Head of Legal

Location: Riga, Latvia Workplace: fully About the Client Our client is an international FinTech company focused on building and launching a regulated European payments and acquiring business. The company has a highly experienced senior management team and operates with a strong emphasis on international cooperation and growth. Role Overview As the Head of Legal, you will play a crucial role in guiding the legal strategy of our client across multiple jurisdictions, including Latvia and Cyprus. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of an emerging FinTech company and ensure compliance with complex regulatory environments. You will be at the forefront of advising on strategic legal matters, structuring cross-border operations, and managing relationships with key financial institutions. Key Responsibilities Support the EMI business, regulatory matters, and interaction with Latvijas Banka and other authorities. Provide legal guidance on acquiring, merchant relationships, PSPs, processors, financial institutions, and card schemes. Lead the legal function across Latvia, Cyprus, and other relevant jurisdictions. Advise founders, Board, and C-level management on strategic legal, regulatory, and commercial matters. Structure cross-border operations, intercompany relationships, and financial arrangements. Partner with the CFO on international corporate and tax structuring, including transfer pricing considerations. Draft, review, and negotiate key commercial, payment, and partnership agreements. Identify legal and regulatory risks and proactively develop practical solutions. Coordinate external legal, tax, and regulatory advisers where specialist expertise is required. Lead the legal function and coordinate operational legal support. Requirements Senior legal experience within Payments, Acquiring, EMI, PSP, FinTech, Banking, or regulated financial services. Strong practical understanding of acquiring and the international payments ecosystem, including merchant relationships and card schemes. Strong knowledge of European and international financial and corporate law. Experience with cross-border corporate structures and intercompany arrangements. Solid understanding of international taxation and transfer pricing principles. Experience with EMI/PI regulation and European financial regulatory frameworks. Strong commercial contracting and negotiation experience. Experience with Visa, Mastercard, or other card scheme environments is highly desirable. Experience interacting with Latvijas Banka or another European financial regulator is an advantage. Languages: English, Russian Key Soft Skills Strong Ownership & Proactivity Business-Oriented & Solution-Driven Mindset Flexibility & Adaptability Effective Communication Strategic Thinking What We Offer Strategic role with direct access to founders, Board and C-level management. Significant autonomy and influence over the company’s legal and international corporate structure. Opportunity to shape the legal framework of a growing European payments business. Competitive salary aligned with experience Social benefits