Associate Counsel – Payments Law

About the role

American Express is seeking an Associate Counsel to join its Global Legal Policy & Strategy team. The role sits at the intersection of law, regulation, public policy, and business strategy, supporting the company’s payments ecosystem across Latin America and the Caribbean, with a primary focus on Brazil.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse regulatory and policy developments affecting payment systems, financial services, competition law, data policy, fintech and consumer protection in LAC, especially Brazil.
• Assess the commercial impact of legislative proposals, regulatory consultations and market studies, and prepare concise updates for senior management.
• Draft consultation responses and regulatory submissions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with Legal, Compliance, Government Affairs and business teams to shape regulatory strategy and external engagement.
• Contribute regional inputs to global payments reports and broader policy initiatives.
• Conduct legal research and support knowledge‑management activities within the team.

Required profile

• Brazil‑qualified lawyer (OAB) with 3–5 years of experience in a reputable law firm or multinational organization.
• Exposure to financial‑services regulation; experience with payments‑systems regulation is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with competition law, data protection, open banking, fintech, AML or consumer policy is a plus.
• Strong analytical ability to connect legal developments with commercial impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Portuguese (Spanish a plus).
• Proactive, detail‑oriented and comfortable working in a fast‑paced regulatory environment.

Required skills