Associate Counsel – Financial Services Regulatory

We are seeking a regulatory lawyer to join the General Counsel’s Organization (GCO) as Associate Counsel (Financial Services Regulatory) within the Global Legal Policy & Strategy function. The roles will be based in Madrid, Spain, and sit within a global multi-disciplinary team comprising competition and financial services lawyers.

The role will be responsible for managing the regulatory change framework for our EU regulated entities in Spain where they passport payment services into other EU member states. Key activities involve horizon scanning for new laws applicable and managing regulatory reporting across these countries for the Acquiring, Issuing and Insurance businesses. The role will be responsible for structured horizon scanning, systematic monitoring, assessment and implementation of EU and local regulatory developments, as well as coordinating regulatory reporting inquiries and submissions across several EU countries and potentially additional jurisdictions.

The role will involve working closely together on the above activities and will require strong collaboration and team-working skills.

The position support all relevant lines of business, including card issuing, merchant acquiring, insurance and payments activities, operating in a dynamic environment shaped by digital, mobile and data-driven technologies.

The successful candidates will work closely with GCO colleagues, business stakeholders, Compliance, Operational Risk, Government Affairs, regulators and industry bodies. The role require a strategic mindset, strong analytical capability, and the ability to interpret technically complex regulation, assess its strategic implications, and translate regulatory developments and supervisory expectations into clear, actionable guidance and coordinated implementation plans.

In addition, subject to business priorities and capacity, the roles may involve advising on broader payment services and insurance regulatory matters, contributing to consultation responses and policy engagement initiatives, and consolidating and articulating coordinated positions to policymakers.

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.

• The primary focus of the role is the oversight of regulatory change and regulatory reporting governance.
  • Oversee the European regulatory change framework for the Acquiring, Issuing and Insurance businesses, ensuring structured horizon scanning and systematic monitoring, assessment and implementation of EU and local regulatory developments within assigned EMEA jurisdictions.
  • Manage regulatory reporting inquiries and regulatory reporting deliveries across EMEA countries within the allocated country portfolio, coordinating with Legal, Compliance, Risk and business stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely and consistent responses and submissions to supervisory authorities.
  • Drive clear and well-governed regulatory impact assessments, ensuring material developments are escalated appropriately and translated into structured implementation plans.
  • Promote consistency, documentation and knowledge-sharing across markets, contributing to a robust and sustainable regional regulatory governance model.
     
• In addition, and subject to business priorities and capacity:
  • Provide legal and regulatory advice on EU and local financial services regulation, particularly payment services, payment systems and insurance regulatory frameworks.
  • Support compliance with key legislation including PSD2 and PSD3/PSR1, Interchange Fee Regulation, open banking/open finance frameworks, digital currencies and cryptoassets regulation, insurance distribution and prudential requirements, and related ESG considerations.
  • Support supervisory engagement, inspections, licensing and cross-border structuring matters.
  • Contribute to consultation responses, policy engagement initiatives and broader strategic regulatory projects.
  • Prepare internal briefings and training materials and contribute to the work of the Global Payments Systems Regulation Centre of Excellence.
  • Maintain continuous professional development through relevant training.

Minimum Qualifications
 

• Law Degree.
• Qualified to practice law in a Member State of the European Union.
• Fluency in Spanish and English.
• At least 3 years of experience in financial services regulatory matters in a law firm, regulator, or in-house environment.
• Strong drafting, research, and negotiation/influencing skills.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders autonomously while exercising sound commercial judgment and clear, persuasive communication.
• Strategic and analytical thinker; adaptable and collaborative; relationship-focused; committed to continuous learning and process improvement. Strong process- and knowledge-management capabilities, with willingness to identify and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Ability to interpret and apply technically complex regulatory frameworks and operate effectively under time-sensitive conditions.

Preferred Qualifications
 

• Experience advising on payment services regulatory matters in the EU and/or Spain, gained within a financial institution, regulatory authority or law firm, including experience operating in cross-border or multi-jurisdictional environments.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: payment systems regulation, open banking/open finance, digital policy, strong customer authentication, e-commerce, money transfer, digital currencies, cryptoassets, insurance regulatory frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex regulatory matters clearly and effectively to a range of stakeholders, including senior management and external supervisory authorities, and to build collaborative working relationships across functions and jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, exercise sound professional judgment, work both independently and collaboratively, and maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism.

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in Spain is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.