Senior Counsel - Product Development and Innovation

Stenn is one of the leading FinTechs in Europe and a category leader in the verticals and markets it operates in. Founded in 2015, Stenn’s purpose is to connect international SMEs to the global financial system, helping to bridge a reported $3.6 trillion (USD) financing gap through a fast, simple online platform. To date, Stenn has enabled over $18 billion (USD) of finance to SMEs in 3 verticals and 4 markets, with capital provided by several blue-chip banks and institutional fund managers across the globe. 

Rapid expansion continues at Stenn, as under-served SMEs seek financing solutions to manage significant macroeconomic and supply chain disruption; and this follows our $50 million Series A fundraise in 2022, valuing Stenn at $900 million.

Our HQ is in London with employees across the globe, including the USA, Europe and China. We are made up of diverse, highly skilled professionals who work in an innovative way to develop and drive our business further. Our people are empowered to work autonomously through a trusting leadership style which encourages learning.

Who we are:

Stenn is a category leading FinTech, focused on helping SMEs across 74 countries gain access to financing products. The platform connects financing institutions to SME customers, ensuring the best quality access to finance for their customers. Our intelligent platform and risk management systems provide institutional partners (like HSBC, Goldman Sachs, ICONIQ) with both the potential SME lending client and the risk management capabilities to allow Stenn to make end-to-end credit decisions on their behalf. SMEs are acquired internationally through partners, brokers, and directly, with a particular focus on heavily underserved emerging markets including Asia, India, China, and Latin America. In being able to target these emerging economies, Stenn is aiming to level-up international business, enabling communities of SMEs that have historically had the financial system set against them.

For Stenn, trade financing is the tip of the iceberg and part of a wider opportunity to win the SME financing space, with a suite of products appropriate for our customer base. The SME financing market has not yet been claimed, and we see our future as a full-suite financial institution for the SME. Stenn are on a path to create a $30B business, transforming global SMEs akin to the way Square, Chime, and Revolut are disrupting the consumer market.

As the business enters this next phase of growth, we are focussed on hiring exceptional talent across functions. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on a large and global market, where we are the first mover in this category and by far bigger than any competitor.

The Role:

The Senior Counsel – Product Development and Innovation, will participate and be responsible for all legal and regulatory aspects of the development of new financial and technology products and their offering to our clients, primarily in USA, UK China and India

You will take responsibility for all current Stenn trade finance products . The range of products varies from our long-standing notified factoring product, to newer products such as invoice discounting, purchase order financing and revenue-based financing. You will be responsible for combining efficient development of the Stenn product line and the expansion of new and existing products to new territories.

You will be expected to give legal advice on structuring of the products, go to market campaigns, advertisement and promotion of Stenn products and services in various jurisdictions. In your role you will also advise on data protection laws (EU and UK GDPR) and provide guidance on CCPA and  perform a function of a data protection officer of the Stenn Group. This role should be primarily focussed on Stenn’s legal function being wholly aligned with overall strategy of the company.

This role will also involve working with the sales team and other internal stakeholders on various customer-facing commercial agreements, including framework agreements and MSA’s for the supply of Stenn trade finance services and commercial partnership arrangements with introducers, agents and resellers, aggregators and other commercial partners.

As a member of a growing global legal team, you will also be expected to get involved from time to time in other types of work and projects.

This is an exciting and rewarding role in a dynamic company. The ideal candidate will have excellent project management, communication and relationship skills, the highest ethical standards, and will be excited by seeking out innovative business solutions.  

Who You Are 

• Solicitor with at least seven years’ PQE with a blend of law firm and in-house experience (preferably from fintech, financial services and/or technology sectors).
• Significant exposure to cross-border trades is important. Sound knowledge and understanding of UK laws and regulations and seek support from legal  specialists in various jurisdictions. 
• Full spectrum of commercial contracting experience and expertise, from factoring agreements with clients to general terms on the use of the services platforms
• Knowledge of data regulation in terms of data rights, protection and compliance.
• Experience with financial or technology products
• Proven track record of developing products from idea/concept through to launch to market
• Ability to recognise global nuances to ensure Stenn products are compliant in multiple jurisdictions flagging new legal and regulatory developments and considering their impact on the Stenn Group
• Strong experience in handling a high volume of activity involving multiple, often complex cross-border transactions
• Experience in managing internal and external legal teams in cross-border projects
  
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We appreciate the support recruitment agencies can provide, however our in-house team do not require any 3rd party assistance at this time. 

At Stenn, we believe that every team member deserves to feel like they belong. We foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration where everyone's unique perspectives are valued. Join us and be part of a team where you can thrive and grow, both professionally and personally.