Legal Counsel - Italy (m/f/x)

Scalable Capital has opened a pivotal search for a Legal Counsel – Italy (m/f/x) based in Milan, offering one of the most exciting in-house legal roles in European fintech. As the company scales its Italian branch, the successful candidate will become the reference point for all legal matters in Italy—owning customer documentation, leading new product launches like credit and credit cards, and serving as the primary contact with Banca d'Italia and external counsel. This is not just a job posting; it is an invitation to shape the legal architecture of one of Europe's most prominent digital investment platforms.

Why This Role Marks the Next Frontier of Fintech Law

The financial services industry is undergoing a seismic transformation. Digital investment platforms, embedded finance, and open banking are rewriting the rules of customer engagement, and regulators are scrambling to keep pace. In this environment, legal counsel are no longer back-office cost centers—they are strategic partners who enable innovation while ensuring compliance. Scalable Capital, with over €50 billion in assets and more than one million clients, sits at the very center of this revolution. Hiring a dedicated Legal Counsel for Italy signals the company's commitment to navigating the country's complex regulatory landscape without slowing down its ambitious growth plans.

Italy presents a unique challenge. The country's regulatory framework combines European directives such as MiFID II, PSD II, and the new CCD II with strict local consumer protection and transparency requirements. For a digital-first player like Scalable Capital, understanding the nuances of these rules is not optional; it is the foundation on which customer trust is built. The lawyer who steps into this role will not merely interpret regulations—they will help design products that are compliant by default, turning legal constraints into competitive advantages.

"You would be the reference point for legal matters in Italy: owning customer documentation, leading the legal work on new product launches such as credit and credit cards, and acting as a primary contact with Banca d'Italia and external counsel."

This is the language of a company that views legal as a critical engine of growth, not a brake on it. For a legal professional, that kind of mandate is rare and transformative.

Inside the Mandate: A Day in the Life of Scalable Capital’s Italian Legal Counsel

The job description reads like a masterclass in modern in-house practice. The successful candidate will provide legal advice on an extraordinary range of issues—from financial regulations and corporate law to data protection, tax law, and employment law. But the role goes far beyond advisory work. You will draft and own all relevant legal documents signed by customers in Italy, lead legal research for new products, and negotiate contracts with clients, partners, and suppliers. These are hands-on, high-stakes responsibilities that demand both precision and commercial awareness.

The Banca d’Italia Connection: Where Law Meets Policy

Perhaps the most differentiating aspect of this role is the direct interaction with regulators. The Legal Counsel will play a key role in regulatory reports and requests from authorities, and will act as the primary liaison with external legal advisors and law firms. Prior experience dealing with financial services regulators is highly desirable—a signal that the company needs someone who can speak the language of supervision and translate business objectives into regulatory submissions. For lawyers who thrive in high-pressure environments, this is an opportunity to operate at the intersection of law, policy, and business strategy.

• Lead the management of complaints and contentious customer cases, including out-of-court resolution systems (ABF/ACF), inheritance, garnishment, and insolvency cases.
• Support internal operational teams in setting up and running processes for the Italian market in line with local regulations.
• Advise on branch governance, policies, and the correct implementation of relevant legislation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts across a variety of counterparties.

These responsibilities are not siloed. They weave together customer experience, operational resilience, and regulatory integrity. The role demands someone who can pivot from a consumer complaint to a product launch to a regulatory inquiry in the same afternoon—and do it all with a calm, methodical approach.

Who Should Apply? Deconstructing the Ideal Candidate Profile

Scalable Capital is not looking for a generalist. The ideal candidate will hold a law degree and possess substantial professional experience within a top-tier law firm, a fintech startup, or the broader financial services sector. That experience must be underpinned by an in-depth knowledge of Italian and European financial services regulations. The company is explicit about wanting someone with proven expertise in navigating complex legal environments and providing strategic guidance to business stakeholders.

The list of qualifications is revealing:

• Deep understanding of fintech business models, ideally with prior experience in a similar position at a comparable company.
• Prior experience interacting directly with financial services regulators is highly desirable.
• Strong ability to work independently, paired with excellent attention to detail and a diligent work ethic.
• Full professional fluency in both Italian and English.

Notice what is absent: the requirement for a magic circle background or an LL.M. from a foreign university. What matters is practical expertise, regulatory fluency, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. That makes this opportunity accessible to a wider range of experienced lawyers who have honed their skills in transactional, regulatory, or litigation practices.

Typically, we offer individuals with limited experience an annual salary between €50,000 and €70,000. For a candidate that we assess as possessing considerable relevant experience, the salary on offer tends to be between €77,000 and €99,000.

This compensation structure is deliberately transparent. It signals that Scalable Capital values experience and is willing to pay for it, while also providing a clear path for career progression. Combined with the company's PRIME+ Broker subscription and an education budget, the total rewards package is designed to attract top-tier talent.

How to Secure This Role: A Strategic Roadmap for Aspiring In-House Fintech Counsel

If this opportunity resonates with you, how do you prepare? First, take stock of your regulatory knowledge. Can you articulate the difference between MiFID II and PSD II obligations? Do you understand the consumer credit directive and how it applies to digital lending? If not, invest time in building a structured understanding of these frameworks before applying. Second, highlight any experience you have with regulators, even if it was indirect. The ability to manage a regulatory request or coordinate with external counsel is a transferable skill that you must surface in your CV and interview.

Third, demonstrate your commercial acumen. In-house legal roles are about enabling business outcomes, not blocking them. Prepare examples of how you have helped a company launch a product while managing risk. Fourth, emphasize your adaptability. Fintech companies move quickly; your ability to work independently and juggle multiple priorities will be tested from day one.

Networking also matters. Connect with current or former Scalable Capital employees on LinkedIn, especially those in legal or compliance functions. Understand the company's culture and values, which are explicitly referenced in the job description. When you do secure an interview, expect questions that probe your practical judgment as much as your technical knowledge.

Why This Opportunity Deserves Your Attention

Beyond the salary and prestige, this role offers an unparalleled platform for professional growth. You will be the first dedicated legal hire for Italy, which means you will shape the legal function's trajectory in one of Europe's most important markets. You will work directly with branch managers and the established group legal team in Germany, giving you exposure to cross-border legal work and the chance to learn from a sophisticated in-house team. The company's commitment to learning—through knowledge sharing, career development sessions, and an individual education budget—ensures that you will keep growing long after you join.

For legal professionals who want to be at the forefront of fintech regulation, this is more than a job. It is a defining career move. Scalable Capital is not just hiring a lawyer; they are building the legal backbone of their Italian expansion, and the person who steps into this role will be at the very heart of that story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for the Legal Counsel role at Scalable Capital?

The job posting does not specify a closing date. Interested candidates are advised to apply early, as the listing notes that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the hiring team aims to move quickly.

What are the key qualifications needed for this position?

Candidates must hold a law degree and have substantial experience in a top-tier law firm, fintech, or financial services. Deep knowledge of Italian and European financial regulations, fluency in Italian and English, and prior regulatory interaction are highly valued.

What does the salary range look like?

Salaries range from €50,000 to €70,000 for less experienced candidates and from €77,000 to €99,000 for those with considerable relevant experience. Final offers are based on qualifications and experience.

Where is the role based?

The position is based in Milan, Italy, but the work involves close collaboration with the group legal team in Germany and covers the entire Italian market.