Senior Lead Counsel Director Digital Banking Legal

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Job Overview

The Senior Lead Counsel 2 serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert, providing legal counsel and thought leadership on Citi’s digital banking capabilities, with a focus on consumer payments. This role advises senior management on solutions including Zelle and Paze, the Digital Payment Hub, and digital acquisition strategies.

Operating at the intersection of innovation and risk management, this individual ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and network rules while enabling business growth. The role requires deep expertise in digital banking and payments, strong judgment, and the ability to translate complex legal frameworks into practical guidance. This position also plays a key role in supporting regulatory exams and supervisory engagements related to Citi’s digital capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Provide Citi businesses and functions with legal counsel related to digital consumer capabilities, including consumer payments (Zelle, Paze), digital acquisition, and the Digital Payment Hub
• Support strategic initiatives and product/service launches, advising on all aspects of the customer experience and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and network rules
• Advise senior management on legal matters, applying deep institutional knowledge and identifying when escalation is required
• Deliver advisory services on business decisions in alignment with industry standards, regulatory expectations, and best practices in digital payments and consumer financial services
• Serve as a key legal advisor on the Digital Payment Hub, which enables customers to establish and manage multiple types of payments
• Provide legal guidance on digital consumer acquisition strategies and related regulatory and compliance considerations
• Play a pivotal role in regulatory exams and supervisory engagements involving Citi’s digital capabilities, including preparation, response coordination, and issue remediation
• Collaborate across lines of business and control functions (e.g., Risk, Compliance, ICRM) to drive coordinated and efficient outcomes
• Partner closely with legal peers and stakeholders across geographies to ensure alignment and consistency of approach
• Lead workstreams analyzing the impact of emerging and existing laws and regulations affecting digital payments and consumer products
• Participate actively in risk review and control forums, maintaining strong awareness of issues that could create financial, reputational, or legal exposure
• Proactively identify, evaluate, and support management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risks
• Oversee day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in digital payments and consumer capabilities
• Advise in complex negotiations with vendors, partners, payment networks, and other external parties
• Ensure sound risk assessment in all business decisions, safeguarding Citi, its clients, and assets through strong compliance and ethical standards
• Promote transparency, accountability, and strong governance, including escalation and management of control issues and supervision of junior colleagues

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant legal experience, including financial services and/or in-house roles
• Expertise in digital banking, consumer payments, or fintech (including Zelle, Paze, or similar networks)
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and payment network rules
• Experience supporting digital products and regulatory exams preferred
• Proven ability to manage complex matters and deliver practical, business-focused solutions
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills
• Active bar license in good standing

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree

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Job Family Group:

Legal

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Job Family:

Legal - Product

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

Irving Texas United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$170,000.00 - $300,000.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

May 28, 2026

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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