Legal Counsel - Corporate & Investment Bank – Payments Associate

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Job Family: Counsel

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are a leading global financial services firm with a proud history of innovation and client focus. As a Legal Counsel in the Corporate & Investment Bank Payments division, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our payments operations in India. Based in our state-of-the-art Mumbai office, you will provide expert legal guidance to ensure seamless, compliant, and innovative payment solutions for our institutional clients. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects involving real-time gross settlement systems, digital wallets, and cross-border remittances, all while contributing to JP Morgan's commitment to regulatory excellence and risk management in the dynamic financial services industry. Your primary focus will be delivering proactive legal support to the Payments team, including advising on complex transactions and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate with business leaders to navigate challenges posed by evolving regulations from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and international bodies, while fostering partnerships with fintech entities. This role demands a deep understanding of payments infrastructure, such as NEFT, IMPS, and blockchain-based solutions, ensuring that all activities align with JP Morgan's global standards of integrity and client protection. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a collaborative culture that values diversity, professional growth, and work-life balance. You will have access to world-class resources, mentorship from senior legal experts, and opportunities to advance within our expansive network. If you are a qualified lawyer passionate about the intersection of law and finance, this role in Mumbai offers a rewarding path to shape the future of payments at one of the world's most respected financial institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to the Corporate & Investment Bank Payments division on day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including payment processing agreements, vendor contracts, and client-facing documentation
• Conduct legal risk assessments for new payment products, fintech partnerships, and regulatory changes
• Advise on compliance with Indian and international regulations governing payments, such as UPI, RTGS, and cross-border transactions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including compliance, risk management, and business development to mitigate legal exposures
• Support litigation and dispute resolution related to payment disputes or regulatory inquiries
• Monitor regulatory developments in the payments landscape and implement necessary policy updates
• Assist in internal training programs on legal aspects of payments and banking operations
• Contribute to the development of innovative payment solutions while ensuring legal soundness

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a recognized institution
• Active license to practice law in India or relevant jurisdiction, with at least 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in financial services
• Strong understanding of payments regulations, including RBI guidelines, SEBI regulations, and international payment standards like SWIFT and ISO 20022
• Experience in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements related to payment systems and banking operations
• Proficiency in legal risk assessment within the corporate and investment banking sector
• Excellent command of English, both written and verbal, with ability to handle complex legal documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience at a global financial institution, preferably in payments or treasury services
• Knowledge of cross-border payment regulations and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks
• MBA or advanced certification in finance or regulatory compliance
• Familiarity with JP Morgan Chase's internal policies and global legal standards

Required Skills

• Expertise in financial regulations and payments law
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Risk analysis and mitigation
• Regulatory compliance knowledge
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Attention to detail in legal documentation
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Project management in fast-paced environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal tech tools like ContractPodAi
• Understanding of fintech innovations and blockchain in payments
• Team collaboration across global teams
• Time management and prioritization
• Ethical judgment in high-stakes financial decisions
• Research skills for emerging legal issues

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities, such as tuition reimbursement and legal certifications
• Employee wellness programs, including gym memberships and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid office options in Mumbai
• Access to JP Morgan's global mobility programs and career advancement paths

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.