Head of Legal and Compliance

INTRODUCTION

Our client, a leading FinTech company in Southeast Asia, is currently seeking a highly experienced and motivated Head of Legal & Compliance to join their leadership team in Vietnam. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead legal and compliance functions in a fast-paced, innovative environment with regional impact. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal foundation, a strategic mindset, and a passion for driving compliance excellence in the financial technology sector.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Affairs

• Manage the Company legal operations in alignment with HQ standards.

• Review, draft, and negotiate various legal documents and contracts, especially those related to mobile financial services, cross-border payments, e-wallets, and consumer lending.

• Handle legal matters concerning corporate registration, employment, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.

• Provide clear, practical legal advice and risk assessments to internal stakeholders.

• Promote legal risk awareness and ensure that internal practices comply with applicable laws and regulations.

• Coordinate effectively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and legal advisors.

• Support the Companys data privacy and protection practices.

• Report to and assist the International Head of Legal on strategic legal matters and projects.

Compliance

• Act as the designated Compliance Officer, ensuring adherence to Vietnams regulatory framework.

• Maintain proactive communication with the State Bank of Vietnam and respond to inquiries.

• Ensure timely submission of regulatory reports and assist with licensing processes and renewals.

• Oversee regulatory and audit-related matters and support audit closures.

• Monitor and assess regulatory changes, conduct impact analyses, and guide internal implementation.

• Advise on regulatory compliance matters including AML/KYC, outsourcing, business continuity, and technology.

• Evaluate and improve internal compliance policies and processes based on data and risk assessments.

• Perform AML/CFT duties including Customer Due Diligence, Enhanced Due Diligence for high-risk clients, suspicious transaction reporting, and training development.

• Prepare and deliver compliance reports to senior management and regional compliance teams.

• Develop the annual compliance plan in line with regional guidelines and participate in regional initiatives.

• Carry out additional compliance duties as assigned by the Managing Director or Regional Compliance team.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors degree in Law; a postgraduate degree (especially from overseas) is an advantage. 5- 7 years of post-qualification legal experience, ideally within a law firm, consulting firm, or financial services company.
• Prior experience in a managerial role is preferred.
• Solid understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks for financial services, FinTech, cross-border remittance, AML/CFT, and consumer lending.

• Knowledge of data privacy and protection laws is an asset.

• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly across all levels of the organization.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

• Strong business acumen and a solution-oriented mindset that balances risk and commercial interests.

• Ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively.

• Reliable, goal-driven, punctual, and team-oriented.

BENEFITS

Compensation and Leave

• Competitive salary with performance-based mid-year and year-end bonuses.
• 13th to 15th-month salary in accordance with Company policy.

• 18 paid leave days per year.

• Monthly allowances for meals, transportation, and mobile phone usage.

• Personal health insurance package (valued at USD 200400/year).

• Holiday bonuses and maternity support (5 million VND for female employees).

Work Environment and Development

• Modern, dynamic, and high-performance workplace within a leading Southeast Asian FinTech company.
• Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM.

• Regular team-building activities and annual company trips.

• Access to modern equipment and tools.

• Opportunities to collaborate with local and international partners.

• Learning and Development programs to support career growth.