Team size: 18

Key team members: Olivia Broderick, Marcus Suliman, Fabian Reinisch

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

In-house legal teams need to be as efficient and coordinated as possible. To that end, agile tools like JIRA and Confluence and DocuSign – especially its contract management tool – have become essential in increasing the productivity and effectiveness of our in-house team.

Our legal department excels in efficiency, collaboration, and productivity through the adoption of such agile tools. These platforms foster dynamic stakeholder collaboration, streamline contract management, and automate various contract processes.

We also implemented a robust legal spend tracker, which effectively monitors and controls expenses across all projects, ensuring a well-balanced and cost-effective approach to our legal operations. Furthermore, we have developed comprehensive Confluence pages containing valuable legal content for the entire organisation, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared understanding regarding legal topics.

Additionally, we prioritise effective communication, with structured daily standups and weekly recaps – on highlights and lowlights – to keep our team aligned and informed.

Apart from legal matters, has the team worked on other company initiatives?

Considering the crypto crisis and banking industry challenges of 2022 and 2023, our legal and compliance teams have played a crucial role in transforming Bitpanda into a regulatory compliance leader within Europe.

Amidst market turbulence and regulatory crackdowns, we have navigated complex situations, earned our customers’ trust, and provided secure, reliable products and services. Bitpanda’s resilience and adaptability are demonstrated by obtaining licenses (VASP and E-Money, among others) in various countries, including Germany, Austria, Sweden, Spain, and Italy, while maintaining positive relationships with regulators. Our focus on regulation and security has solidified our position as one of the most regulated platforms globally, preparing us for future challenges and upcoming European regulations.

Our team is committed to promoting diversity and fostering a strong, inclusive work culture. Currently, our legal department comprises an even 50% split of men and women and features an international team with members from England, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, and beyond.

By prioritising diversity and cross-functional collaboration, we have successfully implemented cost-cutting measures and optimised operations, making our legal department more efficient than ever. This dedication to both legal excellence and company-wide initiatives underscores our commitment to long-term growth and success in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

Can you sum up the team culture/ethos in one sentence? 

Embodying our Bitpanda DNA principles established by our HR, our legal team lives up and implements these principles daily. We especially recognise the importance of winning as a team and embracing a speak-up and talk-straight approach, which forms the foundation for successful internal and external relationships. By setting clear goals, objectives, and providing constructive feedback, we foster open communication across all levels, irrespective of individual team members’ positions.

Moreover, our legal team is dedicated to maintaining a solution-oriented and business-focused mindset. Each member takes ownership of their tasks, understanding the significance of individual responsibility while simultaneously supporting their colleagues. Our team members know they can rely on one another in times of need, ensuring smooth transitions and collaboration when necessary. We take pride in celebrating each member’s accomplishments and sharing in the collective success of our department.