Legal & Compliance Associate

Legal & Compliance Associate London or Abu Dhabi

The GFO-X Group is a global market infrastructure provider focused on regulated digital asset derivatives. With operations in London, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi, the Group offers global access to institutional-grade execution and clearing services. GFO-X UK is the first FCA authorised, centrally cleared Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) for digital asset derivatives, with all contracts cleared via LCH DigitalAssetClear. Backed by M&G Investments and supported by leading financial institutions, GFO-X Group is building the next generation of regulated infrastructure to integrate digital assets into mainstream finance, with a focus on transparency, risk management, and collateral mobility.

GFO-X is seeking an experienced Legal & Compliance Associate to join our growing team in either our London or Abu Dhabi office. This role supports the Legal & Compliance function across the business, providing legal research, document drafting, KYC/AML assistance, and regulatory/compliance coordination. You'll work closely with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and external counsel. This position is ideal for candidates early in their legal or compliance career who want hands-on exposure to financial market infrastructure, derivatives, and cross-border regulatory frameworks.

Role:

Legal Assistance

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and maintaining legal documents, including:

Membership agreements

Rulebooks and policies (including Data Protection and GDPR)

Client onboarding documentation

Commercial contracts and NDAs

Board/committee documentation

Compliance & KYC/AML Support

• Assist with day-to-day compliance processes, including:

Client onboarding checks

KYC / enhanced due diligence

AML risk assessments

Sanctions

Screening and monitoring

Compliance policies and procedures, including the compliance monitoring programme

• Liaise with the Compliance, MLRO, and CCO teams in the business.
• Maintain logs, registers, compliance trackers, and audit trails.

Regulatory Support

• Support the preparation of regulatory submissions and responses to supervisory queries.
• Assist with maintaining regulatory records, mapping obligations, and supporting emerging regulatory projects.
• Monitor developments relevant to digital asset derivatives, market infrastructure, CCP regulation, and FMIs, and prepare regulatory updates.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in law, Regulation and Compliance, or related discipline.
• 5-7 (3-5 years PQE if legally qualified) years of experience in a legal, regulatory, or compliance function (global law firm, exchange, CCP, financial institution, consultancy or regulator).
• Exposure to financial services, fintech, or market infrastructure is advantageous.
• Exposure to digital assets work.
• Strong legal drafting ability and high attention to detail.
• Understanding of compliance frameworks (KYC/AML) and GDPR/Data Protection obligations.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Ability to interpret regulatory texts and translate them into practical requirements.
• Proficiency in AI tools and Microsoft Office suite; experience with document management tools preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, regulated environment and to manage multiple priorities.

This role is based in our London or Abu Dhabi offices. Applications from any region are acceptable, but candidates based in these two regions will be given preference.

GFO-X is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Competitive benefits included.

If you are interested in this role, please apply through the link in the job posting.

Inquiries from agencies should be directed to [Confidential Information]. Please refrain from sending recruitment inquiries to any other email address or individual within our organisation. GFO-X does not guarantee employment or engagement based solely on enquiry.

All unsolicited CVs from agencies shall be treated as such and will not be counted as submissions.