Senior Counsel, Payments

Circle is a financial technology company at the epicenter of the emerging internet of money, where value can finally travel like other digital data - globally, nearly instantly and less expensively than legacy settlement systems. This ground-breaking new internet layer opens up previously unimaginable possibilities for payments, commerce and markets that can help raise global economic prosperity and enhance inclusion. Our infrastructure - including USDC, a blockchain-based dollar - helps businesses, institutions and developers harness these breakthroughs and capitalize on this major turning point in the evolution of money and technology.
What you'll be part of:
Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization, we're expanding into some of the world's strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values : High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible and diverse work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
What you'll be responsible for:
As Senior Counsel, Payments, you'll serve as a subject matter expert on financial regulations impacting global payment services. You'll provide strategic legal counsel on regulatory obligations, interface with regulators, and advise internal teams on compliance as they develop and scale payment products and offerings. You will play a key role in ensuring Circle's products remain aligned with evolving global payment laws while balancing innovation and risk.
What you'll work on:

• Serve as a key legal partner to product, compliance, and engineering teams developing new payments-related offerings, including for Circle Payments Network.
• Provide legal advice to help develop a comprehensive, long-term approach to launching payment products and programs globally.
• Review new products, features, and initiatives across multiple jurisdictions by assessing payment-related legal risks and offering practical guidance to product, business, and legal stakeholders.
• Provide strategic legal guidance on global payment regulations, including licensing, consumer protection, AML, and financial reporting requirements.
• Manage outside counsel and oversee legal workstreams to ensure consistent, high-quality support for payments initiatives.

What you'll bring to Circle:
Core Requirements:

• JD or equivalent with admission to practice law in the United States.
• 10+ years of legal experience with a focus on payments and blockchain.
• Deep understanding of U.S. federal and state payments laws, including regulations related to money transmission, AML/BSA, and consumer protection.
• Experience advising product and engineering teams on legal requirements in payment network design, custody, money transmission, or payment instruments.
• Must have experience with blockchain or crypto-related legal and regulatory matters.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience supporting global product launches and navigating regulatory and compliance issues.
• Strong familiarity with financial institution partnerships, including global banking institutions.
• Proven ability to advise cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
• Background in fintech, crypto, or other emerging financial technologies.

Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.
Starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.
Base Pay Range:
$207,500 - $270,000
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Circle. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.
Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability, please reach out to [email protected] for support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.
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