At a time when financial technology is reshaping how people move money, pay bills, and access credit, few roles sit as squarely at the crossroads of innovation and regulation as that of a fintech lawyer. For Aminat Ibraheem-Dakeje, head of Legal & Compliance and Company Secretary at 9jaPay, no two days are ever the same. From early-morning regulatory reviews to late-day strategy sessions with product and business teams, she offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how fintech companies stay compliant while pushing the boundaries of innovation in this chat with Techeconomy.
TE: What does a typical day look like for you as a fintech lawyer?
Aminat: There is really no such thing as a typical day, which is one of the realities of working in fintech. My mornings usually start with reviewing regulatory updates, internal compliance reports, and any pending regulatory correspondence.
From there, I move into meetings with product, operations, or business development teams to discuss new ideas, partnerships, or expansion plans.
A large part of my day is also spent reviewing and drafting contracts, policies, and internal frameworks. By the end of the day, I’m often addressing varying compliance issues or responding to regulators. The work is intense, but it’s also very dynamic.
TE: How early does legal and compliance input come into product development at 9jaPay?
Aminat: Legal and compliance input starts right from the ideation stage. As soon as a product idea is being discussed, my team and I are involved to assess regulatory implications, licensing requirements, data protection concerns, and consumer risks.
This early involvement ensures that compliance is built into the product, rather than added on later. It helps the business move faster in the long run because we avoid having to redesign products or pause launches due to regulatory issues.
TE: What are some of the most challenging decisions you handle in a day?
Aminat: One of the most challenging aspects of my role is balancing innovation with regulatory expectations. Fintech businesses naturally want to move quickly, test new ideas, and gain market advantage.
Regulators, on the other hand, are focused on stability, consumer protection, and systemic risk. My job is to bridge that gap, finding compliant solutions that still allow the business to grow. Sometimes this means advising against certain approaches or recommending alternative structures that meet regulatory standards without compromising innovation.
TE: Fintech regulation can be complex. How do you simplify it for non-legal colleagues?
Aminat: I try to avoid legal jargon as much as possible. Instead of focusing on what the law says in technical terms, I explain what it means in practice, how it affects the product, the customer experience, and the company’s risk exposure.
I also use real-life examples to make the implications clearer. When people understand the purpose behind a regulation, compliance stops feeling like an obstacle and becomes part of good business practice.
TE: How much of your time is spent engaging with regulators and external stakeholders?
Aminat: A significant portion of my role involves external engagement. I regularly interact with regulators, not just during licensing or audits, but also for ongoing compliance discussions. I also work closely with external lawyers, auditors, and consultants. Maintaining transparent and professional relationships with regulators is very important, as it builds trust and helps resolve issues more efficiently when they arise.
TE: What role does AML/ CFT compliance play in your daily responsibilities?
Aminat: AML/CFT compliance is central to fintech operations, particularly for companies handling payments or customer funds.
Daily, this involves overseeing risk assessments, reviewing transaction monitoring processes, and ensuring proper KYC procedures.
AML/CFT compliance is not static, it evolves with regulatory changes and business growth. My responsibility is to ensure that our frameworks remain effective and proportionate as the company scales.
TE: What skills do you think are most important for lawyers who want to work in fintech?
Aminat: Fintech lawyers need more than strong legal knowledge. Commercial awareness is crucial, you must understand how the business operates and makes money. Communication skills are also very important, because you’re constantly translating legal requirements for non-legal teams.
Adaptability and curiosity matter as well, since technology and regulation are constantly evolving. A willingness to keep learning is non-negotiable in this space.
TE: What keeps you motivated in such a demanding role?
Aminat: What motivates me most is the impact of the work. Knowing that my role helps build trustworthy financial products that people rely on every day is very fulfilling. I also enjoy mentoring younger lawyers and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem. Despite the pressure, every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, which keeps the work engaging and meaningful.
From regulatory reviews to strategic decision-making, Aminat Ibraheem-Dakeje’s daily routine highlights the critical role fintech lawyers play in shaping innovation responsibly. Her journey offers a compelling glimpse into how law and technology come together to power the future of financial services.
