Introduction to Block Inc.
Block Inc. is a unique corporation that is essentially an amalgamation of multiple blocks, all of which are driven by a common purpose – the economic empowerment of individuals. The blocks that form the foundational teams of this organization include People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, among others. These teams provide support and guidance at the corporate level, working across business groups and spanning time zones and disciplines to develop People policies, forecast finances, provide legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. They believe that every challenge creates possibilities, and they need different perspectives to identify them all. This is an open invitation for you to bring your perspective to Block Inc.
The Role of Commercial Counsel in Payments and Banking
As the Commercial Counsel for payments and banking, you will play a pivotal role in providing legal commercial support to various teams within Block Inc. These teams include Afterpay, Cash App, Square, and Tidal. The role involves reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex agreements with different payments and banking partners. These partners comprise payment networks, financial institutions, payment aggregators, and digital wallet partners. Apart from this, you will collaborate with team members and cross-functional partners to ensure that Block Inc. complies with its commercial and regulatory obligations. The company is specifically looking for individuals with transactional experience in issuing, acquiring, or with payment networks. The role is an individual contributor role and will directly report to the Head of Payments and Banking Commercial Counsel.
Role Responsibilities
As the Commercial Counsel, you will:
- Draft and negotiate complex payments, banking, and other commercial agreements.
- Provide concise legal advice with a focus on a principled risk approach.
- Resolve issues that arise in existing commercial relationships.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to assess legal risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with commercial obligations.
- Stay updated with regulatory developments and industry trends affecting payments and banking, and advise relevant stakeholders on compliance requirements and best practices.
- Streamline processes and create efficiencies by using AI in daily work.
- Maintain commercial payments templates, playbooks, and processes.
Preferred Candidate Profile
Block Inc. is looking for candidates with:
- A J.D. with active membership in at least one state bar.
- At least 8 years of experience, with focus on commercial transactions in payments, banking, or financial services.
- Prior experience working in a Fintech or financial services company.
- Experience working with payment networks, issuers, acquirers, or payment facilitators.
- Knowledge of financial services and payments compliance requirements, including issuing, acquiring, networks, partnerships, data security, and privacy within the payments industry.
- Experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts.
- Proven background in communicating and coordinating complex issues and projects with diverse levels of management and cross-functional partners.
- A passion for the payments industry.
- A team-oriented and collaborative approach.
Block Inc.’s Commitment to Fairness and Inclusion
Block Inc. is dedicated to building a more inclusive economy where customers have equal access to opportunities. The company applies the same principle in creating its workplace. It evaluates all employees and job applicants without regard to their identity or any legally protected class. It also abides by state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances in considering applicants with arrest or conviction records. Block Inc. is committed to providing an inclusive interview experience and offers reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process.
For more information, check out their I+D page.
There’s no specific deadline for this role. However, U.S. roles are typically open for an average of 55 days before being filled by a successful candidate. Please refer to the date listed at the top of the job page for when this role was first posted.
Block Inc. takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location. The company categorizes U.S. locations into one of four zones based on the cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
To find a location’s zone designation, please refer to this resource. If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.
AI in Hiring Process
Block Inc. may use automated AI tools to evaluate job applications for efficiency and consistency. These tools comply with local regulations, including bias audits, and Block handles all personal data in accordance with state and local privacy laws.
For any questions related to hiring practice or data usage, you can contact Block Inc.
About Block Inc.
Block Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of its brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is an easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, these brands are helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.
