Senior Counsel, Senior AVP - Merchant Services
About The Position
Wells Fargo is seeking a Senior Counsel to join the Merchant Services team within the Legal Department. The role provides legal support to the Merchant Services business on payment card acquiring, product development and implementation, key vendor relationships, regulatory requirements, risk management, payment network rules, and network agreements. The Senior Counsel works directly with business clients and partners with attorneys, risk and compliance partners, and other stakeholders to support business activities and initiatives. The position leads or participates in moderately complex initiatives and deliverables, contributes to planning and strategic initiatives, and assists senior lawyers with legal advice concerning federal and state laws and regulations affecting Merchant Services. It supports credit, debit, and other payment card acquiring activities; analyzes complex legal issues; develops conclusions and advises business clients on legal and risk mitigation strategies; and provides guidance on product development, implementation, and other business initiatives. The role also advises internal clients on acquiring, money transmitter, BSA/AML, OFAC, KYC, and other financial crimes requirements. The position requires onsite presence at one of the required locations and a hybrid schedule, with at least three days per week in the office. It is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and relocation assistance is not available. The posted base salary range is $139,000 to $260,000. Eligible employees may also receive additional compensation, such as incentives, discretionary bonuses, or restricted stock units. The posting end date is November 4, 2026, though the posting may be removed earlier due to applicant volume.
Requirements
- At least 4 years of law experience, or equivalent demonstrated through work experience, training, military experience, education, or a combination of these.
- Active State Bar membership or equivalent in a country outside the United States.
- Ability to work a hybrid schedule in the office at least 3 days a week and be onsite at a required location.
- This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Experience as a practicing attorney supporting merchant services, merchant acquiring, payments, or financial product development and implementation.
- Experience with credit and debit card network rules and regulations.
- Experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, including merchant agreements, statements of work, and nondisclosure agreements.
- Experience advising on BSA/AML, OFAC, KYC, and other financial crimes requirements.
- Experience analyzing changes in laws and regulations and advising management on their impact on business activities.
- Ability to identify and analyze complex legal issues and provide practical legal advice and recommendations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within the Legal Department and with business, risk, compliance, and other corporate partners.
Responsibilities
- Lead or participate in moderately complex initiatives and deliverables supporting Merchant Services, and contribute to broader planning and strategic initiatives.
- Assist senior lawyers in providing legal advice and guidance regarding federal and state laws and regulations affecting Merchant Services; analyze related policies, standards, and procedures.
- Provide legal support for credit, debit, and other payment card acquiring activities and payment network requirements.
- Identify and analyze complex legal issues, develop conclusions, and advise business clients on appropriate legal and risk mitigation strategies.
- Provide legal guidance on product development, implementation, and other Merchant Services business initiatives.
- Advise internal clients on applicable acquiring, money transmitter, BSA/AML, OFAC, KYC, and other financial crimes requirements.
- Support applicable risk and compliance programs by following policies and procedures, fulfilling obligations, escalating and remediating issues, and making sound risk decisions.
Benefits
- Health benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid time off
- Disability benefits
- Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
- Parental leave
- Critical caregiving leave
- Discounts and savings
- Commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Scholarships for dependent children
- Adoption reimbursement
- Potential sales incentives, discretionary bonuses, and/or equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), depending on the role and eligibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
