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Director, Data & Privacy Legal

About Airwallex

Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 150,000 businesses worldwide – including Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more – with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale.

Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 1,700 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across more than 37 locations around the globe. Valued at US$5.6 billion and backed by world-leading investors including Sequoia, Lone Pine, Greenoaks, DST Global, Salesforce Ventures and Mastercard, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future. If you’re ready to do the most ambitious work of your career, join us.

About the team

The Legal, Risk & Compliance (LRC) team at Airwallex is a collaborative group of legal minds and risk management experts. We're passionate about safeguarding Airwallex's operations, fostering a culture of compliance and ethical conduct, and ensuring we navigate the global financial landscape with integrity. We provide expert guidance and support to all areas of the business, proactively identifying, mitigating, and managing legal and financial risks.

What you’ll do

Airwallex is looking for a seasoned data and privacy legal leader. You will lead the global team and drive strategic aspects of data localisation, AI, customer information and product issues. You will also be the primary lawyer focusing on data and privacy related issues for the Americas and EMEA. You will support a complex set of fintech products that will challenge your problem solving and critical thinking skills. In addition, you will support Airwallex’s growing Sales team on data and privacy issues, and help us build for scale. This is a strategic leadership position with executive visibility and you will be a key advisor to Airwallex’s US, Canada, LATAM  and EMEA go-to-market leadership team and a senior leader on the legal team. 

This role is based in the United States.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with Business leadership, Engineering, Product, and Information Security teams to implement data regulations (PIPL, DSL, and Cyber Security laws) for Americas and EMEA.

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive compliance program for the applicable data rules.

  • Provide privacy counseling to Product teams, ensuring adherence to the applicable data regulations.

  • Work closely with the Product and Legal Regulatory teams on privacy by design, privacy impact assessments, and contractual support.

  • Lead or support privacy counseling and contractual assistance.

  • Coordinate international data flows for the broader Airwallex business.

  • Engage in strategic data initiatives, with potential involvement in projects for the EU, US, and other regions.

Who you are

We're looking for people who meet the minimum qualifications for this role. The preferred qualifications are great to have, but are not mandatory.

Minimum qualifications:

  • J.D. degree (or foreign equivalent) and active membership in at least one US state bar (California or New York preferred).

  • 12 years of experience in an in-house legal department and/or a law firm advising on legal issues related to financial services and technology platforms.

  • Experience managing and growing a team of lawyers.

  • Extensive general privacy experience, with a solid understanding of US/EU data laws, including the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), Data Security Law, and Cyber Security Law.

  • Familiarity with other major privacy regimes such as GDPR, CCPA, PDPA, and PIPEDA.

  • The ability to explain complex legal concepts to various (often non-legal) audiences, and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and deals.

  • A collaborative and empathetic mindset, a good sense of humor, and a keen understanding of how to work effectively with colleagues from different teams and backgrounds.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience at a fintech or high-growth and/or globally distributed company.

  • Experience in a globally distributed company.

Equal opportunity

Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard color, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status when making our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Airwallex does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters.  Airwallex will not pay any fees to search firms/recruiters if a candidate is submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless an agreement has been entered into with respect to specific open position(s).  Search firms/recruiters submitting resumes to Airwallex on an unsolicited basis shall be deemed to accept this condition, regardless of any other provision to the contrary.

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Average salary estimate

$175000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$200000K

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What You Should Know About Director, Data & Privacy Legal, Airwallex

At Airwallex, we're on a mission to redefine global payments and financial solutions, and we’re looking for a talented Director of Data & Privacy Legal to join our innovative team in San Francisco. This role is all about blending your deep understanding of data privacy law with your passion for technology and finance. You’ll lead a dynamic global team, focusing on the critical aspects of data localisation, AI, and customer information, ensuring that our cutting-edge products are compliant with various regulations across different regions. You'll collaborate with our Business leadership, Engineering, and Product teams, implementing compliance programs tailored to data regulations in the Americas and EMEA. Your expertise will support our growing Sales team, providing legal guidance to optimize our offerings as we scale. As a leading voice in legal matters for the US, Canada, LATAM, and EMEA, you'll provide invaluable insights into our strategy while tackling complex legal issues in the fintech space. If you’re an experienced legal professional with a collaborative mindset and a knack for problem-solving, this is your chance to join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and ethical conduct. Bring your knowledge of US/EU data laws and your leadership skills to Airwallex, where you can truly make a difference in our operations and culture. Join us and let’s shape the future of finance together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director, Data & Privacy Legal Role at Airwallex
What are the main responsibilities of the Director, Data & Privacy Legal at Airwallex?

The Director, Data & Privacy Legal at Airwallex is responsible for leading a global legal team, focusing on data localisation, AI, and customer information issues. This role involves collaborating with various teams, developing compliance programs for data regulations, and providing privacy counsel to ensure adherence to laws like PIPL and GDPR. The director will also manage international data flows and engage with the go-to-market leadership team, making this a vital role in guiding Airwallex's strategic initiatives.

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What qualifications do you need for the Director, Data & Privacy Legal position at Airwallex?

To qualify for the Director, Data & Privacy Legal position at Airwallex, candidates should hold a J.D. (or equivalent) and be an active member of a US state bar, preferably in California or New York. A minimum of 12 years of experience in legal matters related to financial services and technology, along with extensive knowledge of privacy laws like the GDPR, CCPA, and others, is essential. Experience managing a legal team and a collaborative mindset are also critical for this leadership role.

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How important is experience in fintech for the Director, Data & Privacy Legal role at Airwallex?

Experience in fintech is highly valued for the Director, Data & Privacy Legal role at Airwallex. A background in a high-growth or globally distributed company can provide essential insights into navigating the unique legal challenges faced by innovative financial solutions. This experience helps in understanding the complexities of regulations across different regions and in developing strategies that align with Airwallex's objectives in the evolving fintech landscape.

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What skills are essential for the Director, Data & Privacy Legal at Airwallex?

Essential skills for the Director, Data & Privacy Legal position at Airwallex include a strong understanding of data privacy laws, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences. The ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, along with a collaborative approach and sense of humor, is crucial to working effectively within various teams in a fast-paced fintech environment.

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What is the culture like at Airwallex for the Director, Data & Privacy Legal position?

Airwallex fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and ethical conduct, particularly in the Legal, Risk & Compliance team. As a Director, you'll be part of a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and proactive approaches to legal challenges. The company encourages open communication, teamwork, and continuous learning, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about shaping the future of compliance and data privacy in fintech.

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Common Interview Questions for Director, Data & Privacy Legal
Can you describe your experience with data privacy laws relevant to financial services?

When answering this question, highlight your familiarity with laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and PIPL. Provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge in practical scenarios, illustrating your role in ensuring legal compliance within a financial services context. Emphasize your ability to interpret and implement complex legal frameworks effectively.

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How do you approach collaboration with product and engineering teams regarding data privacy?

Discuss your collaborative strategies, emphasizing open communication and early involvement in product design discussions. Share examples of successful projects where you helped product teams integrate privacy by design principles, ensuring compliance while fostering innovation. Highlight your ability to translate legal requirements into actionable insights for non-legal stakeholders.

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What strategies do you employ to manage multiple legal projects simultaneously?

Explain your organizational skills and prioritization techniques. Provide examples of tools or methods you use to keep track of deadlines and project statuses. Discuss how you ensure that each project receives adequate attention and how you communicate effectively with team members to maintain alignment.

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How would you handle a situation where a product violates data privacy regulations?

Outline your problem-solving approach, starting from identifying the issue to developing a resolution plan. Emphasize the importance of immediate action, investigating the cause, and collaborating with relevant teams to implement corrective measures. Highlight your ability to communicate transparently with stakeholders while safeguarding the organization’s integrity.

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Can you give an example of a challenging legal issue you faced and how you resolved it?

Provide a specific example that illustrates not just the challenge but also your thought process and the steps you took to resolve it. Discuss the legal considerations involved, how you involved other stakeholders, and the successful outcome of your actions. This showcases your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex legal landscapes.

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How do you stay updated on changes in data privacy laws?

Share your proactive strategies for keeping abreast of legal developments. Mention resources you utilize, such as legal journals, conferences, webinars, and professional networks. Show your commitment to continuous learning and how you apply updates in your practice to mitigate risks for your organization.

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What role does empathy play in managing a legal team?

Emphasize the importance of understanding your team's individual strengths and challenges. Discuss how fostering a supportive environment encourages open dialogue and collaboration. Share specific examples of how you have practiced empathy to motivate your team and resolve conflicts effectively.

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How do you balance compliance with innovation in a fintech environment?

Discuss your philosophy on finding equilibrium between regulatory compliance and driving innovation. Provide examples where you navigated regulatory constraints while enabling new product developments. Highlight your ability to communicate the value of compliance as a facilitator for business growth.

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What advice would you give to a product team to enhance data privacy considerations?

Advise them to prioritize 'privacy by design' throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring they involve legal from the outset. Suggest conducting regular training on data privacy best practices and collaborating closely with their legal counterparts to integrate compliance seamlessly into their processes.

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How do you measure the effectiveness of a compliance program?

Explain how you assess compliance through metrics such as audit results, breach incidents, and employee training completion rates. Discuss the importance of feedback loops and regular program reviews to continually improve the compliance framework in alignment with evolving regulations and business needs.

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Full-time, onsite
DATE POSTED
April 4, 2025

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