General counsel | Moniepoint
Okechukwu Eke
General counsel | Moniepoint
Team Size: Six
What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
Moniepoint’s legal team has been involved in a number of key initiatives including the implementation of a contract management platform which has resulted in some significant benefits. We have seen accelerated contact reviews and execution, reduced business risk, improved contract visibility, as relevant stakeholders now have access to contracts in a central repository, as well as effective document management.
We have developed standardised agreements for Moniepoint’s products and services, contributing to our recognition and ranking as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies. Furthermore, we have driven the implementation of a corporate entity management solution for Moniepoint. This solution has enabled the Moniepoint Group to effectively manage the corporate governance requirements applicable to its parent and subsidiary entities worldwide. As a result, we have achieved improved corporate governance and lower overhead costs for compliance efforts and audit preparation.
As a general counsel, how do you anticipate and prepare for potential legal and regulatory challenges that may arise, particularly in light of emerging technologies and evolving business landscapes?
As general counsel, I anticipate and prepare for potential legal and regulatory challenges by keeping myself updated on the latest developments in technology and the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. I constantly monitor industry trends, attend conferences, and engage with legal and industry experts. Furthermore, I conduct regular assessments of potential legal and regulatory risks associated with Moniepoint’s use of emerging technologies. I identify areas where compliance may be challenging or where new regulations may be applicable.
Constant engagement with external counsel also provides me with valuable insights that help me navigate complex legal issues that may arise in the face of emerging technologies and changing business landscapes.
In addition, I constantly aim to foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders within Moniepoint, such as executives, technology teams, and business units, to understand their current and intended technology initiatives and business activities. This enables the legal team to provide guidance from the outset and helps us identify potential legal issues early on, facilitating proactive solutions.
Lastly, I closely monitor regulatory developments and changes that may affect Moniepoint. This includes monitoring legislative proposals, regulatory agency actions, and judicial precedents. I also stay connected with industry associations and legal networks to stay informed.
Have you used AI in your day-to-day work? If so, how useful do you find it?
Yes, I use AI in my day-to-day work, and the legal team utilises a contract management platform called Juro, which has an embedded AI feature that we have found to be extremely useful. The AI feature has played a crucial role in enhancing efficiency within the legal team’s contract management process. It has significantly reduced the time spent on reviewing and drafting contracts, enabling team members to focus on more complex and strategic assignments. Furthermore, it has enhanced the efficiency of contract reviews by assisting in the elimination of errors during the review process, and it consistently improves negotiating outcomes.