Legal Counsel - Capital Markets - European Union (EU)

🚀 KIY ECOSYSTEM – Core Team Members Needed!
We're building something big in Web3 Security & User Acquisition, backed by proven Web2 security veterans and crypto OGs. Now looking to expand our Core Team for 3 early-stage projects under the KIY Ecosystem:
🔍 Open Roles (for each project)
C-Suite
• CEO
• CMO
• CSO
Advisors
• Blockchain
• Tokenomics
• Technical
• Legal
• Audit
📍 Remote-first | GMT+8 Preferred
💰 Compensation: Token allocation
🧩 What We're AboutWe're a crypto-blockchain security team led by founders who’ve previously scaled Web2 security ventures. Now, we're building a decentralized ecosystem focused on protecting users and onboarding the next billion into Web3.
✅ What We’re Looking For
Strategic Partners & Leaders with:
• 2+ years in Crypto/DeFi
• Existing industry network
• Strong communication & ability to drive ecosystem growth
🤝 Your Mission:
• Build strategic partnerships across DeFi (DEXs, LPs, Institutions)
• Help shape tokenomics, product-market fit, and GTM
• Be part of a security-first movement in Web3
📩 Interested or know someone perfect for this?
Referrals welcome — we offer commissions!
Reach out at rendy@keepityourself.com
with 
Subject : [Position](space)[Full Name]
Including CV, Calendly Link and LinkedIn Profile
Thanks!

The Legal Team is responsible for offering legal and regulatory guidance to ensure compliance with local regulations for all products and services while meeting customer needs. The team engages with external entities such as regulators and service providers to demonstrate adherence to relevant laws for the company.

This position will report to the Global Head of Capital Markets, Legal and collaborate closely with the Legal Team operating in the EU. The primary focus of this role involves being the Legal Team's specialist on EU Investment Firm laws and regulations as well as the products across the EU. The Legal Team provides proactive legal advice to various stakeholders to facilitate the development and launch of products and services while meeting obligations and customer requirements. The role also involves collaborating cross-functionally to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks related to new offerings while maximizing commercial opportunities. Additionally, representing the company on diverse topics before regulators, financial partners, and other external parties.

Responsibilities

Be a key member of the Legal Team handling legal and regulatory matters for the company's Investment Firm based in the EU.

Demonstrate expertise in regulations such as Markets In Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR), Investment Firms Regulation and Directive (IFR/IFD), Regulation on Market Abuse (MAR), and Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) governing financial instruments and their interaction in the EU and cross-border.

Focus on legal and regulatory aspects related to a range of financial instruments, including derivatives, encompassing access, disclosures, and trade requirements.

Oversee the processes for maintaining the Investment Firm license and passporting under MiFID and other relevant laws.

Contribute to the maintenance of authorization as a crypto asset service provider under MiCA regulation.

Aid in ensuring continued compliance with MiCA, collaborating across teams to deliver projects within tight deadlines.

Draft, review, and update policies, procedures, terms and conditions, and other rules concerning the trading of MiFID and MiCA-regulated products.

Lead communication with National Competent Authorities (NCAs), ESMA, and other regulators on various topics related to the company.

Review marketing materials for compliance with MiFID and MiCA laws.

Coordinate with external counsel to ensure legal arrangements comply with applicable laws in operational jurisdictions.

Requirements

Qualified/licensed lawyer with 5 to 10 years of experience in financial product legal and regulatory work for MiFID-regulated clients in a major law firm or as a licensed MiFID entity.

Strong knowledge of EU financial law (MiFID, EMIR, IFR, IFD, MAR, etc.) and a proven record of maintaining licenses under these frameworks.

Understanding of industry practices, professional standards, and implementing market and finance regulations in the EU and cross-border with the U.S.

Familiarity with MiCA and readiness to collaborate across the legal team on this regulation.

Exceptional English verbal and written communication skills.

Effective organizational and project management skills to handle high volume and prioritize tasks.

Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Flexibility to accommodate calls and meetings in different time zones.

Proficiency in problem-solving and offering solutions.

Our Local Programs and Regulatory Compliance team plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations across our operating countries.

We are seeking a versatile, experienced individual to join our team and contribute significantly to our Compliance function in Australia. The chosen candidate will collaborate with the regional Regulatory Compliance VP and AMLCO in supporting the Regulatory Compliance team. Working closely with both local and global compliance teams, as well as key cross-functional stakeholders, your role will involve upholding top-notch Compliance practices at all times within the Australian region. Responsibilities include managing operational compliance obligations like regulatory reporting, dispute resolution, compliance assessments, risk management, and involvement in various projects encompassing the Australian compliance program. Additionally, you will offer guidance on derivatives business overseeing regulatory and reputational risk management.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in managing the regulatory compliance program in Australia, with tasks such as monitoring and ensuring compliance with AFSL obligations.

Advise daily compliance-related matters to the business.

Help in reviewing and submitting reconciliations and regulatory reports.

Communicate with compliance officers internationally on cross-country business activities.

Provide advice on new products and business structures.

Handle internal compliance controls and conduct assessments as needed.

Oversee service provider SLAs and offer feedback where necessary.

Manage regulatory inquiries effectively.

Address escalated disputes, including AFCA liaison.

Perform compliance evaluations of digital assets.

Aid in third-party due diligence processes.

Review marketing materials for compliance.

Support with handling escalated financial crime cases.

Develop and maintain compliance policies and procedures.

Update the compliance program and work plan regularly.

Keep the business informed about regulatory amendments.

Assist in external reviews, audits, and inspections, ensuring corrective actions are taken post-assessment.

Assist in generating management and board reports with expert insights and analysis.

Join in responding to industry consultations on digital asset regulation.

Participate in various compliance projects.

Ensure staff compliance with company policies and procedures.

Conduct compliance training and raise awareness on compliance matters.

Fulfill the role of 2IC for the Australian compliance team.

Perform other compliance-related tasks as delegated by the VP Regulatory Compliance.

Stay updated on cryptocurrency industry regulatory landscape and compliance requirements.

Requirements:

A minimum of 10 years of experience in financial services compliance.

Bachelor's degree with RG146 compliance, ACAMS certification preferred.

Proficient in AFSL obligations, derivatives compliance, and related reporting.

Experience in leadership and team management.

Familiarity with ASIC and AUSTRAC requirements.

Knowledge of RBA and APRA requirements preferred.

Understanding of contemporary Compliance practices, especially AFSL and AML legislative requirements.

Strong analytical and communication skills.

Ability to handle high-pressure situations and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Interest in cryptocurrency and fintech ecosystem.

Advanced computer skills including regulatory portals, CRM, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Attention to detail and an inquiring approach.

Life at the Company:

Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Proactive and transformational work environment fostering innovation.

Foster a culture of collaboration and support.

Promotean integrated team approach towards meeting organizational goals.

Flexible work arrangements.

Internal mobility program for career development.

Company Visa card upon joining.

Benefits:

Competitive salary.

Generous annual leave including birthday and work anniversary.

Internal mobility program for career progression.

Company Visa card offered upon recruitment.

About the Company:

Founded in 2016, the company serves a broad customer base and is one of the fastest-growing global cryptocurrency platforms, striving for wider cryptocurrency adoption. Committed to innovation and enhancing the digital ecosystem, the company values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce.

The company is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to creating a fair and transparent environment for all candidates.

Applicants' personal data will be used solely for recruitment purposes.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Legal Team is responsible for providing legal and regulatory guidance to ensure compliance with local regulations for all products and services offered within the organization, while also catering to customer needs. They engage externally with regulators and service providers to demonstrate adherence to relevant laws and regulations.

This position will report to the Global Head of Capital Markets, Legal and collaborate closely with the Legal Team in the EU. The main focus will be to act as the legal expert for EU Investment Firms and associated products. The Legal Team delivers proactive legal and regulatory advice to various stakeholders to facilitate the development and launch of products and services in compliance with obligations and customer requirements. Collaboration across teams is essential to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks while maximizing commercial opportunities for new offerings. Additionally, representing the company on various matters before regulators, financial partners, and external audiences is part of the role.

Responsibilities

Being a part of the Legal Team handling legal and regulatory affairs for the Investment Firm based in the EU.

Expertise in key regulations such as MiFID, MiFIR, IFR/IFD, MAR, and MiCA, with a focus on cross-border implications within the EU.

Managing legal and regulatory aspects related to a variety of financial instruments, including derivatives, ensuring compliance with associated requirements.

Leading the processes for maintaining the Investment Firm license and passporting under MiFID and other relevant laws.

Supporting ongoing compliance with MiCA regulations and overseeing high-priority projects delivery within stipulated deadlines.

Drafting, reviewing, and updating policies, operational procedures, terms, conditions, and other related rules for trading MiFID and MiCA-regulated products.

Being the primary liaison for communication with NCAs, ESMA, and other pertinent regulators, representing the organization effectively.

Reviewing marketing materials for adherence to applicable MiFID and MiCA regulations.

Collaborating with external counsel to ensure legal arrangements comply with relevant laws across jurisdictions of operation.

Requirements

Qualified and licensed lawyer with 5 to 10 years of experience in financial product legal and regulatory matters for MiFID-regulated clients in law firms or as a licensed MiFID entity.

Thorough understanding of EU financial laws with a proven track record in maintaining licenses under financial frameworks like MiFID, EMIR, IFR, IFD, and MAR.

Familiarity with industry practices, professional standards, and implementing market regulations in both the EU and U.S. markets.

Knowledge and readiness to work on the MiCA regulation within the Legal Team.

Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

Strong organizational and project management abilities to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities efficiently.

Capability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Flexibility to accommodate meetings and calls across different time zones as necessary.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to present effective solutions.

The Senior Manager-MLRO position based in Bahrain will be reporting to the Regional MEA Head of Compliance. The role involves supporting the Bahrain operations of a financial services company in their efforts to obtain regulatory licensing from the Central Bank of Bahrain. This includes managing the daily compliance activities, overseeing independent reviews and external audits, preparing regulatory reports, maintaining documentation, and providing suggestions for program enhancements.

Additionally, the role will extend support to other markets in the Middle East under the guidance of the Regional MEA Head of Compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Legal, Compliance, IT Security, and Product teams, as well as external partners, to ensure accurate responses to regulators for licensing and ongoing operational compliance.

Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements set by the Central Bank of Bahrain by working closely with various business functions.

Assist in reviewing policies and conducting training sessions periodically.

Oversee internal compliance measures, independent reviews, and responses to regulatory inquiries as needed.

Identify, address, and mitigate regulatory risks and recommendations arising from internal reviews and examinations.

Work with management and staff to establish and maintain effective systems and controls to meet regulatory standards.

Manage compliance projects to ensure timely execution and alignment with local regulations.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of experience in consumer financial services, payment services, regulatory agencies, or law firms dealing with anti-money laundering and payment services regulations.

In-depth understanding of anti-money laundering regulations, the Central Bank of Bahrain’s Rulebook, and E-money Regulations in the financial industry.

Proficient in analyzing and applying regulatory guidance to assess its impact on business operations.

Capable of working autonomously with minimal supervision.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and work well under pressure.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare business reports.

Experience in engaging with local regulators is advantageous.

CAMS certification or willingness to obtain is preferred.

Knowledge of digital assets and fintech products is a plus.

Able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.