Legal & Compliance Associate

Job title : Legal & Compliance Associate

• The Legal & Compliance Associate supports the delivery of the company's legal, regulatory, and compliance functions, ensuring that the business operates in accordance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. The role combines legal advisory responsibilities with hands-on compliance execution across regulatory engagement, financial crime compliance, contract management, dispute resolution, and stakeholder training.
• The successful candidate will work closely with internal business units, regulators, law enforcement agencies, and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory obligations while providing practical legal guidance to support the company's operations. The role requires a commercially minded legal professional with strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills, together with the ability to manage regulatory matters in a fast-paced fintech environment.

Key Responsibilities

Report Directly to Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance

• Handle regulatory and compliance matters, ensuring the company's operations remain compliant with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Manage day-to-day compliance activities, including monitoring compliance obligations, reviewing internal processes, and supporting the implementation of regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, and other periodic compliance and regulatory reports for internal management and relevant regulatory authorities.
• Develop and deliver compliance awareness programmes and training sessions for employees and internal stakeholders to promote a strong compliance culture across the organisation.
• Liaise with local and regional law enforcement agencies, regulators, and other government authorities regarding investigations, regulatory enquiries, and compliance related matters.
• Review, coordinate, and respond to law enforcement requests, ensuring that disclosures are made appropriately and in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory obligations.
• Manage customer disputes and provide legal support in resolving complaints, claims, and escalated matters while mitigating legal and regulatory risk to the business.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a wide range of commercial agreements, including service agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, non disclosure agreements, and other legal documentation.
• Provide legal advice to business units on operational, commercial, regulatory, and corporate matters affecting the organisation.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of internal legal and compliance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Monitor changes in applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance, assess their impact on the business, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Maintain accurate legal and compliance records, documentation, and regulatory correspondence.
• Support internal investigations and compliance reviews, ensuring appropriate documentation, escalation, and remediation where necessary.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to identify legal and compliance risks and implement practical risk mitigation measures.
• Assist with regulatory examinations, audits, and information requests from supervisory authorities.

Requirements

• 5 to 8 years post qualification experience in Legal and Compliance, preferably within a fintech, financial services institution, payment service provider, or other regulated industry.
• Qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B) and successful completion of the Nigerian Law School.
• Strong understanding of Nigerian financial services regulation, corporate law, contract law, data protection, and compliance obligations.
• Experience engaging with regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.
• Experience handling regulatory reporting and maintaining compliance documentation.
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and legal advisory skills.
• Experience managing customer disputes and providing practical legal solutions.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across business functions.
• Ability to prioritise multiple responsibilities and work effectively in a fast paced environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound commercial judgement