Global Sanctions Lead Counsel

About the role

This role involves serving as the primary legal expert for all sanctions-related matters within Binance. The counsel will provide guidance on compliance with US/OFAC sanctions and other international regulations, collaborating with internal teams to identify and mitigate risks across business operations. Success in this position means ensuring Binance's adherence to global sanctions frameworks and strategically positioning the company in this complex legal area.

The lead counsel will represent Binance in interactions with regulatory bodies like OFAC, handling disclosures, license applications, and responses to legal inquiries. This also includes offering legal advice on contract issues and specific transaction-related sanctions questions, preparing necessary documentation, and conducting analyses. The role requires developing and implementing strategies that keep Binance at the forefront of sanctions compliance.

A key aspect of this position is managing relationships with external legal counsel on sanctions issues. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in sanctions laws and regulations, particularly regarding complex transactions and financial products. They will need to communicate effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels and provide clear recommendations to senior management.

The salary range for this position is between $75,000 and $125,000 USD.

Skills that matter here

• sanctions laws and regulations: This role requires deep technical expertise in these laws to advise on compliance and risk mitigation.
• OFAC: Experience dealing with OFAC and other authoritative bodies is crucial for regulatory interactions and compliance.
• complex transactions and financial products: Sound knowledge of sanctions issues in these areas is necessary for providing accurate legal advice.
• multi-jurisdictional issues: Understanding the implications of these issues, especially regarding data privacy and transmission, is essential for global operations.
• anti-money laundering and financial crimes framework: Familiarity with this framework is desirable to complement sanctions expertise within a financial institution context.

Who this role suits

• A legal professional with over a decade of experience specializing in sanctions, comfortable acting as a subject matter expert.
• Someone who can navigate complex international legal frameworks and effectively communicate intricate issues to diverse audiences.
• An individual with proven leadership abilities and adaptability, capable of working with legal and business teams across various cultures.
• A strategic thinker who can develop industry-leading initiatives and manage external legal relationships.

From the employer

• Serve as the subject matter expert and lead counsel for sanctions-related legal issues, including those with substantial legal, financial, or reputational implications.
• Act as the primary point of contact for matters pertaining to sanctions legal risks, offering advice on compliance with US/OFAC sanctions, plus insights on other applicable sanctions regulations such as those in the EU, following consultation with local legal advisors.
• Collaborate with the global sanctions compliance team and other control functions to identify, manage, and mitigate sanctions risks in all business operations and transactions.
• Offer expert legal representation in filings, communications with OFAC, and interactions with other sanctions-associated regulatory bodies. This includes voluntary self-disclosures, license applications, requests for guidance, and responses to legal injunctions.
• Provide proficient legal advice on contract issues and specific transaction-related sanctions questions, prepare necessary documentation, and conduct appropriate analyses as needed.
• Develop and implement industry-leading strategies and initiatives concerning sanctions matters that position Binance at the forefront of its field.
• Oversee the engagement and manage relationships with external legal counsel concerning sanctions-related issues.

• 10+ years of relevant experience as an attorney and compliance professional specializing in sanctions matters.
• Deep technical expertise in sanctions laws and regulations, and experience dealing with OFAC and other authoritative bodies in major jurisdictions.
• Sound knowledge of sanctions issues occurring in complex transactions and financial products.
• The candidate must be adept at communicating effectively on intricate issues with internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization, and must be proficient in offering concise, sound recommendations to senior management.
• Proven leadership aptitude, change agility, and proven ability to work proficiently with lawyers and businesses across diverse geographies and cultures.
• The candidate must understand the implications of multi-jurisdictional issues, particularly in areas of data privacy and transmission.
• Familiarity with the anti-money laundering and financial crimes framework applicable to global financial institutions is desirable.

• Shape the future with the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem.
• Collaborate with world-class talent in a user-centric global organization with a flat structure.
• Tackle unique, fast-paced projects with autonomy in an innovative environment.
• Thrive in a results-driven workplace with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
• Competitive salary and company benefits.
• Work-from-home arrangement (the arrangement may vary depending on the work nature of the business team).