Regulatory Counsel - South Africa

About the role

This position involves advising Binance on a range of regulatory issues, including product offerings, licensing, and anti-money laundering (AML/CTF) compliance, specifically within African jurisdictions such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, as well as globally. The role requires drafting and reviewing strategic plans and submissions for regulatory authorities, responding to inquiries, and contributing to the company's long-term regulatory strategy. Success in this role means effectively navigating complex regulatory landscapes to support Binance's growth.

The Regulatory Counsel will work closely with product and marketing teams, providing guidance on the scope of offerings and campaigns across various African markets. A key aspect of the role is collaborating with local teams to develop and manage legal and compliance programs, ensuring ongoing adherence to regulations. This involves maintaining current knowledge of legal and regulatory changes and translating that into actionable advice for the business.

The role also entails preparing summaries, reports, and commentary on upcoming legislation for leadership, and managing relationships with external law firms and other stakeholders. This is a non-contentious role, though candidates with a contentious background are encouraged to apply. The work environment is described as fluid and fast-paced, requiring a self-motivated individual who can take ownership of matters and provide practical, risk-based advice.

The salary for this position ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 USD annually.

Skills that matter here

• Admitted to practice in South Africa or a common law jurisdiction: This is a foundational requirement, ensuring the candidate possesses the necessary legal qualifications to practice in relevant regions.
• Experience advising financial institutions and other businesses on regulatory matters: This experience is crucial for understanding the specific compliance challenges and requirements within the financial sector.
• Strong research, analytical and document drafting skills: These skills are essential for preparing regulatory submissions, providing legal advice, and staying informed about legal developments.
• Excellent written and spoken English: Clear communication is necessary for drafting legal documents, advising internal teams, and interacting with regulatory bodies.
• Familiarity with AI tools: This is a beneficial skill that can enhance efficiency in legal research and analysis, though not strictly required.

Who this role suits

• A lawyer who is self-motivated and comfortable working autonomously in a dynamic environment.
• Someone who takes full ownership of their responsibilities and provides practical, risk-based legal advice.
• An individual with a strong analytical mindset, capable of understanding and interpreting complex regulatory frameworks.
• A collaborative professional who can effectively guide internal teams and manage external relationships.

From the employer

• Advise on a variety of regulatory issues including product offering, licensing, marketing restrictions, compliance, AML/CTF and other matters pivotal to Binance's growth across multiple African jurisdictions (e.g. South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya) and globally
• Draft and review strategic plans and submissions to regulatory authorities; respond to regulatory enquiries and help shape long-term regulatory strategy
• Provide guidance to product and marketing teams on the scope of product offerings and marketing campaigns across multiple African jurisdictions
• Work with local teams to develop and manage legal and compliance programmes and ongoing regulatory strategy across Africa
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory developments to provide strategic advice and foster compliance
• Prepare leadership summaries, proposals, reports and regulatory commentary on upcoming legislation
• Manage relationships with external law firms and relevant stakeholders

• Admitted to practice in South Africa or a common law jurisdiction
• 8+ years post-qualification experience gained at top-tier law firms and/or financial institutions
• Experience advising financial institutions and other businesses (including banks, investment managers and payments platforms) on regulatory matters
• Strong research, analytical and document drafting skills
• Self-motivated, collaborative lawyer comfortable working in a fluid environment; takes full ownership of matters, gives practical advice and makes risk-based decisions
• The role is primarily non-contentious; candidates with a contentious background are welcome to apply
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Familiarity with AI tools is a plus

• 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)