About the Opportunity:
Reporting to the Head of Legal EU (Malta), the Deputy General Counsel will serve as a key member of the European executive leadership team, providing strategic legal and regulatory guidance for OKX’s European entity and supporting business operations across the region. This role combines hands-on legal management, cross-functional advisory, and strategic leadership in an evolving regulatory and crypto landscape.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Legal Leadership:
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Provide senior-level legal counsel to the European executive team, influencing strategic decision-making and business planning.
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Advise on regulatory and compliance matters affecting OKX Europe, including cryptocurrency regulations (e.g., GDPR MICA, PSD2, MIFIR, MiFID II), financial services law, and cross-border legal obligations.
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Partner with global legal, compliance, and business teams to implement cohesive strategies across jurisdictions.
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Anticipate legal and regulatory risks, proactively offering solutions to protect and advance the business.
Corporate Governance & Risk Management:
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Oversee corporate governance, including subsidiaries, board and shareholder matters, and statutory filing obligations.
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Lead internal audits, compliance reviews, and risk mitigation programs across the EU entity.
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Manage and supervise outside counsel for complex matters, including litigation, regulatory investigations, and high-value contracts.
Operational & Transactional Oversight:
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Draft, review, and negotiate high-value and complex commercial agreements, partnership contracts, and vendor arrangements.
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Oversee the legal aspects of new product launches, token offerings, and crypto-related initiatives.
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Collaborate with product, finance, and operations teams to ensure legal compliance while supporting rapid business growth.
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Establish and maintain legal policies, playbooks, and frameworks that enable scalable, risk-managed operations.
Team Leadership & Development:
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Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing legal team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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Ensure alignment of team priorities with business objectives, balancing risk management with operational agility.
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Drive process efficiency within the legal function, implementing best practices and leveraging technology to improve outcomes.
Cross-Jurisdictional & Regulatory Engagement:
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Serve as primary legal liaison with EU regulators, external counsel, and industry associations.
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Support licensing, registration, and regulatory approvals across the EU.
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Advise on cross-border legal matters, ensuring alignment between OKX’s global strategy and local regulatory obligations.
Qualifications & Experience:
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Law degree from an accredited university in Malta or any EU jurisdiction; admitted to practice in Malta or another EU jurisdiction.
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7+ years of combined top-tier law firm and in-house experience, preferably in financial services, fintech, or crypto industries.
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Proven track record providing strategic counsel to C-suite executives and boards on complex matters.
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Strong understanding of European crypto regulations, financial services law, and corporate governance.
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Experience leading legal teams and managing cross-jurisdictional operations.
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Expertise in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing complex contracts, partnerships, and commercial agreements.
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Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility across the organization.
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Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, high-growth, multicultural environment, balancing business needs with risk mitigation.
Perks & Benefits:
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Competitive executive compensation package with performance bonuses.
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Learning & development programs and education subsidies for professional growth.
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Team-building initiatives, company events, and a collaborative work culture.
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Comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees and dependents.
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Flexible working arrangements and wellness allowances.
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Opportunity to operate at the cutting edge of the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.
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