The European Payments Council (EPC) is a leading financial sector association dedicated to the standardisation and harmonisation of electronic payments across41 countries and territories. The EPC develops and manages key European payment schemes, includingSEPA Credit Transfer, SEPA Instant Credit Transfer, One-Leg Out Instant Credit Transfer, and SEPA Direct Debit (Core and Business-to-Business), as well as payment-related schemes such asVerification of Payee (VOP), SEPA Payment Account Access (SPAA), and SEPA Request to Pay (SRTP). These schemes serve millions of citizens and businesses across SEPA every day. In addition, the EPC operates theEPC Directory Service (EDS), a pan-European directory designed to foster reachability and interoperability for API-based payment schemes.
Our Mission
is to promote European payments harmonisation and integration through innovative payment schemes and standards.
Our Organisation
The EPC is a dynamic and agile organisation, coordinating payment experts and working closely with market participants, regulators and overseers.
The Role
We are seeking a Legal Counsel to join our Legal team in Brussels. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring that the EPC activities and schemes are conducted in compliance with applicable legislation and oversight requirements, while supporting the organisation’s strategic objectives within the payments’ ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct regulatory and legal compliance assessments of EPC schemes and activities, in close cooperation with the EPC Legal team, the Legal Support Group (LSG) and, where required, external legal counsel
* Contribute to ensuring compliance with oversight requirements applicable to the EPC under theECB PISA Framework
* Coordinate with the risk management function on relevant legal matters, including compliance withDORArequirements
* Provide legal and regulatory support to theEPC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC)in relation to complaint handling procedures
* Advise EPC management, governing bodies and working groups on legal and regulatory matters, in coordination with the broader Legal team
* Manage external relationships with key stakeholders, including theEuropean Central Bank oversight team
* Assess and monitor financial resources allocated to legal matters
* Coordinate the preparation of legal materials, policies and proposals for the EPC Secretariat and governing bodies, and ensure internal policies remain up to date
Qualifications & Experience
* Full professional proficiency inEnglish(C2 level or equivalent)
* Valid Belgian work permit and ability to workon-site in Brussels(fully remote work is not possible)
* 8–10 years of post-qualification experience, ideally combining law firm and in-house roles, preferably within acredit institution, electronic money institution, payment institution or clearing/settlement environment
* Strong track record in ensuring compliance with payments-related legislation (e.PSD2, SEPA Regulation), with up-to-date knowledge of upcoming EU payments legislation
* Knowledge ofEU AML/CFTandeIDASlegislation is considered an asset
* Proven experience interacting with supervisors, regulators and/or overseers
* Demonstrated ability to operate as a legal advisorto management and business stakeholders
* Excellent analytical skills, high attention to detail, and experience dealing with complex regulatory frameworks
* Clear and concise communicator, able to translate legal complexity into practical guidance
* Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to manage legal matters independently
* Master’s degree in Law(LLM preferred)
What We Offer
* A unique opportunity toshape and influence the European payments ecosystem
* Direct exposure to and interaction withEU authorities and key market stakeholders
* A challenging role within ahighly respected international organisationsetting standards for the EU payments sector
* Collaboration with leading experts in payments and EPC schemes
* Acompetitive compensation package, aligned with experience and profile
Our recruitment process
* Send your Resume and Motivation letter to hr@epc-cep.eu
* 15-minute introductory call with the HR Manager - a short conversation to get to know you, discuss your background, and align on expectations.
* 60-minute interview with the Legal Team - an in-depth discussion focused on your technical skills, experience, and approach to legal matters.
* 60-minute meeting with the Director General - a final conversation to assess cultural fit, business alignment, and long-term potential.
We accept applications until February 20th.
Check out our website for further information : https://www.europeanpaymentscouncil.eu/about-us/open-positions
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