Head of Legal & Compliance Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite) Employment Type: Full-Time OverviewA fast-growing, venture-backed financial technology company is seeking an experienced Head of Legal & Compliance to lead all legal, regulatory, and compliance functions as the business scales. Operating in a highly regulated financial services environment, the company is building critical infrastructure supporting modern payment flows and next-generation financial products. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for a legal executive who can balance regulatory rigor with commercial velocity. The position is fully onsite and reports directly to the executive leadership team. Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the company’s primary legal and compliance leader, advising senior leadership on regulatory, commercial, and governance matters.Design, implement, and oversee compliance programs covering payments, AML/KYC/KYB, sanctions screening, fraud, and financial crime obligations.Lead compliance efforts related to bank partnerships, money transmission requirements, and related regulatory frameworks.Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, banking partners, auditors, and external advisors.Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including technology, vendor, and strategic partnership contracts.Partner closely with Product, Engineering, and Operations teams to provide risk-based legal guidance on new products and features.Oversee data privacy, information security, and cybersecurity legal considerations.Build and scale internal legal and compliance processes, policies, training, and controls.Manage and coordinate outside counsel efficiently.Qualifications10 years of legal and/or compliance experience in fintech, payments, banking, or other regulated financial services environments.Strong working knowledge of U.S. financial services regulation, including AML/KYC, payments compliance, and regulatory examinations.Prior experience engaging directly with regulators and financial institution partners.Proven ability to build legal and compliance infrastructure in high-growth or startup environments.Excellent judgment, communication skills, and ability to operate effectively in ambiguity.J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership (or eligibility for in-house registration).Ideal Candidate ProfilePragmatic, business-oriented legal leader with a builder’s mindsetComfortable working onsite in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environmentCollaborative partner to technical and non-technical teamsHigh integrity, ownership mentality, and strong attention to detailCompensationCompetitive base salaryMeaningful equity participationComprehensive benefits package
Cheytan Stewart