How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Head of Legal & DPO – Fintech
London / Hybrid
A high-growth fintech is looking for a Head of Legal & DPO to take ownership of its legal function at an important point in the company’s development.
This is a broad, hands-on leadership role, reporting to the COO and working closely with the wider leadership team. There is a small legal team already in place, including one solicitor who will be a direct report from day one, with scope to build the function further as the business grows.
The role supports both UK and EU regulated operations and will interact with regulators and local counsel.
What will you do?
The remit covers:
- Commercial contracts
- Payments regulation
- Corporate governance
- Data protection
- Product work
- Fundraising
- Wider strategic projects
One of the immediate priorities will be supporting the business through its EMI licensing work so strong payments experience will be necessary. You will also be assessing wider regulatory developments and engaging with regulators.
The commercial work includes:
- Customer and supplier contracts
- Outsourcing arrangements
- Partnerships
- Other strategic agreements
The Head of Legal will also work closely with Product, Commercial, Compliance, Risk and Engineering as new products are developed and the regulatory landscape evolves.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
There is also a meaningful corporate element to the role, including:
- Group governance
- Shareholder and investor matters
- Future funding rounds
- Other corporate activity
As Group DPO, you’ll take responsibility for the data protection framework and advise the leadership team on privacy and data risk.
Beyond the legal work, there is a real opportunity to shape how the function operates:
- Improving processes
- Making better use of technology and AI
- Developing playbooks and templates
- Managing external counsel
- Developing the team
Who are they looking for?
There is some flexibility around background.
The most obvious fit is likely to be a UK-qualified senior in-house lawyer from payments, fintech or regulated financial services. That could be an existing Head of Legal or someone operating immediately below that level who is ready to take ownership of a function.
They are also open to strong private practice lawyers with meaningful payments experience who want to move in-house and take on a much broader remit.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Nobody is expected to have done every element of the role. What matters is having enough relevant experience to get credibility quickly, alongside the judgement and adaptability to pick up areas that may be newer.
Payments experience is important given the regulatory work ahead. Strong commercial skills are equally important, as is sufficient data protection experience to take on the DPO responsibilities.
The business is looking for someone pragmatic, commercially minded and comfortable operating with autonomy. Someone who can work effectively with senior stakeholders, understand what the business is trying to achieve and give clear advice in a fast-moving environment.
For the right person, there is significant scope to put their stamp on the legal function and grow with the business.
The role is London-based with hybrid working (3 days in the office per week).
The package includes:
- Share options
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
- Private medical
- Pension
- Enhanced parental leave
- £250 learning budget
- Up to 20 days working abroad each year
This search is being conducted exclusively and confidentially by JHB & Partners.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location