Chief Legal & Compliance Officer (CLCO)

ABFinance is a US-based firm building digital finance for the future. Our vision is to create a full financial ecosystem where digital assets, traditional finance, and everyday money management live in one seamless experience that is made available to everyone. Founded by a team of innovators, traders, and compliance professionals, our mission is to bring digital assets to the mainstream through secure, regulated products. Our flagship ecosystem combines a compliant, security-first crypto exchange serving both retail and institutional clients, alongside a Debit Card that enables everyday spending and smooth bridging between fiat and digital assets, supported by core capabilities such as spot trading and yield generation products. Role Overview We are seeking a Chief Legal & Compliance Officer (CLCO) to lead and integrate all legal, regulatory, and compliance functions across ABFinance. This role is a critical executive position responsible for managing legal risk and enabling compliant business growth in the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem. You will serve as advisor to the CEO and Board and architect of a scalable compliance and legal framework that supports innovation while maintaining the highest standards of governance and risk control. Key Responsibilities 1. Executive Leadership & Strategy Lead ABFinance’s legal and compliance operations Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board on risk, legal structure, and business expansion Balance legal requirements with commercial objectives to enable sustainable growth Establish governance frameworks aligned with U.S. regulatory expectations in the consumer and fintech space 2. Compliance Program Ownership Oversee and implement ABF compliance programs to ensure adherence to U.S. standards, including consumer protection and safety-and-soundness requirements Maintain policies, procedures, and controls covering all aspects of business operations Lead internal governance, risk management, and compliance reporting at Board level Administer ABF policies and procedures program to ensure annual updates as required (not Day 1) Administer ABF affiliate marketing compliance programs Manage G&E/Conduct Policy program for ABF employees Liaise effectively and escalate compliance issues to U.S. regulated partner in accordance with service level agreements and oversight program requirements 3. Crypto-Asset & Product Compliance Lead initial risk assessments across digital asset products, including exchange, custody, payments, and yield products Define compliance requirements for product design, marketing, and user flows 4. Legal Affairs & Risk Management Oversee all legal matters, including contracts, litigation, dispute resolution, and corporate structuring Draft and review key legal documentation (terms of service, marketing disclosures, etc.) Manage enforcement actions, regulatory inquiries, and legal risks Optimize legal spend and manage external counsel Requirements J.D. with superior academic credentials from a nationally recognized law school and at least 8 years’ experience as a lawyer in a major law firm or the legal department of a leading digital asset financial services organization. Significant experience in financial services, fintech, or digital assets Deep knowledge of U.S. consumer protection frameworks, specifically in the fintech and crypto space Strong understanding of blockchain technology and digital asset ecosystems Demonstrated ability to build and scale compliance programs and legal frameworks Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgment and risk awareness Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and Board-level stakeholders