Senior Commercial Counsel

ClearBank was built on the belief that banking infrastructure would no longer slow down progress. Instead, it’s the catalyst that unlocks the potential to innovate. That’s why our clients - financial institutions from fintech’s and crypto platforms, to banks and credit unions - use our API to power their banking infrastructure. 

But we wouldn’t be ClearBank without our people. They’re what powers our innovative technology and the reason we love what we do every day. We’re a group of spirited people who are never afraid to challenge the norm – becoming stronger, more energised and that much better when we’re together. It’s our belief in fairness, autonomy and choice that means our people are empowered with the tools to learn, grow, and contribute to ours and our clients’ success. Interested in joining us? Read on or visit our website for more information. 

About you 

ClearBank has acquired its banking license in the Netherlands and we are expanding into Europe as part of our international growth strategy. Supporting this growth, setting us up for future success, you'll report directly to our Head of Legal for Europe, and will be integral in helping us achieve our future goal of building a European Bank. 

Based in Amsterdam, you’ll be a business-oriented Dutch qualified lawyer (or equivalent) seeking an in-house role in a high growth financial technology business with global ambitions. This is a unique opportunity to participate in, and influence, the development of the legal function in the Netherlands. You’ll deal with different challenges every day, and continuously switch from detail and hands-on execution to big picture strategy and approach. You’ll bring the requisite good judgement to know when to get things done in-house and when to lean on external counsel; when to stick to the plan or when to pivot; and how to spot and seize opportunity and bring about the best outcome for the business. 

Primarily involved in providing advice and support to all ClearBank Europe stakeholders, including senior management, and across all areas of ClearBank Europe’s operations and strategic initiatives. You’ll specifically help ensure that arrangements with customers, partners, suppliers and existing new products and services meet contractual requirements under payment and related financial services rules. You’ll also have extensive experience in analysing and advising on commercial issues and in drafting, negotiating and advising on commercial contracts and terms and conditions in the financial services sector. 

As someone who embraces change, you’ll also be proactive and comfortable in performing a role wide ranging in scope. In terms of culture, we are looking for a talented and motivated individual who is grounded and a team player. Someone who will enjoy the “hands on” challenge of assisting with the European expansion of a successful UK bank. You’ll be delivery focused, enjoy learning about the operations of the business and its priorities and be able to suggest ways in which the legal team can do things better.

You will:

• Assist ClearBank Europe's Head of Legal in building ClearBank Europe’s legal team and the expansion of the ClearBank Europe business in Europe.
• Provide leadership to members of the legal team dealing with commercial matters, taking ownership of their management and career progression/development as the function grows. 

• Assist the Group legal team and Head of Legal in furthering the values, objectives and goals of the legal team. 

• Act as a true business partner and work closely together with stakeholders from various departments based in the UK and Europe. 

• Draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts with customers, partners and suppliers and supervise similar activities undertaken by junior members of the team. 

• Advise stakeholders (including ClearBank Europe management) on various commercial and regulatory aspects of contracts including material outsourcing contracts and ensure that appropriate advice is given to the business by the commercial legal team. 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the business and external counsel. 

• Maintain ClearBank Europe’s template legal document in line with changes in law and regulation and best practice. 

• Assist the Company Secretary with corporate governance issues as and when required. 

• Assist with the development and ongoing review of company policies and procedures. 

• Prepare and conduct legal education on commercial law matters and regulatory aspects of contracts for the business. 

• An academic degree in Dutch law and substantial experience (law firm and/or in-house) of commercial work including extensive experience in the financial services sector. Candidates with relevant experience in a comparable FinTech business but with less experience will be considered. 

• Expert understanding of contractual principles. Extensive experience of drafting, negotiating, and advising on commercial contracts including data protection matters. 

• Experience in financial law, outsourcing principles and conduct rules and applying such matters to drafting customer, product and supplier terms. 

• Ability to operate autonomously using initiative, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple matters and priorities and meet critical deadlines. 

• Experience of managing team members and taking accountability for their development. 

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 

• At ClearBank we have a flexible working philosophy, empowering our employees to manage their time in a way which allows them to meet both work and personal commitments, in partnership with their line manager 

• 27 days annual leave per year, plus flexible public holidays 

• You have the option to work abroad for up to 30 days in a rolling 12 month period

• Phone allowance

• Travel cost reimbursement 

• Take a couple of days per year to do something ‘bigger than ClearBank’ i.e., get involved with activities that contribute to the wellbeing of your community, yourself or the Bank 

• Company pension 

• Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to join an energetic team that’s building a bank fit for the future 

 
ClearBank is committed to ensuring equal opportunities throughout every stage of the recruitment process. ClearBank recognises that diversity is vital to the long-term success of the business in the communities and markets in which it operates. ClearBank is also a firm believer that an inclusive culture fosters greater employee engagement and collaboration. 

ClearBank strives for diversity and inclusion of all forms, including (but not limited to): gender, age, educational and professional background, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief and sexual orientation. 

As part of the Company’s commitment to equal employment opportunity, we provide reasonable accommodation, to candidates during the recruitment process, including to individuals with disabilities. We want to create a safe space that welcomes everyone so please let us know how we can accommodate you. In case you have any accessibility requirements you can share this with our Talent Acquisition team prior to your interview stage, if applicable. 

The legal bit 

By submitting your CV, you confirm that you can demonstrate you have the right to work in the Netherlands. Regretfully we are not in a position to sponsor applicants for immigration purposes at the current time. By submitting your CV to ClearBank you are providing your consent for us to use the information you provide for recruitment purposes. For more information on how we manage your data go and check out our Candidate Privacy Notice on the ClearBank website to see how we process, manage and look after your data. You are also allowing us to communicate with you by email and telephone for recruitment purposes.