American Express – Legal Counsel

American Express is one of the world’s leading providers of financial services. Simplifying everyday payment processes while maintaining the highest security standards is central to their mission. With innovative payment, travel, and expense management solutions, they process millions of transactions daily for both individuals and businesses.

The mission of American Express’s legal department, the General Counsel Organization (GCO), is to protect and strengthen the company through outstanding legal expertise and strategic guidance. GCO partners with the business to manage risk, identify opportunities, and support the delivery of exceptional products and services in alignment with American Express’s brand promise.

American Express is looking for a legal counsel to join the GCO Benelux team at their office in Amsterdam. In this role you will provide legal support to all lines of business of American Express in Belgium and Luxembourg, including:

• Providing practical, business-oriented legal advice and support to the business units in connection with the company’s card issuing and merchant acquiring business on different areas of law, such as financial law, contract law, consumer protection law, privacy law and anti-money laundering legislation;
• Identifying and providing legal interpretation on new legislation or guidance, which impacts the business activities and affairs of the company;
• Working in close collaboration with members of the Benelux GCO team, other European lawyers, the Compliance department, business units and external organizations;
• Advising on interactions with regulators;
• Managing external counsel and;
• Drafting and reviewing contracts.

You will work under the direction of the Director & Counsel, an experienced lawyer based in Amsterdam.

• Bachelor’s degree in Belgian law;
• Master’s degree in Belgian law;
• Distinguished practice experience (between 5 and 10 years) in-house, ideally in a regulated environment (e.g. payment services, banking, insurance);
• Fluent in written and spoken Dutch, French and English;
• Solid knowledge of applicable Belgian law related to payment services, financial services generally, consumer protection, anti-money laundering law and data protection;
• Understanding of Luxembourg law is a plus;
• Autonomous, pragmatic and proven ability to adopt a business orientated approach and get things done;
• Excellent legal and analytical skills, attention to detail even under time pressure;
• Ability to prioritize and deliver results within the established timelines;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and strong work ethic;
• Empathic team player;
• Willingness to develop a career at American Express.

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives. Choice between company car or mobility cash allowance. Subsidised fitness membership
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement
• Hybrid working model
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check.

By creating perfect matches between legal professionals and organizations, we don’t just transform careers—we enhance the strength of legal teams. This leads to greater success and satisfaction for both candidates and clients.