Unnur Sveinsdottir
Reykjavik
Summary
Dynamic Legal Counsel with over 15 years of experience in financial services and fintech, specializing in BaaS, cryptocurrency, payments, and lending. Proven track record of enhancing regulatory compliance for a European digital bank while providing strategic advice on digital financial services and negotiating complex B2B agreements. Expertise in VASP licensing preparation, compliance oversight, and due diligence for startup software companies underscores a commitment to delivering comprehensive legal solutions. Dedicated to aligning legal strategies with business objectives in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Advisor / Attorney
Novum Legal Services
01.2024 - Current
Teacher
The University of Iceland - Continuing Education
01.2026 - 01.2026
- I will be giving a course on Artificial Intelligence, policy and regulation.
Teacher
The University of Iceland - Continuing Education
10.2025 - 12.2025
- Teaching Contract Law
Legal Advisor
Multitude Bank p.l.c. (European digital bank)
05.2024 - 10.2024
- Advised on digital financial services (Banking-as-a-service, lending, fintech, payments), enhancing offerings and regulatory compliance.
- Negotiated and reviewed B2B and vendor contracts across jurisdictions, securing strong partnerships.
- Managed legal risks across areas including consumer law, PSD2, AML, data protection, and DORA.
- Provided legal oversight for Finnish consumer and financial markets to align strategy with local laws.
General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer
Zero Two ehf. (crypto trading platform)
05.2021 - 01.2024
- Managed corporate structuring and IP protection to strengthen the legal framework.
- Drafted employment and service agreements to ensure clear, protective terms.
- Led VASP licensing preparation to meet regulatory standards and enable market entry.
- Directed compliance and due diligence for risk mitigation and client onboarding.
Financial Analyst and Investigator
Financial Intelligence Unit
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Analyzed and investigated suspicious financial activity to identify criminal patterns and prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
- Coordinated with domestic and international FIUs to share intelligence and support law enforcement.
- Engaged with FATF, the Egmont Group, and other institutions to strengthen global financial security.
Legal specialist
Financial Supervisory Authority
09.2018 - 01.2020
- Processed VASP licensing applications, ensuring regulatory compliance and smooth market entry.
- Supervised AML/CFT risk assessments and conducted onsite and offsite inspections in financial institutions.
- Implemented EU legislation in coordination with FATF, EBA, and other authorities.
- Delivered training to financial entities on AML/CFT requirements.
Legal associate
Reykjavik Law firm
08.2014 - 05.2018
In-house legal counsel
Landsbanki Islands hf. (the winding up board for one of Iceland’s largest banks)
09.2010 - 08.2014
- Managed litigation and contract drafting to protect the bank during winding-up.
- Resolved high-value disputes and developed claw-back strategies to recover assets from offshore trusts.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to support asset recovery and dispute resolution.
Independant Legal Advisor
Forum law firm
07.2010 - 05.2014
- Conducted legal analysis on European and EEA law. Drafted court briefs and oral arguments for the EFTA Court. Worked closely with a partner to deliver strong legal advice and successful outcomes.
Education
LL.M - International law
University of Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria05.2017
Law - Admitted to the Bar
The Icelandic Bar Association
Reykjavik, Iceland04.2015
LL.M. - European Law
Stockholm University
Stockholm, Sweden06.2010
Nordplus student - A part of a 2 year master’s degree from the University of Iceland
Stockholm University
Stockholm, Sweden05.2009
Master’s degree - Law
University of Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland02.2008
Skills
- Multilingual proficiency
- Fluent in English
- Spanish ELEMENTARY
- French PROFESSIONAL
- Swedish PROFESSIONAL
- Icelandic NATIVE
- German ELEMENTARY
- - FINTECH PROFESSIONAL
- - ARTICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROFESSIONAL
- - COMPLIANCE AND SUPERVISION PROFESSIONAL
- - FINANCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL
- - BUSINESSES AND HUMAN RIGHTS PROFESSIONAL
- - PAYMENTS, B2B AGREEMENTS PROFESSIONAL
- - CONTRACT DRAFTING PROFESSIONAL
- - AML AND CTF PROFESSIONAL
- - FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE AND INVESTIGATION
Certification
08/2025 Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy and Governance Certificate The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Explored key Artificial Intelligence regulations and user protections, helping to navigate evolving policies in the US, China, UK, and EU.
Timeline
Teacher
The University of Iceland - Continuing Education
01.2026 - 01.2026
Teacher
The University of Iceland - Continuing Education
10.2025 - 12.2025
Legal Advisor
Multitude Bank p.l.c. (European digital bank)
05.2024 - 10.2024
Legal Advisor / Attorney
Novum Legal Services
01.2024 - Current
General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer
Zero Two ehf. (crypto trading platform)
05.2021 - 01.2024
Financial Analyst and Investigator
Financial Intelligence Unit
01.2020 - 05.2021
Legal specialist
Financial Supervisory Authority
09.2018 - 01.2020
Legal associate
Reykjavik Law firm
08.2014 - 05.2018
In-house legal counsel
Landsbanki Islands hf. (the winding up board for one of Iceland’s largest banks)
09.2010 - 08.2014
Independant Legal Advisor
Forum law firm
07.2010 - 05.2014
Law - Admitted to the Bar
The Icelandic Bar Association
LL.M. - European Law
Stockholm University
Nordplus student - A part of a 2 year master’s degree from the University of Iceland
Stockholm University
Master’s degree - Law
University of Iceland
LL.M - International law
University of Vienna, Austria
Publications
09/2025 Fintech in Iceland Mondaq https://www.mondaq.com/technology/1674410/fintech-comparative-guide
Strengths
- Strategic Thinking
- Risk Management
- Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Client-Focused Approach