Fintech & Crypto Counsel (Blockchain, Virtual Digital Assets & Regulatory)

About the Firm & The Opportunity

We are a highly specialized law firm at the forefront of the Fintech and Digital Finance sectors. Our practice is dedicated to advising innovative startups, exchanges, and established financial institutions on the complex legal and regulatory frameworks governing Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Payments.

This is a senior role for an exceptional lawyer seeking to be a pioneer in setting legal precedents and developing compliance strategies for the fastest-growing sector in finance.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Essential Qualifications

• Educational Background: LL.B. (required). An LL.M. in Financial Regulation, Technology Law, or a related field is highly advantageous.
• Bar Admission: Must be a practicing advocate admitted to the Bar Council of India.
• Total Legal Experience (PQE): A minimum of 6 to 12 years of post-qualification experience, with at least 4 years directly focused on the regulatory, legal, and transactional aspects of Fintech, Payments, or Crypto/Blockchain technology.
• Core Regulatory Expertise: Deep, working knowledge of regulations pertaining to the sector, including:
  • RBI’s regulatory sandbox and payment system regulations.
  • AML/PMLA and its application to virtual digital asset service providers (VDA-SPs).
  • Income Tax (VDA taxation) and FEMA implications for cross-border crypto transactions.
  • SEBI regulations related to tokenization and initial coin offerings (ICOs).
• Transactional Experience: Proven experience drafting and negotiating agreements related to technology development, digital asset custody, and payment services.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Technological Literacy: A strong conceptual understanding of blockchain technology (e.g., DeFi, NFTs, smart contracts) and the underlying technical and security risks.
• International Frameworks: Functional knowledge of global crypto/fintech regulations (e.g., FATF guidance, US/EU frameworks).
• Client Advisory: Experience leading advisory projects, conducting regulatory gap analysis, and preparing applications for regulatory approvals.
• Financial Expertise: Background in financial services law, capital markets, or payments regulations is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Strategy: Advise clients on complex regulatory and licensing requirements for launching and operating fintech products, crypto exchanges, and wallet services in India.
• Compliance Frameworks: Develop and stress-test robust compliance programs, particularly those related to KYC/AML for VDA-SPs.
• Product Counseling: Work closely with product and engineering teams of clients to structure services (e.g., token launches, DeFi protocols) to ensure legal and regulatory adherence.
• Risk Mitigation: Conduct legal due diligence and risk assessments related to new technologies and commercial partnerships in the fintech space.
• Thought Leadership: Author and present on emerging regulatory developments in the blockchain and crypto ecosystem.

What We Offer (Pioneering Benefits)

• High-Value Compensation: A high-end salary and bonus structure that reflects the scarcity and specialized, high-stakes nature of the work.
• Equity Opportunities: Potential for incentive compensation that includes a share or stake in client-side projects or successful ventures, aligning your success with that of the innovators you advise.
• Pioneering Work: Be part of a firm that is actively setting legal precedents and shaping policy discussions in the nascent digital finance space.
• Professional Development: Dedicated budget for advanced training, global conferences (e.g., major blockchain/fintech summits), and high-level regulatory seminars.

Application Details

How to Apply: Submit your CV, a detailed cover letter highlighting your specific experience with crypto/VDA regulation and payments law, and one unedited legal writing sample on a fintech-related topic to the careers portal