Regulatory Counsel at Taptap Send

Why Taptap Send's Regulatory Counsel Role is a Career-Defining Move

The legal profession is no longer confined to boardrooms and litigation chambers. The most exciting opportunities now live at the intersection of law, technology, and global impact. Taptap Send's search for a Regulatory Counsel in Singapore is a perfect example—a role that doesn't just ask you to apply legal knowledge, but to shape the regulatory future of cross-border fintech in emerging markets. If you are a mid-senior level lawyer with a passion for payments, compliance, and meaningful innovation, this position offers a rare blend of challenge and purpose.

For those unfamiliar with the company, Taptap Send is building the world's leading cross-border fintech for emerging markets. Since its launch in 2019, it has transformed how money moves across borders, operating across six out of seven continents and covering both the busiest and most underserved remittance corridors. The company has tapped into a massive shift—from banks to phones—bringing digital finance to places where traditional systems never reached. This is not just a job; it's a front-row seat to the financial inclusion revolution.

The Role: More Than Just Compliance

As Regulatory Counsel, you will report directly to the Head of Legal and handle a broad range of work covering new product launches, expansion into new markets, and ongoing regulatory compliance. This is not a back-office legal role buried in paperwork. You'll be embedded in business functions, advising on strategic decisions, leading projects, negotiating and drafting agreements, and communicating complex legal issues to both lawyers and non-lawyers.

The responsibilities are anything but routine:

• Lead the legal and regulatory aspects of new product launches and existing product development.
• Work cross-functionally with product, compliance, finance, and infosec teams to tackle day-to-day regulatory challenges.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop actionable solutions for licensing and regulatory matters.
• Take the lead in engagements with regulators—a role that requires both gravitas and diplomacy.
• Support license applications for new market entries and own ongoing regulatory matters across all live markets.

What sets this role apart is its direct connection to Taptap Send's mission: empowering families, fueling local economies, and changing how millions access financial services. Every regulatory win means a new market opened, a new product launched, or a compliance framework strengthened—each one with a tangible social impact.

Who Should Apply: Experience That Speaks

Taptap Send is looking for a qualified lawyer with 5 to 10 years of practicing experience in payments or another regulated business. This is not an entry-level role; it demands a professional who has already cut their teeth in the complex world of financial services regulation. In-house experience in fintech, ideally in payments, is strongly preferred. The company values a strong sense of initiative, independence, and the ability to take ownership—traits that are non-negotiable in a fast-growing business.

While regulator experience is preferred, it is not a strict requirement. What matters more is your ability to understand and navigate the regulatory frameworks that govern financial products and services. If you have experience working in APAC markets, that's an extra point in your favor—though not a prerequisite.

The ideal candidate is not just technically proficient but also:

• Outgoing – you love speaking to people and building meaningful relationships.
• Execution-oriented – an 'impact first' philosophy is central; you can take an idea from concept to implementation.
• Mission-driven – you are passionate about tech-for-good and net positive organizations.
• Organised – you have a system for managing your work and can prioritise effectively.
• Driven – you thrive in an ambitious, target-oriented environment.

“We recognize imposter syndrome is real—any candidate that does not perfectly fit every characteristic of this role is still strongly encouraged to apply.” – Taptap Send

This note from the employer is a refreshing reminder that the perfect candidate is a myth. If you meet the core legal criteria and bring the right mindset, you should absolutely put your hat in the ring.

Why Taptap Send? The Company Behind the Role

Understanding the organization is crucial for any serious applicant. Taptap Send was founded by Harvard graduates and three-time founders who previously built Segovia (acquired) and GiveDirectly (the fastest-growing NGO in the world with over $300M in revenue). The company is backed by top-tier investors including Spark Capital, Canaan, Reid Hoffman, Breyer Capital, Unbound, and Wamda. The team is composed of global top performers from Bain, Google, McKinsey, Uber, Checkout, Bolt, and beyond.

With more than 250 employees representing 50+ nationalities and speaking 50+ languages, Taptap Send is genuinely global. The company's values—impact first, team next, accept reality, propose solutions, win with grit, be proactively candid, love the particular, own it, create positive energy, and maybe even have fun—are not just wall decorations. They guide everything from product decisions to hiring.

This is a company that has scaled quickly and sustainably, and the legal team is expected to keep pace. As Regulatory Counsel, you won't be a small cog in a giant machine; you'll be a critical player in a nimble, ambitious organization where your contributions directly influence the company's trajectory.

How to Stand Out in Your Application

Given that this is a senior role with clear expectations, your application needs to demonstrate more than just years of experience. Here are some strategies to make your profile shine:

• Quantify your achievements: Instead of just saying you handled licensing, mention the number of markets you helped enter or the specific regulations you navigated. Numbers grab attention.
• Highlight cross-functional collaboration: Taptap Send values teamwork. Show examples of how you worked with product, compliance, and engineering to solve regulatory problems.
• Show your mission alignment: The company cares deeply about financial inclusion. If you have any volunteer work, pro bono projects, or personal interests that align, include them.
• Address the 'extra points': If you have APAC experience, make it prominent. Even if you don't, emphasize your adaptability to new regulatory environments.
• Tailor your CV for fintech: Use keywords like 'payments', 'regulated business', 'license applications', 'regulator engagement', and 'compliance frameworks' to pass automated screens.

For Indian lawyers and legal professionals, this role is particularly interesting. The fintech ecosystem in India is booming, and Singapore is a key hub for APAC operations. While the role is based in Singapore, Taptap Send's global footprint means you could collaborate with teams across continents. If you have experience with the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, RBI regulations, or cross-border remittance rules, these are transferable skills that can add immense value.

The application process is through LinkedIn, so make sure your profile is up-to-date. A concise, well-written cover letter that connects your experience with Taptap Send's mission can differentiate you from other applicants. Remember, the company says it values proactive candour and ownership—so take the initiative to clearly articulate why you are the right fit.

Career Impact and Future Prospects

Joining Taptap Send as Regulatory Counsel is not just about the immediate role—it's about where this position can take you. Working in a fast-growing fintech gives you exposure to diverse regulatory landscapes, from Africa to Asia, and allows you to build a network that spans the globe. This role can be a springboard to senior leadership positions in legal and compliance, either at Taptap Send or elsewhere in the fintech universe.

Furthermore, the fintech sector is one of the few industries where legal expertise is in high demand and tight supply. By positioning yourself at the heart of regulatory innovation, you become a sought-after asset. The skills you will hone—regulatory navigation, strategic multi-tasking, and cross-border legal management—are increasingly valuable in a world where digital finance is the new frontier.

In conclusion, the Regulatory Counsel role at Taptap Send offers a unique chance to combine professional excellence with meaningful impact. If you are ready to take ownership, collaborate across disciplines, and drive change in emerging markets, this could be your next big move. Don't let the 5–10 year requirement deter you if you have exceptional experience or a unique background—Taptap Send itself encourages applications from those who don't perfectly fit every criterion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this role open to candidates outside Singapore?

The job is listed as based in Singapore, Singapore. While Taptap Send does not explicitly mention relocation support, they are open to global talent. It is best to highlight your willingness to relocate and any APAC connections in your application.

2. Does Taptap Send provide sponsorship for work visas?

The job listing does not specify visa sponsorship details. In practice, many multinational companies like Taptap Send do assist with work passes for senior roles, but you should discuss this during the interview process.

3. What kind of experience is 'qualifying' under the 5–10 year requirement?

The role is aimed at lawyers with a background in payments or regulated industries. Experience with money transfer services, e-money, banking regulations, financial licensing, or compliance would be highly relevant. If you have spent time at a law firm advising fintech clients or at a regulatory authority, those experiences count too.

4. How long is the application process typically?

There is no stated deadline, so the process likely operates on a rolling basis. Given the seniority and the company's fast-paced environment, they may move quickly. It’s advisable to apply as soon as possible and be prepared for multiple interview rounds, including technical, cultural, and leadership assessments.