Job Description

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We're looking for a proactive and solutions-driven In-House Legal Counsel to join our dynamic legal team. In this role, you'll be at the heart of our operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, providing sharp commercial legal advice, supporting strategic partnerships, and helping shape our expansion in the fast-evolving MENA fintech ecosystem.
You'll collaborate closely with teams across product, partnerships, operations, and HR, tackling a wide range of legal matters. Beyond day-to-day support, you'll play a key role in building scalable legal processes and infrastructure that enable us to move fast while staying compliant.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Advisory

• Draft, negotiate, and review commercial contracts including distribution, partnership, and technology agreements, particularly in the open finance and embedded finance space.

• Advise on legal risks related to new products and business models across Tarabut's platforms.

• Support strategic projects and initiatives in coordination with cross-functional teams.

Corporate, Employment & M&A

• Assist with corporate governance and company secretarial tasks across multiple jurisdictions (KSA, UAE onshore/ADGM/DIFC, and Bahrain).

• Support employment law matters in coordination with the People team.

• Provide legal input on M&A and investment transactions, including due diligence and transaction structuring.

UAE Compliance

• Monitor and ensure compliance with UAE regulatory requirements across onshore, ADGM, and DIFC jurisdictions.

• Maintain relationships with UAE regulatory bodies and manage regulatory correspondence.

• Support regulatory filings, notifications, and ongoing compliance obligations.

• Advise on UAE regulatory developments impacting fintech and open banking operations.

Corporate Finance & Fundraising

• Support fundraising activities including venture capital, private equity, and debt financing transactions.

• Assist with preparation of investment documentation, term sheets, and investor agreements.

• Coordinate due diligence processes for funding rounds and provide legal input on valuation and structuring matters.

• Support corporate finance initiatives including capital restructuring and strategic investments.

Data Privacy

• Support the Data Protection Officer (DPO) on data privacy and protection matters across all jurisdictions.

Legal Operations

• Lead legal operations initiatives, including the implementation of legal tech, AI tools, and process improvements.

Requirements

• 5 years post-qualification legal experience, preferably in-house or at a top-tier law firm.

• Strong commercial contract drafting and negotiation skills.

• Sound judgment and commercial acumen; ability to balance legal risk with business needs.

• Demonstrated understanding of the fintech sector; open banking or embedded finance experience a strong plus.

• Experience working with regulated financial services entities is beneficial.

• Familiarity with UAE, KSA, and Bahrain legal environments is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of corporate structures and cross-border operations.

Qualifications

• Common law training (UK, Australia, New Zealand, or equivalent) preferred.

• Arabic language skills (a strong plus).

• Experience working in or advising startups is advantageous.

Other

• Based in UAE, with travel to KSA and Bahrain possible.

Benefits

• The opportunity to shape legal support in a high-growth, market-leading fintech.

• Exposure to cutting-edge financial technologies and partnerships.

• Collaborative, fast-paced, and mission-driven work environment.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

Skills Required