Senior Counsel, Transactions, APAC
Company Overview:
Circle is a leading fintech company at the forefront of the evolving digital financial landscape, facilitating the seamless transfer of value worldwide in a cost-effective and prompt manner. Through innovative technology, Circle is transforming the way global payments, commerce, and markets operate, aiming to enhance economic prosperity on a global scale and promote financial inclusion. Their pioneering infrastructure, including the blockchain-based digital dollar USDC, empowers businesses, institutions, and developers to leverage these advancements and capitalize on the intersection of money and technology.
Company Culture:
Circle prioritizes transparency and reliability in its operations. With a growing global presence, the organization is expanding its reach into robust international markets. Efficiency and quick execution drive their success, with employees embodying core company values: Multistakeholder, Mindfulness, Driven by Excellence, and High Integrity. In a remote work environment, teamwork and collaboration fuel collective achievement. Circle values diversity and fosters a flexible workplace where fresh ideas are welcomed, and every team member has a stake in the company’s success.
Responsibilities:
As part of the legal team reporting to the Assistant General Counsel - Transactions, you will directly influence complex commercial transactions, supporting Business and Business Development sectors in the APAC region, along with compliance and vendor management teams. The ideal candidate will be proactive, collaborative, skilled at managing multiple tasks, and keen to contribute to a dynamic team handling diverse and challenging legal matters.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a trusted collaborator for Circle’s Product, Business, Compliance, and Finance groups, focusing on commercial deals in the APAC region.
- Structure, negotiate, and draft intricate agreements in fintech, payments, cryptocurrency, and technology, aligning legal considerations with business objectives to strengthen commercial partnerships and drive opportunities.
- Assist in developing and expanding contract templates and terms of service to accommodate new and existing products and services.
- Support the implementation of processes, procedures, and metrics, including efficient contracting procedures, to enhance the effectiveness of legal services.
- Provide legal guidance to address business challenges, drive strategic partnerships, and seize growth opportunities.
- Assist in interpreting and managing contracts and offer counsel to business leaders.
- Stay updated on relevant finance, payments, and digital currency trends to provide informed compliance advice continually.
- Adhere to the company’s core values of Multistakeholder, Mindfulness, Driven by Excellence, and High Integrity.
Requirements:
- Possess 12+ years of hands-on legal experience in the APAC region, either in an in-house legal role or a top-tier law firm, with connections to the APAC market being advantageous.
- Demonstrate extensive expertise in drafting and negotiating complex agreements in fintech, financial services, and technology sectors.
- Have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on strategic partnerships, focusing on Product, Business, and Compliance departments.
- Be adept at advising clients on risk management across technology platforms.
- Exhibit strong analytical skills to manage diverse initiatives requiring an understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, preferably in the financial services realm.
- Understand APAC regional laws and how they relate to Circle's operations and evolving product requirements in fintech, payments, and cryptocurrency industries.
- Show passion for financial technology, possess a team-oriented mindset, a sense of humor, and an enthusiasm for both learning and mentoring.
- Be capable of identifying legal, regulatory, tax, and other broader implications in deals to secure buy-in from all stakeholders.
- Thrive in a dynamic environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously and adapting to changes effectively.
- Apply sound judgment and creativity to offer practical legal advice while mitigating business risks.
- Demonstrate the capacity to work autonomously under pressure and within a team collaboratively.
- Show strong organizational skills, energy, and dedication to supporting the team.
- Hold a J.D. (or foreign equivalent) and be an active member of at least one U.S. State Bar.
- Have a minimum of three years' experience at a reputable law firm.
- Willingness to be based in Singapore.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and fluency in English language.
- Familiarity with Slack, Apple MacOS, and GSuite tools.
