Senior Counsel (Payments)

We’re looking for a Senior Counsel – Payments who can move at start-up speed while navigating complex financial-services regulations across the UK, EU, and globally. You’ll bring deep expertise in payments, licensing, and compliance, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, scaling environment. About Us With over 200 million customers in 50+ countries, Bolt is one of the fastest-growing tech companies in Europe and Africa. And it's all thanks to our people. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Our ultimate goal is to make cities for people, not cars, and we need your help to achieve this mission! About The Role Bolt is evolving from a pure-play mobility company into a multi-service platform. Next on our roadmap: building and scaling a suite of financial-services products — from wallets and embedded payments to financial services licensing. As part of our Legal & Compliance team, you’ll partner daily with Product, Privacy, Public Policy, Tax, Finance, and Financial Regulatory Compliance teams. You’ll own the legal strategy that launches our financial-services stack and ensures it stays compliant as we grow across multiple markets. Main Tasks & Responsbilites: Own your domain as the key legal contact and subject-matter expert, managing one or more counsels while providing strategic guidance across complex business areas.Lead licensing and structuring efforts — securing the right authorisations (e-money, credit, payment institution, AIS/PIS, etc.) or third-party arrangements in each launch market, and embedding regulatory and scheme requirements into product design for financial services offerings.Drive regulatory engagement — liaising with financial regulators, managing approval processes, drafting responses, and leading on compliance with evolving rules (e.g., PSD3, EU Digital Euro, UK Consumer Duty).Oversee commercial negotiations with card issuers, lenders, and banking partners, and provide governance support through board papers, policy frameworks, and targeted legal training for business teams.Anticipate business needs by creating scalable processes, self-service tools (playbooks, FAQs, contract templates), and automation solutions to streamline legal and compliance workflows.Support strategic growth by advising on new market entries, reviewing product and feature launches, coordinating external and internal legal support, and managing risk when issues arise. About you: You are a UK/EU-qualified lawyer, ideally with a background in fintech, mobility, or platform businesses, gained either in-house or at a top-tier firm.You have significant financial regulatory expertise, including experience guiding a company through regulatory authorisation or licence transitions, and a strong working knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks.You are a hands-on counsel who thrives on advising diverse teams, diving deep into commercial contracts and new business initiatives, and delivering pragmatic, business-friendly solutions.You are a strong contract drafter and negotiator - clear, commercially minded, and firm when needed.You get things done - organised, decisive, and able to meet deadlines.You have a true business partner mindset, speaking your stakeholders’ language and translating legal risk into smart, actionable decisions. Experience is great, but what we really look for is drive, intelligence, and integrity. So even if you don’t tick every box, please consider applying if you feel you’re the kind of person described above! Why you’ll love it here: Play a direct role in shaping the future of mobility.Impact millions of customers and partners in 600+ cities across 50+ countries.Work in fast-moving autonomous teams with some of the smartest people in the world.Accelerate your professional growth with unique career opportunities.Get a rewarding salary and stock option package that lets you focus on doing your best work.Enjoy the flexibility of working in a hybrid mode with a minimum of 2 days in the office each week to foster strong connections and teamwork.Take care of your physical and mental health with our wellness perks.Some perks may differ depending on your location and role.