Legal Counsel

Why this role matters

Syfe is APAC's leading digital wealth platform, empowering people to build their wealth for a better future. Managing well over US $10 billion in assets and built on the pillars of access, advice and affordability, the platform caters to the different wealth needs of individuals with diversified portfolios, cash management solutions and brokerage. Syfe has operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia, and is approaching half a million users.

We're hiring a dynamic and commercially astute legal counsel to join our team. This role provides an exciting opportunity to work with an experienced and ambitious team to build a great company. You will be in a unique position to grow in a fast-growing company and as part of the larger Singapore-headquartered Syfe group. Reporting to the General Counsel sitting in Singapore, you'll be instrumental in managing legal and compliance risk and supporting the strategic and operational goals of the business in a fast-paced fintech environment. This role requires a strong working knowledge of Australian financial services regulation, excellent drafting skills, and the ability to provide clear, actionable advice to all levels of the business.

Roles and responsibilities

• Legal and Regulatory Advice: Provide high-quality, pragmatic legal advice across all areas of the business, including product development, marketing, investments, operations, human resources, technology, privacy, and commercial initiatives as well as legal and corporate transactions.
• Group Coordination: Serve as the primary legal liaison between Selfwealth and the rest of the Syfe group, ensuring alignment with the Group's legal and compliance standards and overseeing the legal and compliance aspects of Syfe's global strategy at Selfwealth. Regional tasks and exposure may be expected.
• Regulatory Engagement: Interface with ASIC, AUSTRAC and other government bodies with respect to regulatory aspects of the business, including on licensing matters.
• Contracts Review and Drafting: Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, platform agreements, and internal documentation.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks, working closely with the Compliance and Risk teams to develop and embed robust frameworks and policies. Ensure employees are trained in the latest regulations and processes, as well as resolve relevant employee concerns.
• Dispute Resolution: Assist in managing and resolving customer complaints and disputes, legal claims, and regulatory inquiries.
• Corporate Governance: Support corporate governance requirements, including preparation or review of board-level documentation, policies, and procedures.
• External Counsel Management: Manage and instruct external legal counsel effectively andcost-efficiently

What you'll bring

• Admitted Solicitor: Must hold a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) from a reputable institution, and be admitted to practice in an Australian jurisdiction.
• Experience: 5 -10 years post-admission experience, with a background in private practice and/or in-house within the digital financial services, fintech, or digital wealth management sectors in Australia. Regional exposure or experience, especially in the markets of Singapore, Hong Kong, or other equivalent financial centres, will be preferred, but not a pre-requisite.
• Domain Expertise: Strong, demonstrable knowledge of the legal and regulatory landscape for a licensed AFSL holder in Australia, with experience advising on brokerage, wealth management, licence applications with financial regulatory authorities, and investment platform operations.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives, delivering solutions-focused advice.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, plain English for non-legal stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across different business units (e.g., Product, Investments, Tech, Marketing, Operations).
• Fit: Strong interest in fintech/financial services and investments. Independent, task-oriented, and enjoys autonomy in day-to-day tasks. Meticulous and demonstrates attention to detail.

How we work

At Syfe group, we live by the 3Hs:

• Humility: We don't have all the answers, so we seek feedback, embrace challenges and encourage diverse perspectives to continuously improve and grow together.
• Hunger: We set high standards for ourselves, looking to learn, grow and multiply our impact, while appreciating every opportunity and success along the way.
• Hustle: We drive results collaboratively with passion and perseverance, pushing the limits of innovation to ensure the best outcomes and solutions for our customers.

What you can expect working at Syfe

• Competitive pay and annual reviews
• Employee ownership opportunities through our Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP)
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access
• Supportive leave policies, including parental leave
• Learning budgets and internal mobility opportunities
• A collaborative and high-performing environment where work meets purpose and fun. Expect modern offices with a stocked pantry and engaging team-building activities

Come As You Are

We believe in the power of diversity and are dedicated to creating a welcoming and innovative environment for all our employees. We embrace and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities for all.