Head Research

Overview

Must be open for relocation to 

Bangkok, Dubai, Malta

We are establishing a brand-new, pivotal Research & Development (R&D) department dedicated to proactively safeguarding our company's long-term legal future and building strategic advantages. As the Head of Legal R&D, you will be instrumental in defining and leading this critical function from the ground up. Your mandate will be to anticipate emerging legal, regulatory, and compliance landscapes 2-5 years out, developing innovative defensive strategies and identifying opportunities to secure a competitive edge. This role also encompasses strategic planning for both our existing Compliance and Legal teams, ensuring a cohesive and forward-looking approach to our regulatory posture.

Experience

10 - 15

Work type

On site

Salary

(Open to discuss)

Negotiable

Description

Department Establishment & Leadership: Build, lead, and mentor a new, high-performing R&D team focused on legal foresight and strategic risk mitigation. Define the department's vision, mission, and operational framework.

• Proactive Legal Foresight: Systematically research and analyze global and regional legal, regulatory, and geopolitical trends to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities that may impact the company in the 2-5 year horizon.

• Strategic Defensive Planning: Develop and propose robust defensive measures and strategies to mitigate identified long-term legal risks, particularly in areas such as:
• Intellectual Property Protection: Research and forecast developments in intellectual property law (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets) and digital rights, advising on necessary proactive steps for company protection and strategic IP acquisition.

• Business Licensing & Regulatory Approvals: Anticipate future business licensing and regulatory requirements across new markets or evolving product lines, outlining preparation roadmaps and timelines for timely compliance.

• AML, KYC, & Due Diligence Evolution: Monitor and predict advancements in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and enhanced due diligence (EDD) standards globally, advising on necessary technological, procedural, and policy adaptations.

• Strategic Advantage Creation: Identify and articulate legal or regulatory pathways that can create sustainable strategic advantages for the company, supporting market entry, product innovation, or competitive differentiation.

• Strategic Planning for Legal & Compliance: Collaborate closely with the existing Legal and Compliance departments to translate long-term R&D insights into actionable strategic plans, ensuring alignment and readiness.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with senior leadership across various departments (e.g., Product, Technology, Business Development, Operations) to integrate legal foresight into overall corporate strategy and product roadmaps.

• Reporting & Communication: Present clear, concise, and actionable research findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and relevant stakeholders.

Job Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in legal practice, compliance, regulatory affairs, or strategic legal consulting, with a strong emphasis on proactive risk management and future-gazing. Experience establishing or leading new teams/functions is highly desirable.

• Legal Acumen: Deep understanding of international legal principles, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements, particularly pertaining to technology, finance, or highly regulated industries.

• Strategic Thinking: Exceptional ability to think strategically, identify patterns, anticipate future trends, and translate complex legal concepts into practical business strategies.
• Research & Analysis: Proven track record in conducting in-depth research, synthesizing complex information, and drawing well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations.

• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with experience building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.

• Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal and strategic concepts to diverse audiences, including senior executives.

• Proactive & Innovative: A highly proactive, self-driven, and innovative mindset with a passion for staying ahead of the curve in legal and regulatory developments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a dedicated "future-proofing," "horizon scanning," or "strategic intelligence" role within a legal or compliance context.

• Advanced degree in Law (JD, LL.M. or equivalent), or a relevant Master's/PhD with a strong legal/regulatory focus.

• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions, particularly within the APAC region and globally.

Interview Process

• 2 - 3 Round