Head of Legal

Company and Job Overview
JAC's client, a Japanese fintech startup company is looking for a Head of Legal position.
Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Job Responsibilities

Regulatory Strategy & Compliance:

• Interpret and navigate Vietnam’s financial regulatory framework (banking, lending, payments)

• Develop legal structures for BNPL services in partnership with licensed banks
  Anticipate regulatory risks and design mitigation strategies 

   

Banking & Strategic Negotiation 

• Lead contract negotiations with partner banks and key stakeholders
  Structure and review tripartite agreements (Bank – Company – Merchant)

• Act as the legal counterpart in high-stakes discussions with financial institutions

   

Data Protection (PDPD / PDPL)

• Lead data protection strategy and compliance (PDPD / PDPL)
• Design data governance frameworks (controller vs processor positioning)

• Oversee DPIA and cross-functional data compliance

   

Contracting & Legal Operations

• Draft and review key commercial agreements (Service Agreement, Merchant Agreement, etc.)

• Manage and optimize external law firms (cost, speed, quality)

   

Legal Leadership & Business Partnership

• Build and lead the in-house legal function in Vietnam
• Provide strategic legal advice to management and business teams

• Enable business growth while maintaining compliance integrity

   

Job Requirements

Must-have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (Master’s degree is a plus)
• 8+ years of relevant legal experience
• Strong expertise in banking, financial services, or fintech regulation
• Proven experience in contract negotiation with banks or financial institutions
• Solid understanding of Vietnam regulatory environment
• Fluent in English (professional working proficiency)

Preferred:

• Experience in fintech / BNPL / digital lending / payments
• Experience at leading law firms (banking & finance team), OR in-house legal at banks / fintech companies
• Hands-on experience with PDPD / data protection regulations
• Experience dealing with regulators or compliance inspections
• Ability to operate in ambiguous and fast-changing environments Research

• Capability: Ability to proficiently use professional networks such as LinkedIn 

  and genuine interest in identifying the “best-fit” individuals through creative approaches.

   

• Mindset: Enjoys a fast-paced work environment, with the ability to adapt and proactively solve problems.
• Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills with close attention to detail.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Navigate regulatory uncertainty and provide practical solutions
• Confidently engage and negotiate with banking partners
• Balance “compliance” and “business growth” without blocking execution
• Act as a strategic partner, not just a legal advisor

Benefits

• Opportunity to shape a new financial business model in Vietnam 
• High ownership and direct impact on business strategy
• Close collaboration with global teams (Japan HQ)
• Dynamic and entrepreneurial environment

• Competitive compensation aligned with senior-level talent

   

Interested applicants, click APPLY NOW
#LI-JACVN