Senior Legal Counsel at WiZink (Lisbon, Portugal)

Why This Banking Legal Role Deserves Your Attention

The legal landscape of consumer banking is shifting at breakneck speed. From new consumer credit directives to evolving data protection norms, financial institutions across Europe are under immense pressure to stay compliant while remaining competitive. In this environment, the role of a Senior Legal Counsel becomes not just important—it becomes indispensable. WiZink, a leading digital bank operating in Portugal and Spain, understands this reality acutely. That is why it is currently seeking a Senior Legal Counsel based in its Lisbon office to navigate these challenges and drive legally sound, business-focused solutions.

For legal professionals with a passion for banking and financial services, this position offers a rare mix of strategic influence and hands-on legal work. It is not a backroom compliance role; it is a seat at the table where legal advice shapes business decisions. If you have been looking for an opportunity to marry your legal expertise with a commercial mindset, this could be your next career move.

"The successful candidate will contribute to the management of complex legal matters, support strategic initiatives, and help mitigate legal and regulatory risks across the Bank." – WiZink job description

Inside the Senior Legal Counsel Role at WiZink

The core mandate of this role is to provide comprehensive legal support across the organization, with a clear emphasis on consumer lending products and services. This is not merely about advising—it is about embedding legal insight into every facet of the Bank's operations. The responsibilities span the full spectrum of banking law, from contract negotiation to regulatory interactions.

Key Responsibilities That Define the Job

• Advisory Leadership: Providing legal advice to business and support functions on a broad range of matters relating to banking activities, with a sharp focus on consumer lending products and services.
• Contract Mastery: Reviewing, drafting, negotiating and validating contracts, commercial agreements, outsourcing arrangements, SLAs, policies, and other legal documentation that underpin the Bank's operations.
• Dispute Management: Handling legal disputes, customer claims, administrative proceedings, and litigation, while coordinating with external counsel when appropriate.
• Regulatory Interface: Preparing documentation for supervisory reviews, regulatory requests, and investigations, and supporting interactions with regulatory authorities.
• Compliance Watch: Reviewing and approving marketing, advertising, and customer communications materials to ensure they meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Risk Identification: Identifying legal and regulatory risks and providing recommendations that align with the Bank's strategic objectives and risk appetite.
• Management Reporting: Preparing legal reports, presentations, and updates for Senior Management and governance committees.

This is a role for a lawyer who is comfortable operating at the intersection of law, business, and regulation. The day-to-day work will be varied: one moment you may be negotiating a complex outsourcing agreement, the next you may be advising on a new marketing campaign or responding to a regulatory inquiry. That diversity is what makes the role challenging and rewarding.

The Ideal Candidate: More Than Just a Law Degree

WiZink is not looking for a fresh graduate. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with at least five years of relevant experience. The background could be in a banking or financial services institution, a top-tier international law firm, or another highly regulated industry. This experience must be backed by a strong legal foundation: a Law Degree (LLB) or a Master's Degree in Law is mandatory.

Beyond formal qualifications, the role demands a robust understanding of consumer credit and consumer protection frameworks—an area that carries significant regulatory weight in Europe. The candidate must be able to demonstrate a track record of drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts, often under tight deadlines.

Language skills are another critical factor. Fluency in English is essential, as it is the working language of many cross-border banking operations. Spanish is a plus, given WiZink's presence in Spain. But technical legal skills alone are not enough. The job description highlights a set of competencies that are just as important:

• Ability to assess legal risks and provide pragmatic, business-oriented recommendations.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills—yes, the fundamentals still matter.
• A commercial mindset and strong business partnering capability.
• A proactive approach and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative, team-oriented attitude that fosters internal trust and cooperation.

"We believe in equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We welcome any suggestions that could help us improve our recruitment process." – WiZink

How to Craft a Winning Application

Given that WiZink is a digital-first bank, the application process is entirely online. Candidates are asked to upload an updated CV through the LinkedIn portal. But uploading a CV is not enough; you need to stand out in a competitive field. Here are strategic tips tailored to this specific role:

• Customize Your CV for Banking & Consumer Credit: Highlight any prior experience with consumer lending, banking regulation, or financial services compliance. Use keywords from the job description, such as "consumer credit", "regulatory risk", "contract negotiation", and "outsourcing arrangements".
• Show Quantifiable Achievements: Instead of saying "managed litigation", specify how many disputes you handled and the outcomes. If you negotiated contracts, mention the value or volume. Numbers grab attention.
• Leverage Your Regulatory Experience: If you have interacted with supervisory authorities like the Bank of Portugal or the ECB, emphasize that. This is a unique selling point for a bank role.
• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Provide examples where you gave legal advice that was not just legally correct but commercially sensible. Use phrases like "business partnering" and "pragmatic solutions" to mirror the job description.
• Network Strategically: The job posting shows that Andrea Santaella Laguarda, Talent Acquisition & HR Operations, is the point of contact. Consider sending a concise LinkedIn message expressing your interest, but only if you have a genuine connection or can add value.

Remember, WiZink's recruitment process is designed to identify people who are not only competent lawyers but also collaborative team members. So, be authentic and showcase your interpersonal strengths alongside your legal expertise.

What WiZink Offers and Why It Matters

WiZink positions itself as a modern, customer-centric bank focused on credit cards and consumer finance. Joining its legal team is not just about taking a job; it is about becoming part of a financial institution that is reshaping how consumers access credit in Europe. The benefits reflect this forward-thinking ethos.

• Competitive Conditions: The company offers a remuneration package that recognizes the seniority and expertise of the role.
• Financial and Non-Financial Benefits: Beyond salary, there are benefits designed to support work-life balance and professional development, though specific details are not publicly listed.
• Permanent Contract: This is a permanent position, offering long-term stability in the vibrant capital city of Lisbon.
• Growth Trajectory: As a senior legal counsel, you will work directly with senior management and governance committees, giving you visibility and influence that can accelerate your career path toward General Counsel roles.

Lisbon itself is an attractive hub for legal and financial professionals. The city has become a magnet for international banks, fintechs, and tech companies, creating a dynamic legal market. Working at WiZink places you at the heart of this ecosystem, with opportunities to network and collaborate across borders.

Is This Your Next Career Move?

The Senior Legal Counsel position at WiZink is more than just a job vacancy—it is a call to action for legal professionals who want to lead, advise, and innovate in the banking sector. With a clear focus on consumer lending, this role offers a distinctive opportunity to specialize in an area of law that touches everyday lives. If you have the experience, the skills, and the ambition, do not let this chance pass.

Note: While the exact application deadline is not specified, it is wise to act quickly—the posting already shows 45 applicants. The position is open until filled, so submitting your application early gives you a competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the salary range for this Senior Legal Counsel role at WiZink?
The job posting does not disclose salary details. WiZink states "competitive conditions" and "financial and non-financial benefits" but asks candidates to apply for a conversation about compensation.

2. Is remote work an option for this position?
No, the job description explicitly states that the position is based in WiZink's Lisbon office. The company emphasizes a collaborative team environment, which suggests that on-site presence is expected.

3. Does WiZink sponsor work visas for international candidates?
The posting does not mention visa sponsorship. Candidates from outside the EU/Portugal should check with the recruiting team through the LinkedIn platform for specific immigration support policies.

4. What is the recruitment process after submitting the CV?
The posting mentions only that candidates should "upload an updated copy of your CV." Typically, WiZink's process may include HR screening, interviews with the legal team, and possibly a case study or assessment. Since the details are not specified, successful candidates will be contacted directly.