Legal Counsel (Policy and Risk Management)

About the role

1inch is the DeFi ecosystem building financial freedom for everyone. 1inch products help users and builders trade, hold and track digital assets with the self-custody, comprehensive security and the intuitive user experience they need to unlock the potential of true crypto ownership. 1inch protocols and APIs provide core infrastructure across the DeFi industry and beyond.

If you are someone who thinks big, moves fast and wants to make an impact right from day one, then get ready to join our industry-changing team.

Location

We hire with a focus on Dubai and Europe. For this role, we prefer candidates who are either based in Dubai or working remotely within plus or minus 4 hours GST time.

Position overview

We are looking for a proactive, solutions-oriented legal advisor to serve as a strategic legal advisor across global crypto regulatory, policy, and security issues. You will take ownership of shaping the company's regulatory strategy and external advocacy, all while crafting its external thought leadership in security and risk management.

This role is for someone who thrives on balancing legal risk with commercial realities and can operate with limited supervision across teams, timezones, and countries. You must be comfortable managing complex relationships with policymakers, regulators, and business executives as you directly support our growth, licensing, and strategic engagement in the evolving DeFi landscape.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and interpreting global regulatory developments impacting digital assets and DeFi, such as MiCA, VARA, FinCEN, and rulings from the SEC/CFTC.
• Providing strategic legal advice to help shape product and security strategies in response to emerging regulations.
• Representing the company in discussions with regulators and contributing to policy advocacy through public consultations.
• Drafting public-facing white papers, articles, and blog posts on the company's security and risk management frameworks, and collaborating with marketing to externally communicate thought leadership.
• Staying up-to-date with crypto and blockchain security innovations, analysing their applicability with cross-functional teams, and assisting in assessing new security vendors.
• Building alliances with other DeFi projects to share and learn best practices.
• Assisting with implementing legal and enterprise risk frameworks, including policies, controls, and staff training.

Experience

• 7+ years of legal experience, ideally combining in-house, regulatory agency, law firm, or industry association roles.
• US qualified lawyers with experience working with US laws, policymakers and industry groups are highly desired.
• Track record of working with global financial regulations (US, EU, UK, APAC, Middle East) in digital assets, fintech, or financial institutions.
• Proven experience engaging with policymakers, regulators, and trade associations on regulatory matters.
• Hands-on experience drafting public-facing white papers or articles, and/or actively organizing or participating in working groups that submitted commentaries to lawmakers or regulators.
• Exposure to AML, sanctions, financial crime compliance, or regulatory investigations is a bonus.

Skills

• Provide easy to understand and actionable business recommendations.
• Skilled at navigating legal ambiguity in fast-changing technical and regulatory environments.
• Proficient in translating legal obligations into operational processes and controls.
• Excellent critical thinking, synthesis and communication skills.
• Persuasion and influence over internal and external stakeholders.
• Adept at tactfully challenging the decisions of business teams and standing up for your views against senior stakeholders.
• Capacity to see high level strategies and goals and dive into details to deliver creative, pragmatic solutions based on weighted risk analysis.
• Able to manage multiple important initiatives across time zones and work under time pressure.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting compliance with AML, sanctions, KYC, and market abuse regulations in the DeFi context.
• Ability to assist in enhancing internal policies and programs related to financial crime risk.
• Skill in coordinating with third-party vendors on transaction monitoring and risk analytics.
• Familiarity with DeFi and the crypto industry.

Why work with us?

• Join a dynamic, creative team in a fast-paced and supportive environment.
• Innovation and collaboration in web3 tech are core to our success.
• We are open to new ideas - if you have a vision, pitch it and make it happen.
• Enjoy competitive pay that matches your skills and experience.
• Be part of a company that is shaping the future of DeFi.
• Take time when you need it - we offer unlimited vacation days.
• Get fully compensated for your work gear - we will set you up for success.
• Travel with us! We host an annual team retreat at a top international location.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.