Senior Legal Counsel

Overall Purpose of the Role:

The Senior Legal Counsel will provide strategic legal counsel and advisory services to GoTyme Bank South Africa, supporting the organisation’s commercial objectives while ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation. This role requires a proactive legal professional who can navigate the South African banking regulatory environment, draft and negotiate sophisticated commercial agreements, and provide practical business-oriented legal advice across digital banking, technology, intellectual property, and corporate matters. You will serve as a trusted business partner, working closely with cross-functional teams including Technology, Product, Operations, Governance, and Executive Leadership to enable business growth while protecting the bank’s interests.

Requirements

Experience and Skills Required:

• Minimum 7–10 years of post-qualification legal experience in South Africa, with substantial exposure to commercial law, corporate law, and transactional work.
• Proven track record in drafting, negotiating, and finalising complex commercial agreements including technology contracts, software licences, vendor agreements, and partnership arrangements.
• Demonstrated expertise in technology and intellectual property transactions, including software development agreements, SaaS contracts, API agreements, licensing arrangements, and IP protection matters.
• Experience providing legal advice in a corporate, in-house, or law firm environment serving financial services, technology, or fintech clients.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracting principles.
• Experience working in South Africa’s banking, financial services, fintech, or digital banking sectors is advantageous.
• Direct involvement in digital transformation projects, platform development, or technology-driven business initiatives within South Africa is advantageous.
• Prior experience managing external legal counsel and controlling legal costs.
• Knowledge of South African data protection and privacy laws including POPIA.
• Expert legal drafting skills with the ability to create clear, enforceable contracts and legal documents.
• Strong contract negotiation skills with a track record of achieving favourable outcomes.
• Deep knowledge of commercial law, corporate law, technology law, and intellectual property law.
• Understanding of South African banking regulations, financial services law, and fintech regulatory frameworks (Banks Act, FAIS, etc.).
• High level of commercial awareness with the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives; strategic thinking to provide proactive legal solutions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain, accessible language to all levels of seniority.
• Sound judgment, strong organisational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced digital banking environment.
• LLB degree from a recognised South African university; Admitted Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in good standing. Postgraduate qualification, technology law certification, or fintech specialisation is advantageous.
• AI & data analytics proficiency essential.

Responsibilities:

• Legal Advisory & Risk Management: Provide strategic legal advice on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and transactional matters. Identify, assess, and manage legal and regulatory risks associated with existing operations, new products, services, and strategic partnerships. Partner with business units to ensure legal compliance across digital banking services, customer onboarding, and product development. Develop and implement legal risk frameworks and procedures to support business objectives.
• Commercial Contracting & Negotiations: Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial agreements including vendor contracts, technology agreements, software licences, SaaS agreements, API partnerships, and fintech collaborations. Lead negotiations to secure favourable terms aligned with business objectives. Establish and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and standard terms and conditions.
• Technology, Digital Banking & Intellectual Property: Advise on legal matters related to digital banking platforms, mobile applications, cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Manage intellectual property matters including trademark registrations, copyright protection, patent considerations, licensing arrangements, and IP ownership. Review and advise on data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity requirements in technology contracts.
• Corporate Governance & Regulatory Compliance: Support corporate governance initiatives including corporate restructuring and inter-company arrangements. Monitor and advise on South African regulatory developments affecting the banking, fintech, and technology sectors (PA, SARB, FSCA, and others). Assist in regulatory submissions, licensing matters, and engagement with South African regulatory authorities as required.
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management: Provide advice when disputes arise, including contract disputes, regulatory investigations, employment matters, and commercial conflicts. Manage external legal counsel relationships for litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution. Develop dispute prevention strategies and early resolution mechanisms to minimise legal exposure and costs.
• External Counsel Management: Select, engage, and manage external law firms and legal service providers, ensuring quality delivery and cost-effectiveness. Monitor external legal spend and implement cost control measures.
• Team Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Work collaboratively within the Legal and Governance team. Mentor and guide junior legal staff, fostering professional development and building team capability. Contribute to the development of legal resources, training materials, and knowledge management systems.