This list contains only the countries for which job offers have been published in the selected language (e.g., in the French version, only job offers written in French are displayed, and in the English version, only those in English).
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Legal, GCC to lead Sokin’s legal support across the GCC region, based in Dubai. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering legal support for Sokin’s activities across the region, with a particular focus on regulatory support relating to licensing, ongoing legal support for regulated operations, and broad commercial legal advisory work. You'll serve as a key legal partner to regional leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, supporting business growth while ensuring legal and regulatory risks are identified early and managed pragmatically. The individual will work closely with Compliance, Risk, Product and Commercial teams, as well as with external counsel and relevant regulators, to support Sokin’s expansion and operation across GCC markets. You will need to be a practical, solutions-oriented lawyer who is comfortable operating in a fast-moving payments environment and can balance commercial objectives with appropriate legal risk management.
Job Responsibility
Lead legal support for Sokin’s activities across the GCC region, ensuring alignment with business priorities and applicable local legal and regulatory requirements
Act as a trusted legal advisor to regional leadership on a broad range of matters
Partner closely with Compliance, Risk, Product and Commercial teams to support regional launches
Provide practical, commercially focused legal guidance
Manage relationships with external counsel across GCC jurisdictions
Support Sokin’s legal strategy in relation to licensing and regulated activities
Lead or support the legal workstream for licensing applications, regulatory approvals, renewals
Advise on legal and regulatory considerations connected with market entry
Support responses to regulatory queries
Help shape and maintain governance frameworks
Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements
Support commercial and operational teams on day-to-day legal matters
Provide legal support for strategic partnerships
Help drive standardisation of contract terms
Establish and evolve a fit-for-purpose legal operating model for the GCC region
Contribute to the development of a scalable legal framework
Help assess resource needs and contribute to building a high-performing regional legal capability
Requirements
Qualified lawyer with strong post-qualification experience, ideally gained in-house and with relevant exposure to fintech, payments, financial services, or another regulated environment
Significant experience advising on regulatory and licensing matters in one or more GCC markets, ideally within payments, fintech or broader financial services
Strong experience providing general commercial legal support in a fast-paced business, including drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements
Experience partnering closely with Compliance and Risk teams and supporting engagement with regulators, external counsel and internal stakeholders
Strong understanding of legal issues relevant to regulated financial services businesses in the GCC region
Proven ability to simplify complex legal issues and provide pragmatic, business-oriented advice to senior stakeholders
Experience building or improving legal processes, templates, playbooks and governance structures in a scaling business
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate effectively across multiple jurisdictions and functions