Legal Counsel – DFSA Regulated Fund & REIT Specialist

About the role

The Legal Counsel will provide strategic, commercial and regulatory legal support to a DFSA‑regulated fund manager and REIT platform, while also advising on new technology‑driven ventures across fintech, IP‑intensive manufacturing and cross‑border financial products.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver legal and regulatory advice for DFSA‑regulated funds, REITs, SPVs and related holding structures.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with DFSA Rulebooks (CIR, GEN, COB, AML, FUND, IFR) and DIFC Companies, Operating and Data Protection Laws.
• Prepare and manage regulatory filings, notifications, waivers and variations of permission with the DFSA and DIFC Registrar.
• Review, negotiate and draft fund documentation, management agreements, investment advisory arrangements and service provider contracts.
• Support structuring, launch and operation of private/public funds, co‑investment vehicles, feeder/master structures and Sukuk/Islamic financing.
• Advise on cross‑border fund distribution, investor documentation and jurisdictional constraints.
• Provide legal support for non‑regulated businesses such as SaaS platforms, AI products, and IP‑heavy manufacturing, including entity formation and licensing in new jurisdictions.
• Manage the group’s intellectual‑property strategy, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing and open‑source risk assessments.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with extensive experience in DFSA/DIFC financial‑services regulation.
• Proven ability to advise senior management and boards on both regulated activities and growth initiatives.
• Strong commercial mindset with experience in structuring funds, REITs and complex financial products.
• Experience supporting technology‑driven and IP‑intensive businesses across multiple jurisdictions.

Required skills