Legal & Regulatory Counsel, Payments (Kazakhstan)

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world's largest digital asset exchange by trading volume and registered users. We are trusted by 300+ million people in 100+ countries for our industry-leading security, user fund transparency, trading engine speed, deep liquidity, and an unmatched portfolio of digital asset products. Binance offerings range from trading and finance to education, research, payments, institutional services, Web3 features, and more. We leverage the power of digital assets and blockchain to build an inclusive financial ecosystem to advance the freedom of money and improve financial access for people around the world. About the role Binance is exploring opportunities to expand its licensed payment business in Kazakhstan and the broader CIS region. We are looking for a Legal & Regulatory Counsel to provide end-to-end legal and regulatory support to the local licensed payment business: from licensing and regulatory dialogue with the NBK and AFSA to contract review, corporate matters, and ongoing compliance with the applicable legal framework. Responsibilities • Support the licensing process with the NBK and AFSA: preparation of application packages, legal analysis, internal documents, and responses to regulator queries; • Monitor and analyse Kazakhstan legislation and regulations on payments, e-money, currency regulation, AML/CFT, and personal data, as well as the AIFC/AFSA framework; assess their impact on the business and advise on implementation; • Prepare formal regulatory correspondence, requests for clarification, and comments on draft regulations; participate in meetings and discussions with the NBK, AFSA, and other authorities; • Provide legal support for regulatory sandbox participation, including the structuring of pilot products and testing conditions; • Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, including partner bank and client fund safeguarding arrangements, outsourcing and intragroup service agreements, technology and vendor contracts, and client terms and conditions; • Conduct legal review of new products and services, including client documentation, disclosures, and compliance with consumer protection requirements; • Provide corporate legal support to the local licensed entities, including incorporation, constitutional documents, board and shareholder resolutions, corporate governance documentation, and regulatory approvals and notifications for senior appointments; • Develop and maintain internal policies and procedures required by the NBK and AFSA, in cooperation with the compliance and risk functions; • Provide legal support during regulatory inspections, examinations, and audits, and ensure timely submission of regulatory notifications; • Handle legal aspects of client complaints and disputes, and coordinate the work of external counsel; • Work closely with Binance's global legal, compliance, and payments teams to align local requirements with group practice. Requirements • Law degree from a recognised university; a master's degree (LLM) or equivalent is an advantage; • 5+ years of legal experience focused on financial services regulation at a bank, payment organisation, fintech company, or law firm with a financial services practice; • Hands-on experience of licensing and regulatory engagement with the NBK and/or the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market; • Strong knowledge of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Payments and Payment Systems", NBK regulations on payment organisations and e-money, currency regulation, AML/CFT, and personal data legislation; • Knowledge of the AIFC/AFSA regulatory framework is a strong advantage; • Proven experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, including banking, outsourcing, and technology contracts; • Experience in corporate law and governance of regulated financial entities; • Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions; • Experience in crypto, digital assets, or e-money is an advantage; • Excellent drafting skills and ability to work effectively with global cross-functional teams in a fast-moving environment; • Fluent Russian and English required; Kazakh strongly preferred. Why Binance? • Shape the future with the world's leading blockchain ecosystem • Collaborate with world-class talent in a user-centric global organization with a flat structure • Tackle unique, fast-paced projects with autonomy in an innovative environment • Thrive in a results-driven workplace with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning • Competitive salary and company benefits