[L&C] Lead Licensing Counsel (Crypto)

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Company

hirify.global is a global cryptocurrency exchange and digital financial platform serving users across trading, payments, wealth management, custody, institutional services, and Web3.

What you will do

• Lead end-to-end licensing processes for new market entries, including application preparation, submission, and regulatory engagement.
• Assess licensing requirements, timelines, and strategic feasibility across target jurisdictions.
• Draft and coordinate licensing applications, business plans, supporting documentation, and regulatory questionnaires.
• Liaise with regulators, government authorities, and external legal advisors across jurisdictions.
• Maintain the global licensing tracker, including application status, renewals, conditions, and ongoing obligations.
• Coordinate with Legal, Compliance, Finance, Operations, and Product teams on licensing and post-licensing requirements.

Requirements

• Law degree such as LLB, JD, or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of experience in regulatory law, licensing, or compliance.
• Experience with licence applications or regulatory approvals, such as VASP, MPI, EMI, broker-dealer, or equivalent authorisations.
• Understanding of global licensing frameworks for virtual asset service providers and financial institutions.
• Strong legal research, drafting, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to manage multiple licensing workstreams across jurisdictions and collaborate with internal teams independently.

Nice to have

• Direct experience with cryptocurrency or digital asset licensing, including VASP registrations, MAS MPI, VARA licences, EU MiCA authorisations, or ADGM licences.
• Familiarity with licensing regimes in APAC, MENA, Europe, or Latin America.
• Experience working with regulators across multiple jurisdictions concurrently.
• Understanding of AML/CFT requirements related to licensing conditions and ongoing obligations.
• In-house experience at a crypto exchange, fintech, or global financial services firm; law firm experience is also considered.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced, decentralised, and globally distributed working environment.
• Study Growth Fund supporting professional development and continuous learning.
• Regular team-building activities, workshops, and internal events.
• Career advancement opportunities and internal mobility.
• Collaboration with an international team across multiple regions.