Legal Counsel

Company Overview

Wintermute is a prominent crypto-native algorithmic trading company in the digital assets industry. We specialize in providing liquidity algorithmically across various cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms. In addition, we offer a wide range of OTC trading solutions and support blockchain projects and traditional financial institutions entering the crypto space. Our Wintermute Ventures arm invests in early stage DeFi projects. Having been founded in 2017 by industry leaders, we have successfully navigated the ups and downs of the crypto industry. At Wintermute, we combine the technological standards of high-frequency trading firms in traditional markets with the innovative and entrepreneurial culture of tech startups. We believe in the potential of blockchain and its long-term impact on the digital asset market. Read more about us here.

Job Role Description

We are seeking a junior lawyer to join our legal team. The ideal candidate should have experience in traditional financial markets and be able to adapt well to the entrepreneurial and highly dynamic nature of our business. It is crucial for the candidate to have a drive to work on cutting-edge challenges and opportunities specific to the cryptocurrency industry, as well as the ability to navigate regulatory uncertainties in global interconnected markets. The role will cover all jurisdictions in which Wintermute operates primarily, such as the UK and Singapore. It will encompass all products and areas of relevant law, with a focus on commercial and regulatory matters. This role involves close collaboration with the legal team, as well as direct engagement with the traders, business development, product, and operations teams. Additionally, there will be opportunities to work on projects with the senior leadership team, including the COO, CEO, etc.

Responsibilities

• Leading legal-commercial negotiations: Drafting and negotiating agreements related to our business lines (OTC, liquidity provision, derivatives documentation, trading agreements, software agreements, etc.)
• Regulatory research and compliance guidance: Collaborating closely with the General Counsel and Deputy GC to monitor legal and regulatory landscapes across jurisdictions; providing support in financial regulatory compliance (FCA, MAS, SEC, CTFC, etc.); offering advice and guidance on decentralized finance and protocols regulations
• Corporate support: Assisting in managing the corporate structure and governance across multiple entities and jurisdictions
• Disputes and claims: Supporting the legal team and the business in effectively resolving commercial disputes while safeguarding the company's interests
• External counsel management: Handling external counsel as needed, such as employment law and counsel for other jurisdictions; assisting in managing legal expenditure and reviewing legal bills

Hard Skills Requirements

• 2-6 years of legal practice experience (qualified) at a top-tier law firm or as in-house counsel for a firm specializing in financial services, fintech, and/or crypto
• Preferred experience in a high-performance, dynamic, and high-growth environment; strong self-motivation and drive are essential
• Excellent understanding of commercial law related to financial services, such as ISDAs, financial services contracts, trading agreements, etc. (OTC, structured products, lending agreements, etc.)
• In-depth knowledge of regulations concerning proprietary trading, financial services, and crypto, particularly in the UK, Singapore, the USA, and/or the EU; general understanding of regulations in other jurisdictions
• Experience or understanding of the crypto industry, including types of tokens, token governance, DAOs, blockchain foundations, and decentralized organizations, is highly preferred
• Knowledge of commercial litigation or dispute resolution is a plus
• Curiosity and willingness to rapidly learn other areas of law and business
• Ability to understand the bigger picture and commercial strategy; quick grasp of new functional areas and cross-functional mindset
• Strong interest and curiosity in algorithmic trading and decentralized finance
• Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering client-first solutions for legal and business issues
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite, CRM systems (e.g., Hubspot or Salesforce), and CLM platforms (Ironclad and/or Spotdraft)

Wintermute Offer

• A unique opportunity to become a key member of the legal team at one of the leading companies in the digital asset space, with personal ownership and accountability
• Engaging and varied projects covering all areas of law within the dynamic finance industry; offering a level of learning, responsibility, and intellectual challenge that surpasses traditional law firms or trading companies/banks/hedge funds
• Company culture that is informal, non-hierarchical, ambitious, highly professional yet dynamic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial