Special Counsel, Payments

Circle (NYSE: CRCL) is one of the world's leading internet financial platform companies, building the foundation of a more open, global economy through digital assets, payment applications, and programmable blockchain infrastructure. Circle's platform includes the world's largest regulated stablecoin network anchored by USDC, Circle Payments Network for global money movement, and Arc, an enterprise-grade blockchain designed to become the Economic OS for the internet. Enterprises, financial institutions, and developers use Circle to power trusted, internet-scale financial innovation. Learn more at circle.com .
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 work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.
What you'll be responsible for:
As Special Counsel, Payments, you'll serve as legal advisor and strategic partner supporting Circle's payments initiatives. You will provide strategic guidance on the design, launch and operations of innovative payments products, partnering closely with colleagues across Product, Legal, Compliance, and Engineering teams to drive solutions to complex legal and regulatory issues. Having subject matter expertise on financial regulations that impact global payments services alongside experience as a product lawyer at a tech, fintech, or financial services company, you'll provide strategic legal counsel on regulatory obligations, and advise internal teams on compliance as they develop and scale payments 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 as part of Circle Payments Network (CPN).
• Function as a strategic legal advisor and business partner to help develop and scale processes that support launching payments products and programs globally.
• Advise on expansion of products, features, and initiatives into new jurisdictions by assessing licensing and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions, and offering clear guidance to support product and business objectives.
• Provide practical legal guidance on global payments regulations, including licensing, consumer protection, AML, and financial reporting requirements.
• Review payments related marketing materials and external communications to ensure compliance with relevant laws and internal policies and procedures.

What you'll bring to Circle:
Core Requirements:

• 7+ years of legal experience, including significant experience advising on payments, blockchain, and financial services matters.
• 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.
• J.D. or equivalent with admission to practice law in the United States; member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar.

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 collaborate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, technology-driven, and product-forward 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: $200,000 - $262,500
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other protected status required by the laws in the locations where we hire. 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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