Purpose of the job:

To assist in VALR’s global expansion, business development, regulatory compliance and licensing requirements, to serve as in-house licensing and regulatory compliance counsel for VALR globally, and to guide VALR’s internal stakeholders on regulatory and licensing requirements - reporting to the Head of Legal.

What will you be doing:

• Identify crypto-friendly jurisdictions for VALR’s international expansion efforts. Be in charge of licensing applications and all required related regulatory registrations for these jurisdictions, from the licence application stage to the licence approval stage of the life cycle.
• Perform duties as the key project manager for all licensing applications and coordinate relevant VALR staff members, teams, external legal counsel and third-party licensing-related service providers in this regard.
• Maintain good business relationships with applicable regulators and internal and external stakeholders, including liaising with external counsel and third-party licensing-related service providers.
• Ensure that VALR’s licence and regulatory-related reporting requirements are met on a post-licensing and ongoing basis.
• Handle regulatory filings and inquiries from regulatory bodies or liaise with and delegate to the relevant internal stakeholders.
• Draft, review and update agreements, templates, policies, manuals and procedures, and other legal documents as required by applicable regulators and under applicable licences.
• Disseminate information regarding licensing processes to relevant VALR departments when appropriate.
• Perform regular general regulatory and compliance scanning and monitoring to ensure business activities comply with regulatory requirements.
• Stay up to date with the evolving cryptocurrency regulatory landscape and engage with regulators as a thought leader to influence the thinking on and the implementation of new legislation within the industry.
• Develop, coordinate and deliver licensing and compliance processes and procedures across the VALR group.
• Create, modify, update and implement the VALR group’s policies as informed by regulatory updates.
• Liaise with leadership and departmental heads to ensure that all business operations are in line with regulatory requirements and business policies to ensure full compliance with all local and global legislation and regulation that relate to the VALR group.
• Conducting regulatory compliance research and providing clear, concise analysis of complex issues.
• Providing general training and coaching of internal resources on regulatory and compliance matters and policies.

What we look for in you:

• Bachelor's degree in law, such as an LLB (or international equivalent).
  • A degree from a leading university will be highly regarded.
  • A recognised compliance qualification will also be highly regarded.
• At least 3 years of experience in a legal, regulatory compliance, licensing or corporate setting.
  • Experience in financial services or cryptocurrency will be highly regarded.
  • Experience at a leading law firm or compliance management company will be highly regarded.
• A keen desire to work in the cryptocurrency industry.
  • Prior knowledge is not necessary but will be highly regarded.

• Technical/Core competencies required:
• Passionate about crypto and/or alternative financial systems.
• Business acumen and practical thinker.
• Able to operate independently.
• Problem solver, therefore flexible and innovative.
• Calm temperament.
• Communication skills.
• Project management skills.
• Crisis management ability.
• Foresight and identification of trends.
• Negotiation skills.
• To be willing to work on both the exciting, strategic initiatives and nitty-gritty work required in the operation of a business.

• Leadership/Management competencies required:
• Managing the licensing and regulatory function of the Group.
• Coaching others and leading discussions about licensing and regulatory matters for the Group.

What can you expect from VALR:

• Competitive salary: Get paid well to work in an exciting industry.
• Leave: Compliance with statutory leave required by individual countries, in addition to flexible leave.
• Remote work: Work from wherever you like - Employees to ensure that there is secure, stable internet connectivity to effectively work remotely.
• Home office setup: Mac laptop and a discretionary allowance to buy all the extras needed to work happily from home - all of it yours to keep after 3 years. Terms and Conditions will apply.
• Learning fund: An annual upskilling budget of R16,000 per employee, which will be converted to the respective currency of the employee's payment, in addition to scheduled VALR training.
• Performance bonus: When you contribute to VALR’s success, you’ll be rewarded with discretionary bonuses.
• Regular get-togethers outside of work.
• Annual company retreats.