentor legal team members or legal secondees; promote legal best practices and skill development.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research and maintain awareness of industry standards and legislative trends.
• Contribute to legal department strategy and assist with ad hoc legal matters as required.

Requirements

• A university degree in Law (LLB or equivalent); further qualifications such as an LLM or MBA are advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years’ post-qualification experience within the online trading or fintech sector, with demonstrable exposure to regulatory frameworks and global contracting.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with financial instruments, equities, stock lending and stock borrowing, and derivatives, including swaps, futures, and CFDs.
• Familiarity with virtual assets and emerging digital financial products or banking and electronic payment processing will be considered an asset.
• Proven experience in managing legal complexity across jurisdictions, including corporate structuring, licensing, and compliance.
• Exceptional command of the English language, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and working knowledge of legal research tools (e.g. Practical Law, LexisNexis, or similar platforms).
• Track record of delivering legal support within fast-paced, innovation-driven environments.

Benefits

• Attractive Remuneration: A competitive salary package based on your qualifications, experience, and skills.
• Performance-Based Rewards: Annual discretionary bonuses and yearly salary review to recognize and reward your outstanding performance.
• Generous Time Off: Annual Leave days to rest and recharge.
• Pension Scheme: Company contributions to our provident fund, helping secure your future.
• Vibrant Work Environment: Be part of an energetic and diverse multicultural team.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Benefit from our hybrid work model, giving you the freedom to work from home.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for continuous personal development and career advancement.
• Team Bonding Events: Annual company events and parties to foster connection and engagement among employees.