Join a leading global fintech and digital payments company as Senior Legal Counsel (Japan Lead), serving as the primary legal advisor for the Japan business. Although the title is Director, this position acts as the Japan Legal Lead and offers a clear career path to becoming Head of Legal Japan.

This highly strategic, business-facing role provides the opportunity to advise on commercial contracts, technology agreements, payment regulations, strategic partnerships, and cross-border business initiatives. Working closely with senior leaders across Japan and the Asia Pacific region, you will play a critical role in supporting business growth while navigating complex legal and regulatory matters within one of the world's most innovative payments technology companies.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice and support to the Japan business across a wide range of commercial matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial, technology, and service agreements.
• Advise business teams on new products, strategic partnerships, and key commercial initiatives.
• Support legal and regulatory matters relating to the payments industry and government engagement.
• Partner closely with regional legal teams and senior business stakeholders across Asia Pacific.
• Lead legal support for cross-border transactions and regional business projects.
• Identify legal risks and develop practical, commercially focused solutions.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the payments and fintech industries.

Required Skills and Qualifications Experience:

• 12+ years of post-qualification legal experience.
• Qualified lawyer in Japan or a common law jurisdiction.
• Strong background in commercial, corporate, and technology law.
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Proven experience supporting cross-border transactions and international business operations.
• Experience working within a multinational corporation or a leading international law firm.
• Bachelor's degree in Law or equivalent legal qualification.

Soft Skills:

• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence senior executives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and leadership capabilities.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native
• English: Fluent

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• International work or study experience.
• Knowledge of technology, privacy, or payments regulations.
• Experience supporting regional or global business operations.
• Familiarity with digital payments, fintech, or financial services industries.
• Experience advising senior executives on strategic legal matters.

About the Company
Our client is a globally recognized digital payments technology company operating in more than 200 countries and territories. Renowned for innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge financial technology, the company empowers businesses and consumers through secure digital payment solutions. Its highly international culture provides exceptional opportunities for cross-border collaboration, leadership development, and long-term career growth.
Why You'll Love Working Here

• Step into the lead legal role for Japan with a clear pathway to becoming Head of Legal Japan.
• Work directly with senior executives across Japan and the Asia Pacific region.
• Advise on high-profile commercial, technology, fintech, and cross-border legal matters.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid working model that supports excellent work-life balance.
• Join a lean, high-performing legal team with significant autonomy and business visibility.
• Receive a highly competitive compensation package, including bonus and equity.
• Build your leadership career within one of the world's leading fintech and digital payments organizations.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!