Chief Counsel, Arc

Circle is a financial technology company at the epicenter of the emerging internet of money where value can finally travel like other digital data globally nearly instantly and less expensively than legacy settlement systems. This ground-breaking new internet layer opens up previously unimaginable possibilities for payments commerce and markets that can help raise global economic prosperity and enhance inclusion. Our infrastructure including USDC a blockchain-based dollar helps businesses institutions and developers harness these breakthroughs and capitalize on this major turning point in the evolution of money and technology.

What youll be part of:

Circle is committed to visibility and stability in everything we do. As we grow as an organization were expanding into some of the worlds strongest jurisdictions. Speed and efficiency are motivators for our success and our employees live by our company values: High Integrity Future Forward Multistakeholder Mindful and Driven by Excellence. We have built a flexible and diverse work environment where new ideas are encouraged and everyone is a stakeholder.

What youll be responsible for:

As Chief Counsel for the Arc Blockchain Network you will serve as the lead legal advisor supporting Arcs blockchain and infrastructure initiatives. You will provide strategic guidance on the design operation and governance of the Arc Network partnering closely with senior leaders across Legal Product Compliance and Policy to navigate complex global regulatory landscapes. You will anticipate and manage legal risks related to decentralized technologies smart contracts and digital asset frameworks ensuring the Arc Network operates in alignment with Circles regulatory obligations business objectives and commitment to responsible innovation.

What youll work on:

• Advise on the design launch and governance of the Arc Network to ensure legal and regulatory compliance across global markets.
  

• Lead analysis of emerging digital asset securities and financial regulations impacting decentralized infrastructure.
  

• Partner with Product Policy and Engineering teams to structure blockchain features and smart contract frameworks consistent with applicable law.
  

• Drive negotiation and drafting of strategic commercial technology and partnership agreements related to the Arc Network.
  

• Develop and implement policies procedures and risk controls that enable responsible network operation and innovation.
  

• Represent Circle in external regulatory discussions and industry forums to shape and advocate for thoughtful blockchain policy.
  

• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on legal risks governance models and long-term growth opportunities for the Arc ecosystem.

What youll bring to Circle:

Core Requirements

• 12 years of legal experience including significant experience in financial services fintech or blockchain-related matters.
  

• Deep understanding of global financial regulations securities laws and digital asset frameworks.
  

• Proven ability to counsel executives and product leaders on complex regulatory and commercial issues.
  

• Demonstrated experience drafting negotiating and managing high-value technology or infrastructure agreements.

• J.D. or equivalent law degree with strong academic credentials; member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar.
  

Preferred Requirements

• Experience advising on blockchain infrastructure smart contracts or decentralized network governance.
  

• Prior in-house counsel experience in a fintech payments or crypto-native company.
  

• Familiarity with global regulatory regimes including MiCA AML and money transmission frameworks.
  

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with a collaborative solutions-oriented mindset.

Circle is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future with transparency at our core. We consider a wide variety of elements when crafting our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.

Starting pay is determined by various factors including but not limited to: relevant experience skill set qualifications and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation ranges may differ for candidates in other locations.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Circle. We do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin gender sexual orientation age marital status veteran status or disability status. Additionally Circle participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations as required by law.

Should you require accommodations or assistance in our interview process because of a disability please reach out tofor support. We respect your privacy and will connect with you separately from our interview process to accommodate your needs.

#LI-Remote