Legal Counsel - Derivatives

* Wintermute is a prominent player in the crypto world, specializing in algorithmic trading for digital assets. They offer liquidity services on various cryptocurrency exchanges, OTC trading solutions, and support for blockchain projects and traditional financial institutions venturing into the crypto space. Wintermute also engages in early-stage DeFi project investments through Wintermute Ventures.

* Wintermute embodies a unique combination of technological standards from high-frequency trading firms in conventional markets and the innovative spirit of tech startups. Their long-term vision for digital assets goes beyond viewing them as just another asset class, believing in the transformative potential of blockchain technology.

Business Development at Wintermute

We seek a Legal Counsel focused on Derivatives to complement Wintermute's expanding derivatives business and forays into traditional financial markets with a specific emphasis on OTC derivatives. The ideal candidate should possess a solid background in traditional market derivatives and adapt quickly to the dynamic nature of Wintermute's business environment related to digital assets. This role involves cooperating with senior legal professionals, traders, risk, compliance, and operations teams to manage negotiations and projects in multiple jurisdictions where Wintermute operates. The chosen candidate will help shape strategies that balance business growth objectives with legal considerations.

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We are in search of a seasoned compliance and financial crime expert to play a pivotal role in shaping and expanding our initiatives in anti-money laundering, virtual asset compliance, and blockchain risk management. This role necessitates understanding compliance across traditional financial institutions and virtual asset service providers. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating regulation, financial crime prevention, blockchain analytics, and commercial strategy. As a senior subject matter expert, the individual will elevate the company's compliance capabilities, provide guidance to financial institutions and VASPs, and establish credibility with regulators, law enforcement, clients, and industry collaborators.

In this position, you will serve as the primary compliance lead for AI-generated outputs and corresponding client deliverables. Your responsibilities will include supporting various stakeholder groups, such as client-facing teams and commercial services, transforming raw AI results into accurate and accessible deliverables, and collaborating with Engineering to streamline recurring compliance tasks into reusable workflows and knowledge resources.

* Draft and negotiate various agreements related to derivatives offerings, including ISDA Master Agreements, credit support documents, and trade confirmations * Engage in direct negotiations with counterparties and their representatives * Conduct legal and regulatory research for derivatives compliance across multiple jurisdictions * Offer commercially focused legal advice and support various projects beyond OTC derivatives obligations

Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial agreements for institutional clients, advertising partnerships, NDAs, and other commercial documents supporting operations in the UK, EMEA, and globally.

Develop and maintain template documentation, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines to facilitate scalable contract support throughout the organization.

Collaborate closely with stakeholders across global business functions to provide timely legal support that aligns with business goals.

Work with LegalOps to enhance policies, procedures, and contract workflows to align with the company's operating model.

Conduct training on contract review and management and foster knowledge sharing within the Legal team and business units.

Assist with commercial legal initiatives supporting strategic business plans such as new market ventures, institutional partnerships, and other prioritized projects.

Enhance and develop AML frameworks, virtual asset compliance strategies, sanctions, risk assessments, transaction monitoring, and investigation protocols.

Offer guidance to financial institutions and VASPs on virtual asset compliance, regulatory standards, and financial crime risks in connection with blockchain technology.

Stay updated on regulatory changes and translate them into actionable compliance guidance and product specifications.

If applicable, act as MLRO or support the designated MLRO with suspicious activity reviews and regulatory reporting.

Collaborate with product development, engineering, business development teams, as well as regulators, law enforcement, and other industry affiliates.

Break down regulatory frameworks and licensing requirements for analysis.

Assist in licensing and regulatory preparation projects, from scoping to final submission readiness.

Conduct initial reviews of AI outputs to ensure regulatory accuracy, evidence validity, and client suitability.

* Qualified lawyer in England and Wales, with approximately 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in derivatives law. Candidates with different levels of experience but strong credentials or similar common-law qualifications will also be considered. * Previous experience at a top legal firms with a recognized derivatives practice is preferred. Candidates transitioning from such roles to in-house positions at financial institutions will also be evaluated. * Demonstrated proficiency in negotiating ISDA Master Agreements, credit support documents, and structuring OTC derivatives transactions across various asset classes. * Familiarity with securities lending, repurchase agreements, prime brokerage, custody, and other related financial documentation is beneficial. * Ability to work well in high-pressure environments under tight deadlines with understanding of regulatory frameworks concerning OTC derivatives.

Legal

Compliance

Negotiation

Adaptability

Regulatory Compliance

More skills

Must be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales or equivalent common-law jurisdiction, with over 6 years of PQE in-house, in private practice, or in a government/regulatory role, ideally within financial services, fintech, cryptocurrencies/cryptoassets, or general corporate/commercial practice.

Demonstrated expertise in English-law contract drafting and negotiation, managing complex, multi-party deals while balancing commercial objectives and risks.

Ability to excel in a fast-paced, international environment amidst changing cryptoasset and financial-services regulations.

Strong problem-solving skills, adept at clear communication with non-legal stakeholders under pressure.

Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently, resolving conflicting priorities without compromising quality.

Preference for candidates with experience in advising on UK consumer-facing, marketing, data protection (UK GDPR), or financial-services commercial arrangements, with prior exposure to crypto/Web3 or payments being a plus.

The perfect fit for this role is a pragmatic and business-oriented compliance leader with extensive experience in AML, financial crime, and virtual assets. The candidate should have a background either within traditional financial institutions or closely working with VASPs, emphasizing the variances between conventional transaction monitoring and risks associated with blockchain-based financial activities. The individual should feel equally comfortable analyzing complex financial crime cases, designing AML frameworks, advising senior management, engaging with regulators, and educating stakeholders on blockchain risk.

Role

Legal

* Engage in innovative projects within a globally recognized trading firm * Take on increased responsibilities compared to traditional finance settings * Enjoy a vibrant work culture with frequent team events and outings * Work in a dynamic office environment in central London with unique amenities * Experience a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture with performance-based compensation and comprehensive perks.

Note

* Remote work flexibility is supported, though full remote positions are not accepted * Work permits for the UK offered along with relocation assistance

Disclaimer: AI tools may be utilized during the hiring process for various tasks but final decisions are made by human reviewers. Contact us for more details on data processing.

Competitive salary

Medical insurance coverage for employees and dependents

Generous annual leave including special occasions

Flexible work options with hybrid or remote arrangements

Internal mobility programs for career advancement

Founded in 2016, [Company] serves millions of customers worldwide, aiming to make cryptocurrency accessible for everyone. Committed to security, privacy, and compliance, the company is dedicated to advancing cryptocurrency adoption through innovation and empowering the next generation of digital creators and entrepreneurs. responseData provided by candidates will be used solely for recruitment purposes and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

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CertiK

Director of AML & Virtual Asset Compliance

Hong Kong +2

September 15, 2026

Hong Kong +2

Full time

Remote

Legal

Compliance

Regulatory Compliance

+2