Head of Legal – UK Regulatory Lead

About the role

Paybis is seeking a Head of Legal for its UK market to lead the company through the new FCA crypto‑asset regime and UK EMI authorisation. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be the senior legal voice for the UK jurisdiction, shaping strategy and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Own the FCA crypto‑asset authorisation end‑to‑end, from perimeter analysis through application strategy, drafting and regulator dialogue.
• Lead the UK EMI authorisation, coordinating its sequencing with the FCA process.
• Act as the senior in‑house legal counterpart to the FCA, handling conduct, financial promotions, travel rule and prudential requirements.
• Manage external counsel, budgets and quality‑control for UK regulatory matters.
• Provide legal leadership for international expansions to Jersey and Australia and advise on UK/EU regulatory interactions.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with 8+ years PQE in regulated financial services, fintech, payments or crypto.
• Direct experience owning an FCA authorisation or variation, from analysis to decision.
• Hands‑on crypto or digital‑asset legal work at a licensed exchange, on‑ramp/off‑ramp, custodian or infrastructure provider.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex English‑law B2B fintech agreements without external counsel.
• High‑autonomy mindset, comfortable being the sole senior lawyer for the UK jurisdiction.

What we offer

• Opportunity to own a first‑wave authorisation under a brand‑new UK crypto‑asset regime.
• Direct reporting to the CEO with real decision‑making authority.
• Remote‑first work environment with high autonomy.
• Medical insurance, L&D budget, performance‑based bonus linked to authorisation milestones, English classes and regular team events.